Taco Bell Chicken Bake

Featured in: Everyday Family Favorites

This comforting casserole blends shredded chicken with bold taco-inspired seasoning and a mix of black beans, corn, and peppers. Layered between soft flour tortillas and topped with melted Mexican blend cheese, it offers a hearty, cheesy bake perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dish delivers a harmonious balance of flavors with zesty spices, creamy sour cream, and fresh green onion garnish. An easy dish ready in under an hour to brighten up any dinner table.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:11:00 GMT
Tender Taco Bell Copycat Chicken Bake with melted cheese, served hot from the oven with a bubbly crust. Pin this
Tender Taco Bell Copycat Chicken Bake with melted cheese, served hot from the oven with a bubbly crust. | terracrumb.com

A mouthwatering, cheesy chicken bake inspired by Taco Bells flavors, featuring tender chicken, zesty spices, and melty cheese in a comforting casserole.

I first served this to my family on a busy weeknight and it quickly became a dinner favorite because of how easy and delicious it is.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • Seasonings: 1 packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Vegetables: 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed, 1 cup frozen corn, thawed, 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced, 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
  • Sauce & Fillings: 1 cup salsa (mild or medium, as desired), 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Cheese: 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • Base: 4 large flour tortillas (10 inch)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black beans, corn, bell pepper, green onions, salsa, and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
Step 3:
Lay two tortillas flat in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping as needed to completely cover the base.
Step 4:
Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Step 5:
Layer the remaining tortillas on top, then spread the rest of the chicken mixture. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
Step 6:
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7:
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra green onions or chopped cilantro if desired.
A close-up of a cheesy Taco Bell Copycat Chicken Bake, showing the layers of chicken and tortillas. Pin this
A close-up of a cheesy Taco Bell Copycat Chicken Bake, showing the layers of chicken and tortillas. | terracrumb.com

This dish brings the whole family together for a flavorful Tex Mex meal that’s perfect for casual dinners.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with guacamole, extra salsa, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Variations

Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to the mixture for more heat, or swap Mexican blend cheese with cheddar or Monterey Jack.

Golden, baked Taco Bell Copycat Chicken Bake, a hearty Tex-Mex casserole perfect for dinner. Pin this
Golden, baked Taco Bell Copycat Chicken Bake, a hearty Tex-Mex casserole perfect for dinner. | terracrumb.com

This easy chicken bake is a crowd pleaser that combines convenience and bold flavors in one dish.

Recipe Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?

Yes, rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor and saves prep time while maintaining the dish’s texture and taste.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute corn tortillas in place of flour tortillas to create a gluten-free version without compromising flavor.

What type of cheese works best for this bake?

A Mexican blend cheese works well, providing a rich, melty topping that complements spices and layers.

How can I add more heat to this dish?

Incorporate sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the chicken mixture or as garnish for added spice.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble it in advance and refrigerate before baking; allow extra baking time if baking from cold.

Taco Bell Chicken Bake

Tender chicken, bold spices, melty cheese, and veggies combine in a warm Tex-Mex casserole dish.

Prep time
15 mins
Time to cook
30 mins
Time Required
45 mins
Created by Nora Whitfield


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine type American, Tex-Mex

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Info None specified

What You Need

Chicken

01 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast

Seasonings

01 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
02 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
03 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Vegetables

01 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
02 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
03 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
04 1/2 cup sliced green onions

Sauce & Fillings

01 1 cup salsa, mild or medium
02 1/2 cup sour cream

Cheese

01 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

Base

01 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch diameter)

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, green onions, salsa, and sour cream until fully blended.

Step 03

Layer Bottom Tortillas: Place two tortillas flat in the prepared baking dish, overlapping to cover the entire base.

Step 04

Add First Layer of Filling and Cheese: Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.

Step 05

Layer Remaining Tortillas and Filling: Top with the remaining tortillas, spread the rest of the chicken mixture on top, and finish with remaining cheese.

Step 06

Bake Covered and Uncovered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 07

Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Optionally, garnish with extra green onions or chopped cilantro.

Equipment Needed

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Details

Review every item for possible allergens. Talk to your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains milk (cheese, sour cream) and wheat (flour tortillas).
  • May contain soy (check taco seasoning) and gluten (flour tortillas).
  • Verify ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Details are for information. Always discuss dietary choices with your doctor.
  • Energy (cal): 520
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 32 g