Bubbling with cheesy goodness, bold Tex-Mex flavors, and topped with a golden layer of crisp tortilla chips, this (SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemmas. It brings together all your favorite nacho fixings—tender chicken, zesty tomatoes with green chilies, and a creamy, flavorful sauce—for a casserole that’s hearty, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, game night, or a potluck, this simple recipe is the go-to comfort food you’ll want on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s celebrate how few ingredients it takes to make the (SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe, while still keeping every bite exciting. Every element here is chosen to create the perfect blend of texture, spice, and melty, cheesy perfection. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Cooked shredded chicken: The heart of your casserole—use rotisserie chicken for maximum convenience and flavor.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained): Adds juiciness, a gentle kick, and authentic Tex-Mex flair.
- Cream of chicken soup: The creamy backbone, tying all the elements together and keeping every bite moist.
- Sour cream: Rounds out the flavors with creaminess and a tangy lift—don’t skip it!
- Taco seasoning: Brings all those classic nacho spices for bold, memorable flavor.
- Garlic powder: A touch of savoriness that makes everything pop.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden crown—use half in the casserole, half on top.
- Tortilla chips (roughly crushed): Layers of crunch that hold up beautifully, even underneath all the cheese.
- Chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños (optional): Bring a burst of freshness and a final hit of heat on top.
How to Make (SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Before anything else, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures nothing sticks and you get those crispy, cheesy edges everyone fights over.
Step 2: Mix Together the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, your can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (liquid and all!), cream of chicken soup, sour cream, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and 1 cup of that shredded Mexican blend cheese. Stir it up until everything looks creamy and evenly mixed—the aroma alone will make you want to grab a spoon!
Step 3: Layer the Chips
Take half of your roughly crushed tortilla chips and scatter them across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This not only creates the first crunchy layer, but also helps absorb the rich flavors from the chicken filling above.
Step 4: Add the Chicken Mixture
Now, spread your luscious chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla chip base. Be sure to go all the way to the edges so every corner gets the same amount of love.
Step 5: Top and Cheese It
Pour on the remaining crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch, then sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese generously over the top. You want that beautiful, golden cheese blanket!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Check early if your oven runs hot—you want melty cheese and crisp edges, not burnt chips!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, scatter on chopped cilantro and slices of fresh jalapeño, if you like things a little spicier. Serve your (SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe hot and watch the smiles appear!
How to Serve (SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes take this casserole from tasty to truly spectacular. Fresh cilantro gives a pop of color and a burst of herby flavor; sliced jalapeños add heat and crunch. If you want to get fancy, a sprinkle of sliced green onions or a squeeze of lime over each serving will bring everything to life.
Side Dishes
Looking to round out your meal? This (SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe loves classic Tex-Mex touches. Serve it alongside a cool avocado salad, some black beans or charro beans, or a vibrant corn salsa. A side of Spanish rice or even a simple green salad makes it a complete feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn dinner into a party by serving scoops of this casserole on extra tortilla chips, or pile a hearty spoonful onto a bed of shredded lettuce for a nacho-inspired salad. For gatherings, bake the casserole in individual ramekins for single-serve portions—everyone gets their own bubbly, cheesy slice of heaven!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover casserole tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days. The chips soften slightly, but the flavors only get better as everything mingles together.
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, freeze before baking so you can pop it in the oven fresh—and add the top layer of chips and cheese right before baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. If you’re short on time, you can microwave individual portions, but the oven revives the crispness best. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating for creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is my favorite shortcut for the (SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe. It’s flavorful, requires zero extra work, and shreds perfectly for that tender texture.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Craving more heat? Add extra sliced jalapeños on top, stir diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers into the filling, or swap in a spicy taco seasoning. The dish is super easy to customize to your heat preference!
Can I add extra veggies or beans?
Definitely. For more color and nutrition, stir in some canned black beans, corn, or even sautéed bell peppers. The base recipe is very forgiving and welcomes just about any Tex-Mex veggie additions you love.
What type Main Course
Sturdy, restaurant-style tortilla chips hold up best in the (SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe, as they stay crispy and flavorful even after baking. Feel free to use any chip you love, but avoid thin chips which can get too soggy.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
You bet! The creamy base and cheesy topping win over even picky eaters. If you’re concerned about spice, go easy on the jalapeños and use mild diced tomatoes with green chilies. Everyone can customize their slice with toppings at the table, too!
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the lookout for a dinner winner that’s cozy, flavor-packed, and ready in a flash, the (SUPER EASY) Chicken Nacho Casserole Recipe is calling your name. It’s the kind of dish you’ll make for friends today—and find yourself remembering with a smile weeks from now. Give it a go and get ready for requests to make it again and again!
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 shredded chicken, creamy soup, and cheese with the crunch of tortilla chips for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Nacho Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (divided)
- 1 (11-ounce) bag tortilla chips (roughly crushed)
- Chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Layer: Spread half of the crushed tortilla chips in the baking dish. Add the chicken mixture on top. Layer with remaining chips and cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro and jalapeños. Serve hot.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- Enhance with black beans or corn.
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
