Taco Bell Chicken Bake

Featured in: Comfort Baking

This flavorful chicken bake combines shredded chicken tossed with taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and salsa for a vibrant Tex-Mex dish. Layered between soft tortillas and topped generously with melted Mexican blend cheese, it’s baked until bubbly and golden. Simple to prepare and perfect for gatherings, it pairs well with jalapeños or fresh cilantro. Ready in under an hour, it delivers comforting cheesy goodness with a zesty kick.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:56:00 GMT
A warm, cheesy Taco Bell Copycat Chicken Bake with melted cheese and a golden crust is served. Pin
A warm, cheesy Taco Bell Copycat Chicken Bake with melted cheese and a golden crust is served. | cinnamonnest.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 was a huge hit thanks to its bold flavors and comforting texture.

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.
Homemade Taco Bell Copycat Chicken Bake, showing the layers of tender chicken and melty cheese inside. Pin
Homemade Taco Bell Copycat Chicken Bake, showing the layers of tender chicken and melty cheese inside. | cinnamonnest.com

This dish quickly became a family favorite, especially enjoyed during weekend dinners together around the table.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with guacamole, extra salsa, or a simple salad to add freshness and variety to your meal.

Variations

Add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for more heat, or substitute black beans with pinto beans for a different flavor.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best results.

Freshly baked Taco Bell Copycat Chicken Bake, ready to eat with a bubbling cheese topping and golden tortillas. Pin
Freshly baked Taco Bell Copycat Chicken Bake, ready to eat with a bubbling cheese topping and golden tortillas. | cinnamonnest.com

This taco chicken bake hits all the right notes with ease and is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor and convenience, making preparation faster and tastier.

What alternatives are there to flour tortillas?

For a gluten-free version, substitute corn tortillas without compromising texture or taste.

Is it possible to add heat to this dish?

Absolutely, adding sliced jalapeños or hot sauce can bring a pleasant spicy kick to the bake.

How should leftovers be stored?

Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container and consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.

What side dishes pair well with this bake?

Serve alongside guacamole, extra salsa, or a fresh simple salad to complement the rich flavors.

Taco Bell Chicken Bake

A cheesy casserole mixing tender chicken, taco spices, black beans, corn, and melty cheese.

Prep duration
15 min
Cooking duration
30 min
Total duration
45 min

Category Comfort Baking

Difficulty Easy

Origin American, Tex-Mex

Yield 4 Servings

Dietary requirements None specified

Ingredients

Chicken

01 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast

Seasonings

01 1 packet (about 1 oz) 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 mild or medium salsa
02 1/2 cup sour cream

Cheese

01 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

Base

01 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

Combine filling ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix shredded chicken, taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, green onions, salsa, and sour cream until thoroughly combined.

Step 03

Assemble base layer: Place two tortillas flat at the bottom of the prepared dish, overlapping to cover the base completely.

Step 04

Add first filling and cheese layer: Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.

Step 05

Add second base and filling layer: Layer the remaining two tortillas atop, then spread the rest of the chicken mixture and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.

Step 06

Bake covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 07

Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Step 08

Rest and garnish: Allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Optionally garnish with extra green onions or chopped cilantro.

Necessary tools

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy information

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk (cheese, sour cream) and wheat (flour tortillas). May contain soy. Verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional information (per serving)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Carbs: 46 g
  • Protein: 32 g