Description
This Chicken Taco Casserole is an easy and comforting dinner that combines smoky turkey bacon, shredded chicken, vibrant vegetables, and melting plant-based cheese for layers of bold Mexican-inspired flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it is a one-dish meal that is family friendly, customizable, and packed with hearty, satisfying textures and taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Meat
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup green bell peppers, finely diced
Dairy Replacement and Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded
Seasonings and Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons natural taco seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/4 cup grape juice
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed corn tortilla chips
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook smoked turkey bacon until crisp, then chop into bite-size pieces. Shred cooked chicken breast using two forks. Finely dice onion, garlic, and green bell peppers.
- Sauté Vegetables and Season: Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add bell peppers, black beans, diced tomatoes, and natural taco seasoning. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Deglaze the pan with grape juice and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent and simmer gently for a few minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a baking dish, layer half of the crushed corn tortilla chips. Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the chips. Top with half of the smoked turkey bacon pieces, then sprinkle half of the plant-based cheese (plant-based) on top. Repeat the layers once more.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use warm cooked chicken for easier shredding and better texture.
- Distribute ingredients evenly between layers to guarantee balanced bites.
- Crush tortilla chips coarsely for more texture or finely for smoother layers.
- Toast taco seasoning lightly before adding other ingredients to enhance aroma.
- Allow casserole to rest after baking for better slicing and flavor blending.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Chicken taco casserole, easy dinner, comforting meal, Mexican casserole, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, family friendly, gluten free
