Description
This Chicken Taco Casserole is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner option featuring savory shredded chicken, smoky turkey bacon, and melty plant-based cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines bold taco spices with comforting textures for a family favorite that is easy to prepare and enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Cheese
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken, seasoned for taco flavor
- 6 strips smoked turkey bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
- 1.5 cups plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded or sliced
Base and Vegetables
- 10 corn tortillas, cut into strips or chips
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Smoky Turkey Bacon: Cook the shredded chicken if not pre-cooked. Fry the smoked turkey bacon strips until crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces. In the bacon drippings, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until aromatic and translucent to build flavor.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped smoked turkey bacon, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans if using, taco seasoning, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Stir in apple cider vinegar (natural) to brighten flavors. Sprinkle the natural gelling agent evenly throughout to help bind the casserole as it bakes, mixing gently to maintain texture.
- Layer the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, lay a layer of corn tortilla strips. Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas. Add a generous layer of plant-based cheese (plant-based). Repeat the layers with remaining chicken mixture, tortillas, and finish with a final cheese topping for a golden, melty finish.
- Bake and Garnish: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked chicken to save on prep time without sacrificing flavor.
- Toast corn tortillas gently before layering for extra crunch.
- Season chicken and vegetables individually for deeper, layered flavors.
- Stir ingredients gently to maintain varied textures and bite.
- Let the casserole rest briefly after baking to ease serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken taco casserole, turkey bacon casserole, plant-based cheese casserole, easy weeknight dinner, gluten free taco bake
