Description
This Chicken Taco Casserole is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish packed with tender shredded chicken, smoky turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, and bold taco-seasoned layers. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it features a natural gelling agent that ensures the casserole holds together beautifully. Topped with crispy crushed tortilla chips, this comforting casserole delivers satisfying taco flavors in every cheesy, hearty bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Base
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, crisped and chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
Cheese & Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
Seasonings & Others
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Shred the cooked chicken and crisp the smoked turkey bacon, then chop into pieces. Lightly sauté the chopped onions and bell peppers in olive oil over medium heat until softened and sweetened, about 5 minutes. Dice the tomatoes and set aside.
- Layer the casserole: In a baking dish, start with a base layer of black beans. Add a layer of shredded chicken, then the sautéed onions and peppers, followed by diced tomatoes. Sprinkle the spices evenly over the layers and evenly distribute the natural gelling agent to help bind the casserole.
- Add the cheese and chips: Generously sprinkle the plant-based cheese over the top layer, then cover with crushed tortilla chips for a crispy golden crust after baking.
- Bake to perfection: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until the plant-based cheese is melted, bubbly, and the tortilla chips are crisp and golden brown.
- Let it rest and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes to set before slicing into warm, cheesy portions packed with taco flavors.
Notes
- Use shredded chicken for even flavor distribution and better texture.
- Don’t skip the natural gelling agent to ensure the casserole holds its shape when sliced.
- Optionally, toast crushed tortilla chips lightly before topping for extra crunch and flavor.
- Adjust spices carefully starting with moderate amounts to balance heat and flavor.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps flavors mingle and makes slicing easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, taco casserole, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, one dish dinner, easy dinner, gluten free, Mexican-inspired casserole
