Nacho Chicken Casserole

Nacho Chicken Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the comforting flavors of chicken, beans, and cheese with the crunch of tortilla chips. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, lending itself to easy preparation and big, bold flavors. My first encounter with this casserole was a game-day gathering, where its melty goodness had everyone raving. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!

Why you’ll love this dish

This casserole has all the makings of a winning meal. It’s quick to throw together, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights when you need to whip up something satisfying for the family. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, allowing you to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.

It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to use leftover chicken or whatever beans you have on hand. Kids love the crunchy layers and cheesy topping, which means meal prep is a breeze when you cater to picky eaters! Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering with friends, this dish brings people together.

“I made this for my friends during the playoffs, and it was the highlight of the night! Thank you for the delicious recipe!” – Samantha, a happy home cook

Preparing Nacho Chicken Casserole

Are you ready to dive into creating your very own Nacho Chicken Casserole? Here’s a straightforward overview of the steps involved. It’s all about layering flavors and textures to achieve that perfect bake.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, cumin, and half of the cheese together in a bowl.
3. Layer half of the crushed tortilla chips in a baking dish.
4. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the chips.
5. Top with the remaining chips and cheese.
6. Bake until bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
7. Let cool slightly, then garnish with sour cream and cilantro.

Now that you know the steps, let’s gather the ingredients.

What you’ll need

To create this savory casserole, here’s the ingredient list you’ll require:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

You can easily swap out the black beans for pinto or kidney beans, and if you’re looking for a bit of heat, consider adding jalapeños or diced green chilies.

Step-by-step instructions

Here’s how to bring everything together:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, cumin, and half of the cheese. Mix well until fully blended.
3. In a baking dish, layer half of the crushed tortilla chips at the bottom to create a crunchy base.
4. Evenly spread the chicken mixture over the tortilla chips.
5. Add the remaining crushed tortilla chips on top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese for that gooey layer.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is perfectly melted.
7. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
8. Drizzle with sour cream and garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.

Best ways to enjoy it

When serving your Nacho Chicken Casserole, consider these ideas for an elevated dining experience:

• Present it in the baking dish for a rustic appeal.
• Offer sides like guacamole, jalapeños, or a fresh salad to complement the richness of the casserole.
• Serve with extra tortilla chips for those who crave a bit more crunch!

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• Store unused casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• If you want to freeze it, cover tightly and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Helpful cooking tips

• Make it ahead: Prep the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge. Simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
• To add flavor, consider marinating your chicken in a mix of salsa and spices before cooking.
• If you’re in a pinch, rotisserie chicken is a perfectly viable shortcut to save time!

Creative twists

Ready to switch things up? Here are some variations to consider:

• Swap in ground turkey or lean beef for the chicken to mix it up.
• Go vegetarian by omitting chicken and doubling the black beans and corn.
• Add diced bell peppers or chopped onions for extra crunch and sweetness.

Your questions answered

• How long does this take to prepare?
  The total time, including prep and baking, is about 45 minutes.

• What can I substitute for black beans?
  Try pinto beans, kidney beans, or even lentils for a different flavor profile.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?
  Absolutely! You can prep it a day in advance and bake it fresh when you’re ready.

This Nacho Chicken Casserole not only satisfies your hunger but brings joy to every dinner table. With its comforting flavors and easy preparation, it’s bound to become a cherished recipe in your collection!

Nacho Chicken Casserole

A delightful dish combining comforting flavors of chicken, beans, and cheese with crunchy tortilla chips, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Mexican

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed Can substitute with pinto or kidney beans.
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Fresh to taste cilantro for garnish

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, cumin, and half of the cheese. Mix well until fully blended.
• In a baking dish, layer half of the crushed tortilla chips at the bottom to create a crunchy base.
• Evenly spread the chicken mixture over the tortilla chips.
• Add the remaining crushed tortilla chips on top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese for that gooey layer.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is perfectly melted.
• Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
• Drizzle with sour cream and garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.

Notes

For an elevated dining experience, serve with sides like guacamole, jalapeños, or a fresh salad. Store unused casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Can freeze for up to 3 months.

Keyword Casserole, chicken recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, Nacho Chicken Casserole