Loaded Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Loaded Chicken Taco Casserole is a delicious and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with flavorful shredded chicken, refried beans, and melty cheese, it’s topped with fresh garnishes for a satisfying dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 4 cups shredded chicken
• 2 cups salsa
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 16 oz refried beans (1 can)
• 6 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
• 2 cups lettuce, shredded
• 1/2 cup pico de gallo
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, salsa, and taco seasoning. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning and salsa.
2. Step 2: Spread the refried beans evenly over the bottom of a 2-quart casserole dish. Layer the chicken mixture on top of the beans, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken.
3. Step 3: Bake the casserole at 350˚F (175˚C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is hot and the cheese has melted completely.
4. Step 4: Remove the casserole from the oven and top with crushed tortilla chips, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and dollops of sour cream. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture or as a topping.
• Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to give the casserole a nice kick.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time on shredding and cooking.
• Serve with avocado slices or guacamole for added creaminess.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350˚F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Keep the fresh toppings separate until ready to serve to maintain their crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day before baking. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

What can I substitute for refried beans?

If you don’t have refried beans, you can use black beans or pinto beans, mashed slightly to create a similar texture.

Loaded Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 51 reviews

• Author: Noah
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Loaded Chicken Taco Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish combining shredded chicken, salsa, refried beans, and cheddar cheese, baked to perfection and topped with fresh tortilla chips, lettuce, pico de gallo, and sour cream. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that brings all the classic taco flavors into a simple casserole format.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Mixture

• 4 cups shredded chicken
• 2 cups salsa
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning

Base Layer

• 16 oz refried beans (1 can)

Toppings

• 6 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
• 2 cups lettuce, shredded
• 1/2 cup pico de gallo
• 1/4 cup sour cream

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Instructions

1. Combine Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, salsa, and taco seasoning thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning and salsa for full flavor infusion.
2. Layer Ingredients in Casserole Dish: Spread the refried beans evenly across the bottom of a 2-quart casserole dish to create a solid base layer. Then, evenly layer the chicken mixture on top of the beans. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese as the top layer before baking.
3. Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is piping hot throughout, ensuring a fully cooked and melded dish.
4. Add Fresh Toppings and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and immediately top it with the crushed tortilla chips, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• You can use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
• For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture or pico de gallo.
• If preferred, substitute cheddar cheese with a Mexican cheese blend for more depth of flavor.
• This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bake when ready to serve.
• Use low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter topping option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Keywords: Chicken casserole, taco casserole, Mexican casserole, baked chicken taco dish, easy chicken dinner, taco seasoning recipe, refried beans casserole