Go Back

Chicken Taco Casserole Meal Prep - A Cozy, Make-Ahead Favorite

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice (or white rice; or 8 small corn tortillas, cut into strips)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned, or fresh)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup salsa (your favorite, mild to hot)
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), drained
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or 2–3 tablespoons homemade
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1.5–2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, avocado, pickled jalapeños, lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. If using tortillas instead of rice, cut them into bite-size strips.
  2. Sauté the veggies: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper with a pinch of salt. Cook 5–6 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
  3. Season and combine: Stir in taco seasoning and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with chiles, salsa, and chicken broth. Simmer 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Add chicken and base: Stir in shredded chicken and cooked rice (or tortilla strips). Taste and adjust salt and pepper. You want it slightly saucy—this keeps it moist after baking.
  5. Add creaminess: Off the heat, fold in Greek yogurt or sour cream until evenly combined. This gives a creamy, casserole-like texture without making it heavy.
  6. Assemble: Spread mixture evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle cheese over the top in an even layer.
  7. Bake: Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes, until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted. For a golden top, broil 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  8. Rest and garnish: Let sit 5–10 minutes so it sets for clean slices. Top with cilantro and green onions, and add any extras like jalapeños or a squeeze of lime.
  9. Portion for meal prep: Divide into 4–6 containers. Add fresh toppings right before eating to keep textures crisp.