Perfect Ground Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe for Family Dinner

Every home cook knows a seriously delicious ground chicken taco casserole can rescue dinnertime from bland monotony.

Weeknight meals demand something quick and satisfying that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Layers of zesty seasoned meat, crisp tortillas, and melted cheese create a hearty dish everyone craves.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly in one baking pan, minimizing cleanup stress.

Southwest-inspired spices dance through each bite, promising more excitement than standard casserole fare.

Cheese lovers and taco enthusiasts will appreciate how perfectly these flavors blend into a comforting meal.

She will want seconds of this crowd-pleasing dinner that takes less than an hour to prepare.

Components in Ground Chicken Taco Casserole

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein that adds hearty flavor to the casserole, choose fresh or lean ground chicken for best results.
• Black Beans: Adds extra protein and texture, look for low-sodium canned beans.

• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor, white or yellow onions work well.
• Garlic: Enhances overall taste with aromatic depth, fresh garlic is recommended.
• Corn: Adds sweetness and texture to the dish, frozen or canned corn is convenient.
• Diced Tomatoes: Brings moisture and tangy flavor, choose no-salt-added canned tomatoes.

• Taco Seasoning: Provides classic Mexican-inspired flavor, can use store-bought or homemade blend.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds rich, creamy taste, sharp or mild varieties work.

• Sour Cream: Adds creamy coolness, optional garnish.
• Cilantro: Provides fresh herb flavor, optional garnish.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and chicken, extra virgin recommended.

Ground Chicken Taco Casserole Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 375°F and give a quick spray of cooking oil to a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Drop olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and let them dance until they turn soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Garlic Punch

Sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet and let it sizzle for a quick 30 seconds, releasing its amazing aroma.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken

Tumble ground chicken into the pan, breaking it into small crumbles.

Cook until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through, roughly 6-8 minutes.

Step 5: Build Flavor Layers

Mix in your favorite taco seasoning, juicy diced tomatoes, hearty black beans, and sweet corn.

Let everything simmer and get friendly for 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Create the Casserole Base

Pour the spicy chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a delicious foundation.

Step 7: Cheese Blanket

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a tempting golden blanket.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, irresistible topping.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Pull the casserole out and let it rest for a few minutes.

Top with a dollop of cool sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Taco Casserole Tips For Chicken Simplicity

• Replace ground chicken with ground turkey or lean beef for variety without changing the recipe's core flavor profile.
• Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase nutritional value and create more texture in the casserole.
• Adjust taco seasoning intensity by using homemade blend or reducing store-bought mix for those with sensitive palates.
• Use low-fat cheese or dairy-free options like nutritional yeast for lactose-intolerant or health-conscious individuals.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making weeknight dinners easier and faster.

Taco Casserole That Keeps Well in the Fridge

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. The casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Ground chicken casserole maintains quality for up to 2 months when frozen properly.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to retain moisture and prevent cheese from burning.

What To Serve With Taco Casserole

• Pair Up Crisp Margaritas: Zesty lime margaritas complement the spicy and savory ground chicken taco casserole, cutting through the richness with their bright, tangy profile.
• Enhance with Mexican Lager: Light Mexican beers like Corona or Modelo Especial offer a refreshing counterpoint to the casserole's bold flavors, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Top with Fresh Salsa: Homemade pico de gallo or fresh salsa adds a vibrant, cool contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole, bringing extra freshness and acidity to the dish.
• Create Creamy Guacamole Side: Smooth, creamy guacamole provides a rich, buttery texture that balances the spicy and meaty casserole, adding depth and cooling elements to each bite.

Taco Casserole Mixes

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground chicken with crumbled extra-firm tofu or plant-based ground meat alternative for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute black beans and corn with cauliflower rice and bell peppers to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese shreds or nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese for those with lactose intolerance.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños or increase taco seasoning amount for those who enjoy more heat in their meal.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute and works perfectly in this recipe. The cooking method remains the same, and the flavor profile will be very similar.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe uses standard taco seasoning, which has a mild to moderate heat level. If you prefer more spice, you can add extra chili powder or choose a spicier taco seasoning blend. For less heat, opt for a mild seasoning mix.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture and assemble the casserole in the baking dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• What are some quick protein additions I can include?

You can easily boost protein by adding drained and rinsed black beans, adding a can of drained green chiles, or topping the casserole with additional shredded cheese or crushed tortilla chips before baking.

Chicken Taco Casserole That Delivers Layers Of Flavor

• Quick Family Feast: Effortlessly whip up a delicious meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Prepare this taco casserole in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a tasty dinner solution.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily swap ingredients or add toppings to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Create a satisfying meal using affordable ground chicken and pantry staples that stretch your grocery budget without compromising flavor.

Ground Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy ground chicken taco casserole delivers a fiesta of flavors that dance across your palate. Layers of zesty ingredients create a comforting Mexican-inspired meal perfect for satisfying weekend dinner cravings you’ll adore.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Base:

• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn

Toppings and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×9-inch baking vessel with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté chopped onions in olive oil over medium heat until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet and allow it to release its aromatic oils for about 30 seconds.
4. Crumble ground chicken into the pan, using a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces while cooking until it transforms from pink to a golden brown color, ensuring complete doneness.
5. Infuse the meat with taco seasoning, then incorporate diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn, stirring to distribute flavors evenly and create a cohesive mixture.
6. Carefully transfer the seasoned chicken and vegetable blend into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
7. Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling blanket, approximately 15-20 minutes.
9. Extract the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest briefly, helping the ingredients settle and cool slightly.
10. Garnish with a generous dollop of sour cream and sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant, zesty finish before serving.

Notes

• Swap ground chicken with turkey or plant-based crumbles for diverse protein options and dietary needs.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium taco seasoning and draining canned beans thoroughly before adding.
• Make the dish spicier by incorporating diced jalapeños or adding a dash of hot sauce during cooking.
• Boost vegetable content by mixing in extra bell peppers or zucchini for enhanced nutrition and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg