Chicken Taco Casserole (OAMC)
Description:
Indulge in the savory delight of Chicken Taco Casserole, a perfect make-ahead meal from lovewithrecipes.com. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, creamy cheese, and zesty Mexican spices, making it ideal for a quick family dinner or a potluck gathering. Prepare it in advance and enjoy the convenience of having a delicious meal ready to bake whenever you need it.
Recipe Information:
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
- Keywords: Chicken, White Rice, Poultry, Rice, Cheese, Beans, Vegetable, Meat, Mexican, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Potluck, < 60 Mins, Oven
- Calories: 375.6 per serving
- Fat Content: 10.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 56.5mg
- Sodium Content: 1648.2mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 44.6g
- Fiber Content: 7.1g
- Sugar Content: 5.2g
- Protein Content: 25.9g
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1/2 cup taco seasoning
- 5 cups shredded cooked chicken
Recipe Instructions:
Preparation:
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Mix taco seasoning and tomato sauce: In a large bowl, combine taco seasoning and tomato sauce until well blended.
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Coat chicken with tomato mixture: Add shredded chicken to the taco seasoning and tomato sauce mixture. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
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Layering:
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Prepare the base: Spread the cooked rice evenly in the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish or a disposable baking pan.
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Add chicken mixture: Spoon the seasoned chicken mixture over the rice layer, ensuring an even distribution across the pan.
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Freezing Instructions (Optional):
- If planning to freeze for later, at this point, you can flash freeze the casserole in the disposable baking pan or transfer it into a freezer-safe bag. This step allows for easy make-ahead preparation.
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Assembling for Baking:
- Return to baking dish: If frozen, place the frozen casserole back into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
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Cheese Topping:
- Sprinkle with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
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Baking:
- Bake uncovered: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serving:
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve hot, garnished with diced tomatoes, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips for dipping.
Additional Tips:
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Make-Ahead Convenience: This casserole is perfect for “OAMC” (Once A Month Cooking) enthusiasts. Prepare multiple batches and freeze them for quick dinners or potluck contributions.
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Customize Your Toppings: Customize the casserole with your favorite taco toppings such as avocado slices, chopped cilantro, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Enjoy the delicious flavors and convenience of this Chicken Taco Casserole recipe from lovewithrecipes.com. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a simple family meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
