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Make Ahead Chicken Taco Casserole

Make ahead chicken taco casserole - the image shows a plate of enchiladas on a white marble countertop. the lasagna is made with layers of chicken, black beans, corn kernels, and cheese. the top layer is covered in melted cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro. the plate is brown and there are a few sprigs of cilantro scattered around the plate. the background is blurred, but it appears to be a kitchen countertop with more cilantro leaves.

A flavorful and easy make-ahead chicken taco casserole layered with seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, cheese, and a zesty tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this dish can be assembled in advance and baked when ready to serve.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
1 cup salsa (mild or medium)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 small corn tortillas, cut into strips
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
1 medium lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in shredded chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and well combined.
In a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking dish, spread a thin layer of the chicken mixture on the bottom.
Layer half of the tortilla strips evenly over the chicken mixture.
Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheddar cheese and half a cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the tortillas.
Repeat layering with the remaining chicken mixture, tortilla strips, and cheeses.
Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate if making ahead. When ready to bake, remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream and lime wedges on the side.