Chicken Taco Casserole

This chicken taco casserole is absolutely chock-full of yumminess, and it's the perfect weeknight dinner the whole family is guaranteed to enjoy. It combines shredded chicken with taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, black beans, and a creamy filling to bring all the flavors of Mexico right to your dinner table. 

The Best Chicken Taco Casserole

If you love Mexican food and casseroles, this baked chicken taco casserole really is the dish for you.

Whenever I make it, my whole family goes crazy for it, and they are always begging me to make it again that same week!

After all, what could be better than chicken, cheese, and the incredible flavors of tacos all put together in a hearty casserole?

Plus, the best thing about this recipe is that it's so, so easy to make! While the casserole is cooking, you can sit back and relax and even enjoy one of these spicy margaritas, or you can whip up some air fryer tortilla chips and Chipotle guac to snack on as an appetizer before!

Why This Recipe Works

Easy to make. All you have to do is mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl, put them in a casserole dish, and bake it in the oven.

A winning combination. The creamy chicken filling, blend of flavors, melty cheese, and crunchy tortilla chips are a combination like no other.

Easy to customize. You can build your own casserole with your favorite taco fixings and switch up the ingreidents based on what you like and what you have on hand.

Crowd-pleaser. Anyone who loves tacos won't be able to get enough of this casserole, so it's guaranteed to be a hit at your next family dinner.

Ingredients

Now, what I love most about this easy chicken taco casserole recipe is that it uses only simple, fresh ingredients. 

Check out everything you'll need to make baked chicken taco casserole:

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken or chicken breasts)
• 2 cups cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• About 1 ½ cups canned diced tomatoes with green chiles
• About 1 ½ cups canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tbsp. taco seasoning mix
• 2 cups tortilla chips crushed
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, sliced
• Fresh cilantro to serve

Pretty simple stuff, right?

By the way, if you have some leftover chicken, you can use it to make this Southwest chicken soup, this crack chicken pasta, or even this chicken cordon bleu casserole. And if you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you can use it in this rotisserie chicken casserole!

How To Make Chicken Taco Casserole

1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180ºC) and prepare a 9x13 baking dish by coating it with non-stick cooking spray. Set it aside.

2. Make the filling: In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, canned diced tomatoes and green chiles, black beans, taco seasoning, and half of the cheddar cheese until it's all fully incorporated.

3. Complete the casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the casserole with additional cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips, fresh tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro.

4. Bake and serve: Bake the casserole uncovered for about 30 minutes or until the chips are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Serve warm with additional fresh cilantro on top or any of your favorite taco toppings. Enjoy!

Tips To Make The Best Recipe

• Use different cheese like Monterey Jack, Mexican cheese, or pepper jack cheese for more spice. 
• Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, or cayenne pepper for even more flavor.
• Swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup.
• Save time by using a store bought rotisserie chicken.
• Top the casserole with sour cream, shredded lettuce, or green onion.

How To Store Chicken Taco Casserole

In the fridge: Put a lid on the casserole dish or transfer everything to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

In the freezer: Transfer the leftover casserole to a freezer-safe airtight container and freeze for up to 6 months.

Reheating: Put the casserole in a baking dish and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until it's warmed through. Let the frozen casserole thaw in the fridge first.

FAQS About This Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe

What is the best chicken to use for this chicken taco casserole?

Any cooked chicken works for this recipe, but shredded rotisserie chicken or shredded chicken breasts are best.

Can you make this chicken taco casserole with raw chicken?

No, it is best to use cooked chicken since raw chicken will not be able to cook completely in the creamy filling. 

How do I know when the casserole is finished baking?

The chips on top will be golden brown, and the cheese will be completely melted and slightly crispy on the edges of the casserole dish.

More Casserole Recipes

If you enjoyed this chicken taco casserole, we have a ton of other Mexican casserole recipes that you can make next!

Here are some reader favorites:

• Tamale casserole
• Burrito casserole
• Taco casserole with tortillas
• Beef enchilada casserole
• Mexican street corn casserole
• Taco casserole with Doritos
• Mexican breakfast casserole