Dinner

Mix and Bake Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe

ByCleo Brixton October 27, 2025October 27, 2025

Introduction

This Mix and Bake Chicken Taco Casserole is a flavorful, all-in-one dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with seasoned chicken, rice, vegetables, and melty cheese, it’s easy to prepare and great for feeding a crowd.

A close-up of a baked dish in a small oval pan on a round wooden board, resting on a textured gray cloth. The dish has a melted golden cheese layer on top mixed with leafy green herbs. On one side, multiple slices of bright green avocado are fanned out, and green onion pieces are scattered nearby. Crispy, thin, golden tortilla strips are piled on top, adding crunch. The dish also shows bits of cooked vegetables in a sauce layer underneath the cheese. In the background, halved limes and a glass of light beer sit on a rustic dark surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound boneless chicken tenders or strips
1/4 cup taco seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons salted butter
1 cup dry rice
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 poblano peppers, chopped
1 cup fresh or frozen corn
1 can (10 ounce) Rotel tomatoes
1 cup black beans
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
Plain Greek yogurt, for serving
Shredded lettuce, green onion, or cilantro, for topping
Cubed or sliced avocado, for topping
Tortilla strips, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, toss the chicken tenders with taco seasoning, olive oil, and butter. Spread evenly and bake for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 2: Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F. Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the dish. Add the rice, chopped onion, poblano peppers, corn, Rotel tomatoes, and black beans. Pour 1 1/2 cups of water over the mixture and stir to combine. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, cover, and bake for 25 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the cover and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. If the rice feels hard, add another 1/3 cup of water and bake for 10 more minutes to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Step 4: Serve the casserole warm, topped with plain Greek yogurt, shredded lettuce or green onions, avocado, and crunchy tortilla strips as desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use brown rice instead of white for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber; increase baking time accordingly.
To make it spicier, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the casserole before baking.
Swap the chicken for cooked ground beef or turkey to vary the protein.
For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and add extra beans or a meat substitute.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water to keep the rice moist. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.

How to Serve

The dish is served in an oval baking dish placed on a wooden board with a textured cloth underneath. The bottom layer is melted golden brown cheese mixed with cooked meat and beans. On top of this are fresh green chopped cilantro and slices of white and light green spring onions scattered freely. There are multiple slices of creamy green avocado arranged in two places: one fan-shaped group near the lower left and two thicker slices near the middle right. Crispy thin golden-brown tortilla strips are piled on top, some scattered around. A dollop of white sour cream is visible near the center, slightly melting into the melted cheese. The surface has bright colors, with textures ranging from smooth cheese, soft avocado, crunchy tortilla strips, and leafy herbs. Next to the dish is a cut lime and a glass of beer, all placed on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shredded chicken to save time. Add it along with the other ingredients before baking, and reduce the initial baking time accordingly.

Is it necessary to cover the casserole while baking?

Covering the dish helps steam the rice and cook it evenly. Removing the cover near the end allows the cheese to brown and the top to crisp slightly for better texture.