A cheesy, hearty casserole loaded with tender chicken, black beans, salsa, and crushed tortilla chips—all baked to bubbling perfection. A family favorite for busy weeknights or casual gatherings!
Servings & Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Dietary Tags: Comfort Food, Family-Friendly, Tex-Mex
📝 Ingredients
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2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
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1 cup chunky-style salsa (PACE Mild recommended)
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1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
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½ cup sour cream
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1 (0.85-ounce) packet chicken taco seasoning mix (Old El Paso recommended)
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3 cups shredded white meat chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
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1 (15-ounce) can seasoned black beans, drained (Bush’s brand)
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3 cups crushed tortilla chips
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2½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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Chopped fresh cilantro, optional for garnish
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Mix the Filling
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In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, salsa, diced green chiles, sour cream, and taco seasoning.
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Stir in shredded chicken and black beans until well mixed.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
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Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the chips.
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Sprinkle half of the Colby Jack and Monterey Jack cheeses over the chicken layer.
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Repeat layers with remaining chips, chicken mixture, and cheeses.
Step 4: Bake
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Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
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Sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired.
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Serve hot with extra salsa or a dollop of sour cream.
💡 Notes & Tips
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Lighter option: Use reduced-fat soups, light sour cream, and part-skim cheeses to reduce W-W points.
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Chicken tip: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and adds extra flavor.
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Chip texture: Crush tortilla chips just before using to keep them crisp.
📸 Step-by-Step Guide
(Suggested photo ideas: mixing filling → layering casserole → topping with cheese → baked casserole → plated serving)
Pro Tip: For extra crunch, sprinkle a few whole tortilla chips on top after baking.
🥄 Ingredient Insights & Swaps
Why these ingredients?
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Cream soup & sour cream: Create a rich, creamy base.
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Salsa & green chiles: Add bold, Tex-Mex flavor.
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Chicken & black beans: Lean protein and fiber.
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Tortilla chips & cheese: Crunch and cheesy goodness.
Substitutions:
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Swap sour cream for plain nonfat Greek yogurt to lower points.
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Use low-carb tortilla chips or omit chips for a lower-carb version.
🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Ideas:
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Stir in corn or diced bell peppers for added veggies.
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Use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
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Add a squeeze of lime or hot sauce before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
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Serve with a simple green salad or Mexican-style coleslaw.
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Garnish with avocado slices or fresh jalapeño (adds points).
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
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Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Freeze unbaked casserole tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking.
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Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven.
🔎 Nutrition & W-W Points (per serving estimate)**
Calories: ~450 kcal | Protein: ~24g | Carbs: ~25g | Fat: ~26g
W-W Points (per serving using regular ingredients):
➡️ 11 Points
Lightened version (using 98% fat-free soup, light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and baked tortilla chips):
➡️ 7 Points
W-W Points can vary based on exact brands, cheese type, and portion sizes. For best accuracy, enter your specific ingredients into the W-W app.
Allergens: Milk, Wheat (tortilla chips), Soy (depending on soup brand)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes—assemble up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Q: Can I use low-carb tortillas instead of chips?
A: Absolutely—cut into strips and bake until crispy to replace the chips.
Q: Can I make this spicy?
A: Yes—use hot salsa, add cayenne, or sprinkle chopped jalapeños into the layers.
📝 The Story Behind the Recipe
This casserole was inspired by a favorite Tex-Mex chicken dip turned into a hearty main dish. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for busy nights or potlucks. Best of all, it’s easy to lighten up for W-W without losing the creamy, cheesy comfort food vibe!
🗨️ Let’s Chat!
Tried this Creamy Chicken Taco Casserole? Did you add extra veggies or spice it up? Drop a comment or tag me—I’d love to see your version!