• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Pinch of Wellness
  • Breakfast
  • Main Entrees
  • Side Dishes
  • Snacks
  • Desserts
  • Wellness
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Breakfast
  • Main Entrees
  • Snacks
  • Side Dishes
  • Desserts
  • Wellness
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Main Entrees

    Chicken Taco Bake

    Published: Oct 22, 2022 by Ashlee Welter · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 1 Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This chicken taco bake is an easy and delicious dinner recipe! Layers of corn tortillas are topped with seasoned chicken, corn, black beans, and more!

    chicken taco bake in a casserole dish

    This chicken taco bake goes back many years in my family; the recipe started as a compilation of leftovers thrown together and eventually turned into a casserole on the monthly rotation.

    The chicken taco casserole is easy to make and requires very little cooking skills. Make the casserole ahead of time for an easy work night dinner, or freeze it and cook later if you need a casserole for a family friend, meal train, or more.

    After you make this casserole, be sure to check out this jalapeno popper casserole and rotel chicken casserole!

    Jump to:
    • Reasons this is the Best Recipe
    • Ingredients You’ll Need
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • Expert Tips
    • Recommended Toppings
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Related Recipes
    • Chicken Taco Bake

    Reasons this is the Best Recipe

    • The chicken taco bake is versatile and many substitutions can be made. Swap out the chicken for a different type of meat or replace the corn tortillas with chips. More options are listed below.
    • This is an easy recipe! There are very few ingredients and steps to make this!
    • The recipe works perfectly for leftover chicken. All you have to do is season the chicken with taco seasoning, and you can easily repurpose it into a new meal!

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    ingredients needed for the chicken taco casserole

    Chicken – this is a chicken taco bake, so I use shredded chicken. I make the chicken in a crock pot and shred it after cooking. You can also use diced chicken or buy a rotisserie chicken and remove all the skin and bones!

    Corn Tortillas- the corn tortillas are perfect because they absorb the moisture from the salsa and chilies without getting soggy. You can also sub in crushed tortilla chips or regular tortillas.

    Black Beans and Corn – these ingredients add texture and fiber.

    Salsa and Green Chilis- these ingredients add a kick of spice. The flavor of salsa (mild, medium, or spicy) will affect the spice level of this casserole!

    Mexican Cheese- I find this works best with Mexican cheese. You could also use sharp cheddar shredded cheese.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    A complete list of instructions is at the bottom of the page in the recipe card.

    process shots for how to layer the casserole

    First, cook the chicken. I use a crockpot and then shred it into small pieces. Place it in a medium saucepan and add a packet of taco seasoning and the amount of water listed on the taco seasoning packet. Mix well, bring to a boil, then simmer until the liquid is gone.

    Preheat the oven and grease your casserole dish. Begin the layering process. Place 3 corn tortillas so they evenly cover the bottom of the pan (You may have to rip them in half).

    Next, add ⅓ of the chicken, ⅓ of the beans, and ⅓ of the corn. Repeat the tortilla, chicken, beans, and corn layers two more times.

    Top with green chilis and salsa.

    Bake uncovered in the oven for 25 minutes. Add cheese for the last 5 minutes and continue to bake until cheese is melted. Enjoy!

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Swap out the chicken with any type of meat: ground turkey, ground beef, sausage, or diced chicken.
    • Replace the black beans with kidney beans or white beans.
    • For extra spice, add extra green chilis and use hot salsa.
    • Replace the corn tortillas with tortilla chips for an added crunch.

    Expert Tips

    • Add the cheese only in the last 5 minutes of cooking, preventing it from burning while the rest of the casserole cooks.
    • Cook the casserole uncovered. Do not cover it with foil, as this will create steam, which may make the casserole soggy.
    • This recipe can be meal-prepped. Make the casserole and cover it tightly with foil. Hold in the refrigerator for up to 2 days prior to cooking.
    chicken-taco-bake

    Recommended Toppings

    My favorite part of the dish is the toppings! You can add almost any Mexican-related topping you can think of!

    Top with any sauce you can think of. Some favorites are sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt as a healthy option), extra salsa, hot sauce, refried beans, or guacamole.

    Add veggie toppings such as chopped tomatoes, diced avocado, and black olives.

    Throw on some extra cheese for a super cheesy dish!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I make this a Freezer Meal?

    To make this a freezer casserole, prepare the casserole and place it in a freezer safe pan covered tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge and remove the foil/plastic prior to cooking

    Can I use raw chicken?

    The chicken must be cooked before adding it to the dish. The raw chicken will ad extra juices and will make it soggy when cooked.

    Is this gluten-free?

    Yes, this is gluten free if you use a taco seasoning that is gluten-free. Also, most corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the label!

    Related Recipes

    • Healthy White Chicken Chili (Crockpot or Stovetop)
    • Chicken Burrito Skillet
    • Healthy Chicken Burritos
    • Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole
    chicken taco bake

    Chicken Taco Bake

    Ashlee Welter - Pinch of Wellness
    This chicken taco bake has tortilla chips layered with seasoned chicken, black beans, corn and more. An easy dinner casserole!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course dinner, lunch, Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican, tex mex
    Servings 8
    Calories 364 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 9 corn tortillas
    • 1 pound cooked & shredded chicken breast
    • 1 can black beans drained
    • 1 can corn drained
    • 1 (4 oz) can green chilies
    • 1 packet taco seasoning
    • 1 cup salsa
    • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 6 quart casserole dish.
    • Place the shredded, cooked chicken in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the taco seasoning and amount of water indicated on the back of the taco seasoning packet. Cook until the seasoning is absorbed in the meat. Set aside.
    • Place 3 corn tortillas in the casserole dish so that the bottom is completely covered (You may have to cut one tortilla in half for it to cover the bottom evenly).
    • Add ⅓ of the seasoned chicken evenly over the tortillas.
    • Add ⅓ of the beans and ⅓ of the corn.
    • Repeat the process 2 more times, starting with the tortillas, and next adding the chicken, beans, and corn.
    • Add the green chilis evenly over the top.
    • Add the salsa and spread so the top is covered.
    • Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until hot. Serve warm!

    Notes

    This can be made in a 13x9 inch pan also. You will only do  2 layers instead of 3 layers, and will need to add more corn tortillas to each layer.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 364kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 1559mg | Potassium: 556mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 11g
    Keyword easy dinner, Gluten free
    Tried this recipe?Mention @pinchofwellness or tag #pinchofwellness!
    Tweet
    Pin
    Share

    More Main Entree Recipes

    • Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowls
    • Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa
    • Honey Chipotle Wings
    • Hawaiian Salad

    Subscribe

    to Pinch of Wellness today!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jennifer Riso

      January 22, 2023 at 2:42 pm

      5 stars
      I replaced corn tortillas w tortilla chips and topped with extra guac and sour cream. LOVED IT!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    ashlee welter pinch of wellness

    Hi, I'm Ashlee! I'm a Registered Dietitian with over 10 years of experience in nutrition, cooking, and health! I am an expert in developing gluten free and healthy recipes!

    More about me!

    as featured in

    Top Healthy Recipes

    • Teriyaki Salmon Bowl
    • Healthy Philly Cheesesteak Skillet (Low Carb)
    • Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
    • Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
    • Healthy Gluten Free Sweet and Sour Chicken
    • Healthy Spaghetti Sauce
    • Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip
    • BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    Spring Time Favorites

    • Penne al Salmone
    • Healthy Pineapple Salsa
    • Oven Baked Chicken Quarters
    • Spinach Caprese Salad
    • Blueberry Mango Smoothie Bowl
    • Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa
    • Teriyaki Salmon Bowl
    • Frozen Salmon In The Air Fryer

    Popular

    • Easy Hot Honey Chicken
    • Oreo Protein Shake
    • Honey Walnut Cream Cheese
    • Dill Aioli

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Footer

    as featured in footer 360x200
    • About Me

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclosure
    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Pinch of Wellness LLC

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
     

    Loading Comments...