Baked Chicken Taco Casserole (No Canned Soup)
Recipe by:This Chicken Taco Casserole is mixed on the stovetop, layered with tortillas and cheese, then baked until bubbly, with big Tex-Mex flavor from simple ingredients instead of canned shortcuts.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- ½ cup (80 grams) diced yellow onion
- ½ cup (75 grams) diced red or green bell pepper
- 1½ pounds (680 grams) cooked, shredded chicken
- 1¾ cups (455 grams) thick salsa drain slightly if watery
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) cream cheese 3 ounces, cubed and softened
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- 5 soft taco-sized flour tortillas cut or tear into roughly 2-3 inch pieces
- 3 cups (336 grams) shredded cheese cheddar or Mexican blend, divided
Toppings
- 2 cups (230 grams) crushed tortilla chips
- 1 ½ cups (108 grams) shredded lettuce
- 1 medium (123 grams) tomato diced
- ½ cup (115 grams) sour cream
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté for 4–5 minutes, until softened.2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ cup diced yellow onion, ½ cup diced red or green bell pepper
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the shredded chicken, salsa, cream cheese, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and the cream cheese is melted and incorporated into the mixture. Remove from heat.1½ pounds cooked, shredded chicken, 1¾ cups thick salsa, 6 tablespoons cream cheese, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- Spread half of the chicken mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1½ cups of shredded cheese.3 cups shredded cheese
- Layer the flour tortilla pieces evenly over the cheese.5 soft taco-sized flour tortillas
- Spread the remaining chicken mixture over the tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining 1½ cups of cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Let cool slightly, then top with crushed tortilla chips, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and any other desired toppings (like sliced jalapenos or olives), or serve them on the side.2 cups crushed tortilla chips, 1 ½ cups shredded lettuce, 1 medium tomato, ½ cup sour cream, 2-3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Notes
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole through step 6 up to 1 day in advance. Cover tightly (without toppings) and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, then bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted in the center reads 165°F (74°C) and the casserole is hot and bubbling.
Freezer-Friendly: You can also freeze the unbaked casserole (skip the toppings). Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the bake time.
Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the full dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
Variations:
- Use crushed Doritos instead of tortilla chips for added flavor.
- Add 1 can of black or pinto beans (drained) or 1 cup of corn kernels for a heartier dish.
- You can also substitute 1 packet (about 1 ounce) of taco seasoning for the individual spices. If using a low-sodium blend, taste the filling before baking and add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt if needed.
Equipment
Nutrition
Calories: 582kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 1290mg | Potassium: 614mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1327IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 343mg | Iron: 3mg
The nutritional facts provided are only estimates. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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