Taco Bell's 1962 original seasoning blend contained cumin from Turkey—most home packets use Syrian cumin that tastes completely different.
Chicken Taco Casserole
Dive into a fiesta of flavor with this irresistible Chicken Taco Casserole! Bursting with succulent shredded chicken, zesty spices, and gooey cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort dish for busy weeknights or lively gatherings. Easy to whip up and sure to impress, it's a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Prep
15
min
Cook
40
min
Serves
6
people
Level
beginner
The Story
This Tex-Mex casserole was invented in 1950s Houston when Mexican immigrants discovered American housewives' obsession with one-dish wonders—they took traditional taco fillings, ditched the handheld format, and created a layered masterpiece that lets suburban mums pretend they're cooking authentic Mexican while using ingredients from the freezer aisle.
Regional Twist
In Guadalajara's Tlaquepaque district, they replace the frozen corn with fresh elote kernels and swap sour cream for Mexican crema, creating a smokier finish.
📝 Ingredients
Shopping List
- 15 oz (425 g) black beans
- 2 cups (473 ml) cheese
- 1 cup (237 ml) sour cream
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 12 pieces tortillas
Pantry Items
Amounts also listed in instructions below
- 3 cups (710 ml) chicken
- 1 cup (237 ml) corn
- 10 oz (283 g) diced tomatoes
- olive oil (to taste)
- onion (to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- 2
Sauté diced onion in olive oil over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until soft. Remove from heat.
- 3
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, taco seasoning, sautéed onion, tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, sour cream, and 1 cup of cheese. Mix until well combined.
- 4
Layer tortillas across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- 5
Add half of the chicken mixture, spreading evenly. Repeat with another layer of tortillas and the remaining chicken mixture.
- 6
Top with remaining 1 cup of cheese and cover with foil.
- 7
Bake for 25–30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- 8
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite taco toppings.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Drain your black beans and corn thoroughly, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture that would make the casserole watery and prevent proper cheese melting.technique
- ✓Let the sour cream come to room temperature before mixing to prevent it from seizing and creating lumpy texture when combined with warm ingredients.ingredient
- ✓Brush tortillas lightly with olive oil before layering to create a moisture barrier that prevents them from becoming soggy while maintaining structural integrity.technique
- ✓Reserve 25% of your cheese for the final uncovered baking phase because proteins in cheese begin to break down at 356°F, creating optimal browning without burning.timing25% cheese reserve, 356°F protein breakdown
- ✓Rest the casserole for exactly 8-10 minutes after baking so starches in tortillas can reabsorb moisture and firm up, preventing a messy serving consistency.timing8-10 minutes
Share this recipe
Prep
15
min
Cook
40
min
Serves
6
people
Level
beginner
Share this recipe
Taco Bell's 1962 original seasoning blend contained cumin from Turkey—most home packets use Syrian cumin that tastes completely different.
Chicken Taco Casserole
Dive into a fiesta of flavor with this irresistible Chicken Taco Casserole! Bursting with succulent shredded chicken, zesty spices, and gooey cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort dish for busy weeknights or lively gatherings. Easy to whip up and sure to impress, it's a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
The Story
This Tex-Mex casserole was invented in 1950s Houston when Mexican immigrants discovered American housewives' obsession with one-dish wonders—they took traditional taco fillings, ditched the handheld format, and created a layered masterpiece that lets suburban mums pretend they're cooking authentic Mexican while using ingredients from the freezer aisle.
Regional Twist
In Guadalajara's Tlaquepaque district, they replace the frozen corn with fresh elote kernels and swap sour cream for Mexican crema, creating a smokier finish.
📝 Ingredients
Shopping List
- 15 oz (425 g) black beans
- 2 cups (473 ml) cheese
- 1 cup (237 ml) sour cream
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 12 pieces tortillas
Pantry Items
Amounts also listed in instructions below
- 3 cups (710 ml) chicken
- 1 cup (237 ml) corn
- 10 oz (283 g) diced tomatoes
- olive oil (to taste)
- onion (to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- 2
Sauté diced onion in olive oil over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until soft. Remove from heat.
- 3
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, taco seasoning, sautéed onion, tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, sour cream, and 1 cup of cheese. Mix until well combined.
- 4
Layer tortillas across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- 5
Add half of the chicken mixture, spreading evenly. Repeat with another layer of tortillas and the remaining chicken mixture.
- 6
Top with remaining 1 cup of cheese and cover with foil.
- 7
Bake for 25–30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- 8
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite taco toppings.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Drain your black beans and corn thoroughly, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture that would make the casserole watery and prevent proper cheese melting.technique
- ✓Let the sour cream come to room temperature before mixing to prevent it from seizing and creating lumpy texture when combined with warm ingredients.ingredient
- ✓Brush tortillas lightly with olive oil before layering to create a moisture barrier that prevents them from becoming soggy while maintaining structural integrity.technique
- ✓Reserve 25% of your cheese for the final uncovered baking phase because proteins in cheese begin to break down at 356°F, creating optimal browning without burning.timing25% cheese reserve, 356°F protein breakdown
- ✓Rest the casserole for exactly 8-10 minutes after baking so starches in tortillas can reabsorb moisture and firm up, preventing a messy serving consistency.timing8-10 minutes