If weeknight dinners have you in a rut, let me introduce you to my go-to, the (SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe. Jam-packed with Tex-Mex flavor, creamy chicken, crunchy chips, and irresistibly golden cheese, this is anything but your average casserole. Everything tosses together with almost no effort, then emerges from the oven bubbly and loaded with melty goodness. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or game-day guests, this one-dish wonder brings bright color, serious flavor, and “just one more bite” appeal every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about the (SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe is how you only need a handful of supermarket staples—each one doing its part for maximum tasty impact. These familiar ingredients combine for delicious layers of creaminess, crunch, and those Tex-Mex flavors we crave. Here’s what you’ll need and why you need it:
- Cooked and shredded chicken breast: The heart of the casserole—try leftover or rotisserie chicken for unbeatable convenience.
- Tortilla chips (lightly crushed): Adds that craveable nacho crunch and holds everything together—don’t skip the crushing for even layers!
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained): Brings brightness and a gentle kick that wakes up all the flavors.
- Cream of chicken soup: The secret for rich, silky texture in every bite—nobody will guess how easy it is.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and smoothness, balancing the spices for a perfectly creamy casserole.
- Taco seasoning: Packs the dish with bold, familiar Tex-Mex goodness; adjust for your spice level.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For sharp, classic melt—this is what gives you gooey nacho vibes.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Extra smooth meltiness and just a hint of buttery flavor.
- Diced onion (optional): Brings a touch of sweetness and bite—totally up to you.
- Sliced black olives (optional): Colorful and briny, if you’re an olive fan they finish things perfectly.
- Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish: For a burst of freshness and pretty color on top.
How to Make (SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you plenty of time to quickly get your ingredients organized and ready to layer. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and cleanup stays easy—all about keeping this (SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe as fuss-free as promised.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, drained tomatoes with green chilies, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, taco seasoning, and diced onion if you’re using it. Give everything a good mix so the chicken is coated in that creamy, boldly seasoned sauce—the magic starts right here!
Step 3: Layer the Crunchy Tortilla Chips
Scatter a layer of lightly crushed tortilla chips across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Don’t crush them to crumbs—just break them up enough so they make a nice crunchy bed for all the creamy layers to come.
Step 4: Build the Tasty Layers
Spoon half of your chicken mixture over the chips and use the back of your spoon to spread it evenly to the corners. Now, sprinkle half of both cheeses over the chicken layer. Repeat the layering: more chips, the rest of the chicken, then the rest of the cheese. If you love black olives, scatter them on top for that classic nacho look before baking.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Pop the dish uncovered into your preheated oven, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is piping hot with perfectly melted, golden cheese bubbling on top—resist the urge to dive in immediately, as letting it rest for a minute helps everything set up for easy serving.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Garnish
Right before you serve, sprinkle chopped green onions or cilantro over the top. This little touch makes a huge difference, adding pop and brightness that balances all the cheesy, creamy layers of your (SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe!
How to Serve (SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For that showstopping finish, top each portion with a dollop of extra sour cream, a few avocado slices, or a sprinkle of chopped jalapeño if you like a little heat. A squeeze of fresh lime over each plate brings out the best in the Tex-Mex flavors. The right garnish not only brightens the look but wakes up all those zesty tastes.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, it’s perfect with a crisp green salad, Mexican street corn, or just a bowl of black beans and rice. Extra tortilla chips and a side of guacamole or salsa never hurt—let everyone scoop up those cheesy bites!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the casserole into small squares and serve on a platter with colorful toothpicks for a grab-and-go appetizer. Or, make individual portions in ramekins for super fun personal nacho bakes. You can even serve it “bar style” with bowls of different toppings for guests to customize their slice of the (SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The (SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe will keep well for up to three days and actually tastes even better the next day, as those flavors meld together while it chills.
Freezing
This casserole is perfect for freezing! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. For the best texture, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. It’s a lifesaver to have a pan waiting for a busy night!
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave for about two minutes until hot, or bake larger portions at 350°F until warmed through. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating for renewed gooey magic. Just keep in mind the chips will soften a little after storing, but it’s still utterly delicious.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
Absolutely! This swap actually makes the (SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe even faster. Just shred or chop your rotisserie chicken and blend it in with the rest. It adds extra juiciness and a touch more flavor, too.
How spicy is this casserole?
The casserole has a gentle zing, thanks to the taco seasoning and green chilies in the tomatoes, but it won’t scorch any taste buds. If you want extra heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne or use a hot and spicy taco seasoning mix.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the chicken for canned black beans, cooked lentils, or another plant-based protein, and use cream of mushroom soup instead. The rest of the (SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe stays exactly the same—super delicious and still comforting.
Will the tortilla chips stay crispy after baking?
The chips form a deliciously hearty base and soak up some sauce, so you’ll get a lovely texture mix—some bites crispy, some more tender and nacho-like. For added crunch, sprinkle extra chips on top just before serving.
What’s the best cheese to use if I want it extra gooey?
If you crave oozy melt, add a little extra Monterey Jack or mix in some mozzarella. And don’t forget, freshly grated cheese tends to melt better than pre-shredded!
Final Thoughts
If comfort food with a fun twist is your thing, I absolutely urge you to try this (SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a family get-together, or a casual party, it’s warm, cheesy, and made to bring people back for seconds. Dive in, and watch it become one of your new favorites!
Print
(SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
(SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole is a delicious Tex-Mex inspired dish that combines the flavors of nachos with the heartiness of a casserole. This crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 bag (10–12 oz) tortilla chips (lightly crushed)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, taco seasoning, and onion if using.
- Layer the casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer with crushed tortilla chips, chicken mixture, and cheeses.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Top with black olives and garnish with green onions or cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Serve with extra chips, salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for quicker prep.
- For added heat, use a spicy taco seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
