Rotisserie Chicken Taco Casserole

Name: Rotisserie Chicken Taco Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 packet taco seasoning; 8 corn tortillas, cut into strips; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1/2 cup chopped green onions; Sour cream and avocado for topping (optional)

Highlighted under: Comfort Kitchen Magic

I love creating dishes that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. The Rotisserie Chicken Taco Casserole combines the savory flavors of shredded chicken with zesty taco seasonings, all baked under a blanket of melted cheese. It’s a meal that brings the family together, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. I enjoy gathering all the fresh ingredients and letting them meld together, creating a comforting dish that satisfies everyone’s cravings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover rotisserie chicken—making dinner a breeze!

Created by

Maribel Hayes

Last updated on 2026-02-24T03:05:37.040Z

When I first made this casserole, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. The combination of rotisserie chicken with taco spices is a surefire hit at my dinner table. One tip I discovered is to layer the toppings just before baking to ensure the cheese gets perfectly bubbly while the tortillas stay nice and crisp.

As I adapted the recipe over time, I found adding a layer of black beans not only boosts the protein but also adds a nice texture contrast. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it a memorable dish that I often serve to friends and family on special occasions.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup
Customizable with your favorite toppings like avocado or sour cream
Perfectly cheesy and satisfying, ideal for any taco lover

Ingredient Insights

The heart of this casserole lies in the rotisserie chicken, which not only saves time but also infuses the dish with rich, savory flavor. When sourcing rotisserie chicken, look for one that is well-cooked with crispy skin. If you're in a pinch or don't have leftover chicken, you can easily substitute with pre-cooked grilled chicken from the deli, ensuring it's shredded to maintain a tender texture in the casserole.

Black beans play a crucial role in adding protein and fiber to this dish, which rounds out the meal, making it hearty and satisfying. Rinsing and draining the beans thoroughly prevents excess sodium and keeps the casserole from becoming watery. If you're aiming for a lower-carb version, consider swapping black beans for chopped bell peppers or cauliflower rice for added texture without the extra carbs.

Layering Techniques

When layering the casserole, aim for even distribution of ingredients to ensure every bite is balanced. Starting with a layer of tortilla strips serves as a base that absorbs moisture from the chicken mixture, keeping the bottom from becoming soggy. Make sure to press down slightly on each layer before adding more to compress the ingredients and make slicing easier later on.

Don't skip the final layer of cheese; this isn’t just for flavor—it creates a delightful golden crust on top. To achieve perfect melting, consider mixing different cheese varieties. A blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to a creamy, stringy texture that's ideal for pulling apart when serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving the Rotisserie Chicken Taco Casserole with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro elevates the dish and adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty flavors. Avocado or guacamole also make excellent additions, bringing a creamy richness that complements the spices perfectly. You can serve it straight from the baking dish for a casual family meal or portion it out for a potluck, making it versatile for any occasion.

For make-ahead options, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover the prepared dish with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. If freezing, make sure to cover the casserole tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients to prepare this delicious casserole:

Ingredients

3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 packet taco seasoning
8 corn tortillas, cut into strips
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup chopped green onions
Sour cream and avocado for topping (optional)

Once the ingredients are ready, we can start constructing the casserole.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a mouthwatering taco casserole:

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the ingredients. This ensures everything cooks evenly.

Mix the filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, corn, and half of the cheese. Stir until well mixed.

Layer the casserole

In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the tortilla strips, then half of the chicken mixture, followed by another layer of tortilla strips. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining cheese on top.

Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Garnish and serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped green onions and add optional toppings like sour cream and avocado. Serve warm and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious Rotisserie Chicken Taco Casserole as a hearty meal any day of the week!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize your casserole by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, depending on your preference.

Variation Ideas

This casserole is incredibly customizable. If you're looking to switch things up, consider adding fresh ingredients such as diced bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños into the filling for extra flavor and crunch. You can also use flour tortillas instead of corn for a different texture, or try whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.

For a spicy kick, add a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the chicken mixture or top with slices of fresh jalapeños before baking. You could even incorporate different proteins, like ground turkey or beef, which should be browned first to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your casserole seems too dry after baking, it may be due to overcooked chicken or not enough moisture from the canned tomatoes. To remedy this, you can add a splash of chicken broth or even some salsa to the filling before layering, ensuring the final dish stays moist and flavorful.

On the flip side, if your casserole is too soggy, make sure the beans are well-drained, and avoid overloading the ingredients in your layers. Additionally, letting it cool slightly before serving will help it firm up, making it easier to slice and serve without it falling apart.

Reheating Suggestions

To reheat leftovers, I recommend using the oven to maintain the casserole's crispy texture. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil, and heat for about 20–25 minutes or until warmed through. If you prefer a quicker method, using the microwave is certainly convenient; just heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to promote even heating.

For additional crunch after microwaving, consider broiling the leftovers for a couple of minutes. Just watch closely to prevent burning. Topping with fresh cheese before reheating can also enhance the flavor and texture, giving it that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel even on day two.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of meat?

Absolutely! You can substitute shredded beef, turkey, or even keep it vegetarian by using additional beans and/or vegetables.

→ Is it possible to make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the fridge. Just heat it in the oven before serving.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, it freezes well! Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish and bake from frozen, adding extra cooking time as needed.

→ What toppings can I add?

You can top it with avocado, jalapeños, olives, or any other toppings you love. Get creative!