Taco Bell Chicken Bake

Featured in: Spiced Southwest

This dish combines shredded chicken with bold taco-inspired spices, black beans, corn, and bell peppers, all layered between soft tortillas and topped with melted cheese for a comforting bake. Easy to prepare and full of rich, melty goodness, it’s a flavorful casserole perfect for weeknight dinners. Baking it until bubbly and golden creates a satisfying meal with a Tex-Mex flair, garnished with fresh onions or cilantro for brightness.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 16:09:00 GMT
Warm, golden Taco Bell Copycat Chicken Bake with bubbly cheese, ready to slice and serve. Save
Warm, golden Taco Bell Copycat Chicken Bake with bubbly cheese, ready to slice and serve. | epicurestates.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 made this chicken bake to recreate my favorite Taco Bell dish at home and it quickly became a family favorite for busy weeknights.

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

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix Ingredients:
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.
Layer Base:
Lay two tortillas flat in the bottom of the prepared baking dish overlapping as needed to completely cover the base.
Add Filling and Cheese:
Spread half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Repeat Layers:
Layer the remaining tortillas on top then spread the rest of the chicken mixture. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
Bake:
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.
Rest and Garnish:
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra green onions or chopped cilantro if desired.
A hearty, homemade Taco Bell Copycat Chicken Bake showcasing layers of cheese, chicken, and tortilla. Save
A hearty, homemade Taco Bell Copycat Chicken Bake showcasing layers of cheese, chicken, and tortilla. | epicurestates.com

This recipe always brings my family together around the table and sparks great conversations as we enjoy the comforting flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with guacamole extra salsa or a simple salad for a complete Tex-Mex meal.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Allergy Information

This dish contains dairy and gluten. Check taco seasoning labels for potential soy. Adjust ingredients for allergy needs accordingly.

Sizzling close-up: a cheesy Taco Bell Copycat Chicken Bake, showing the tender chicken and savory spices. Save
Sizzling close-up: a cheesy Taco Bell Copycat Chicken Bake, showing the tender chicken and savory spices. | epicurestates.com

This cheesy chicken bake is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection for easy comforting meals.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this bake?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor and saves preparation time while maintaining tenderness.

What type of tortillas work best in this dish?

Flour tortillas are traditional, but corn tortillas can be substituted for a gluten-free option.

How can I add more heat to the bake?

Incorporate sliced jalapeños or add hot sauce to the chicken mixture before baking for extra spice.

Is this dish suitable for a dairy-free diet?

No, it contains cheese and sour cream, which are dairy products. Consider dairy-free alternatives to modify it.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the bake in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best texture and flavor.

Taco Bell Chicken Bake

Cheesy chicken casserole layered with tortillas, black beans, corn, and zesty seasonings for a Tex-Mex twist.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
30 min
Complete duration
45 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage American, Tex-Mex

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations None specified

Components

Chicken

01 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

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 red bell pepper, diced
04 1/2 cup green onions, sliced

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)

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 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 incorporated.

Phase 03

Layer Tortillas: Arrange two tortillas flat in the bottom of the prepared dish, overlapping to cover the base completely.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Add Remaining Layers: Place the remaining tortillas on top, spread the remaining chicken mixture over them, and top with the last cup of shredded cheese.

Phase 06

Bake Covered: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Phase 07

Bake Uncovered: Remove foil and continue baking for 10 minutes more, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Phase 08

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk (cheese, sour cream) and wheat (flour tortillas). May contain soy. Verify labels carefully if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are offered as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 520
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Protein: 32 g