Easy Chicken Taco Casserole

One thing is for certain…taco recipes always go over well at my house.  If I serve my family {especially my husband} tacos it is always a hit and so coming up with new variations has been a goal.  This easy Chicken Taco Casserole combines everything you love about tacos but in a casserole form with two layers of corn chips.  It is crunchy, full of chicken and perfect for dinner any night of the week.  You can even serve it with your favorite toppings so that everyone can pile them.  This chicken casserole is a must make!

Do you love taco flavors?  Try this Easy Doritos Ground Beef Casserole Recipe!

Why you will love this Chicken Taco Casserole!

Whether it is Taco Tuesday or a random Saturday, there are so many reasons why you are going to want to make this taco casserole!  

• It is the perfect way to use up leftover or rotisserie chicken.  So is this Cheesy Chicken and Hashbrown Casserole.
• The combination of crispy chips and creamy filling is amazing.
• This casserole bakes up quickly and can even be made ahead of time.
• It is a recipe that the entire family will enjoy!
• Adding taco toppings at serving time allows everyone to customize the recipe.

Ingredients Needed

• Shredded Cooked Chicken-Use whatever you have leftover or go ahead and get some chicken cooked up.
• Cream Cheese-The perfect creamy element for a delicious filling.
• Taco Seasoning-All of our favorite spices in one packet.
• Cream of Chicken Soup-Another element of creaminess and it is a great way to add more flavor.
• Black Beans-They help add body to the filling and are always a wonderful bite.
• Rotel-Diced tomatoes and green chilies in one can and you can decide how mild or hot you want them.
• Corn Chips-The perfect crunchy base and topping for this casserole.
• Shredded Cheese-Who would ever eat a taco without cheese?  I even suggest adding more to your topping options.

How to make Easy Chicken Taco Casserole

1. Combine the cooked chicken, cream cheese, taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, black beans and Rotel {diced tomatoes & green chilies} in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Stir until all of the ingredients are mixed well and everything is evenly combined.
3. Add half of the crushed corn chips to the bottom of the prepared 9×13 pan.
4. Top with the chicken mixture, spreading it out into an even layer.
5. Top the chicken mixture with 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese {reserving ½ cup for later}.
6. Top with the remaining crushed corn chips and bake for 30 minutes.  Then remove from the oven and top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Serve warm with your favorite taco toppings.

Recipe Tips

• Make sure that the cream cheese is at room temperature so that it can easily be incorporated into the filling.
• It is important that the chicken is cooked.  This is a great time to use up leftovers!
• Let the mixer shred your chicken.  Place the cooked chicken breasts in the mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and the chicken will be shredded in seconds.
• Don’t skip the bottom layer of crushed chips.  It adds great texture!
• Add additional shredded cheese to the filling if you love cheese.

Topping Ideas

Go crazy with the toppings and put out anything that you would love to eat on a traditional taco.  The possibilities are endless but here are a few great ideas.

• Shredded Lettuce
• Salsa
• Avocado
• Olives
• Sour cream
• Jalapenos

Recipe Variations for Chicken Taco Casserole

There are many different ways that you can change up this Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe and make it your own.  Or even change out ingredients to suit whatever it is that you and your family love.  Here are some examples.

• Chicken-Instead of using cooked chicken, use hamburger or leftover pork.
• Chips-Change up the chips and use blue corn or even a cheese variety.
• Beans-Trade out the black beans for pinto beans or kidney beans.
• Tomatoes and Green Chilies-There are many different spice levels, so choose from mild to hot or even use salsa.
• Soup-Cream of Mushroom or Cheddar Cheese soup would both work wonderfully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What can I serve with Chicken Taco Casserole?

There are so many things you can serve with Chicken Taco Casserole.  Fiesta Wedge Salad would be a wonderful side dish.  An Easy Margarita would be the perfect drink and then finish with Churro Bars for dessert.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers should be stored well covered {or in an airtight container} in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.  This Taco Casserole can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

What kind of chicken works best?

The best kind of chicken to use would be leftover chicken.  It is the perfect use for it.  Rotisserie chicken is also a great option.  Canned chicken could also be used as a last resort.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

This casserole can be made ahead of time but don’t make it more than a day or two ahead unless you plan to freeze it.

How do I reheat Chicken Taco Casserole?

The best way to reheat Chicken Taco Casserole is covering the pan in foil and baking in the oven at 350 degrees until warm.   Individual servings can also be microwaved for about a minute or until heated through.

Can I make it with raw chicken?

The chicken will need to be cooked in order for the casserole to bake up quickly.  Using raw chicken in the casserole would take a lot longer to bake in order to get the chicken cooked through. 

Will the corn chips get soggy?

No.  The corn chips get even crispier after baked.  If you decide to reheat this casserole in the microwave they could get a bit soggy.  Otherwise, the chips are delicious and crisp!

Do you love casseroles?  Try these easy and delicious recipes…

• Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole Recipe
• Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
• Chicken and Biscuits Casserole
• Easy Doritos Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
• Cajun Chicken Pasta Casserole Recipe
• Classic Patty Melt Casserole Recipe
• Meatball Sub Casserole Recipe