Chicken Taco Dump Dinner Recipe

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Cook Time: 45 minutes

This easy and flavorful chicken enchilada casserole is packed with tender shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering!

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 1 (16 ounce) jar thick and chunky mild salsa
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 5 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 1/2 cups frozen fire-roasted corn
• 12 (6 inch) corn tortillas
• 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• Taco toppings (such as shredded lettuce, chopped red onion, chopped fresh cilantro, taco sauce, sour cream, chopped avocado, or crushed tortilla chips)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the salsa, diced green chiles, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Stir in the shredded chicken, black beans, and corn until well mixed.
3. Place half of the tortilla pieces in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the chicken mixture, followed by 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
4. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortilla pieces, chicken mixture, and another 1 cup of shredded cheese.
5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
6. After 35 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Top with your favorite taco toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped red onion, cilantro, sour cream, avocado, or crushed tortilla chips.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	345
Fat	17g
Saturated Fat	8g
Cholesterol	78mg
Sodium	691mg
Carbohydrates	24g
Dietary Fiber	5g
Sugars	3g
Protein	25g
Vitamin C	26mg
Calcium	268mg
Iron	3mg
Potassium	484mg

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origins of Chicken Taco Dump Dinner

The Chicken Taco Dump Dinner is a modern twist on traditional Mexican cuisine, emerging in the United States as a quick and convenient family meal. While classic tacos have been a staple in Mexican households for centuries, the "dump dinner" method originated in American home cooking, popularized for its simplicity: ingredients are combined in a single dish, baked, and served, minimizing preparation time. This recipe blends authentic Mexican flavors such as salsa, green chiles, and cumin with the practicality of a casserole, making it a uniquely North American adaptation of Mexican culinary traditions.

Regional Variations

In the Southwestern United States, where Mexican culinary influence is strongest, variations of the Chicken Taco Dump Dinner often incorporate locally available ingredients such as fire-roasted corn, black beans, or Monterey Jack cheese. In Texas, smoked or rotisserie chicken may replace plain shredded chicken, adding depth of flavor. California versions sometimes include avocado or fresh cilantro as garnishes, while Midwest adaptations often focus on hearty layers and extra cheese for comfort. Each region personalizes the dish while retaining the essential taco-inspired layers.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Although reminiscent of enchiladas, tacos, and layered casseroles, the Chicken Taco Dump Dinner is distinct for its "dump and bake" preparation method. Unlike enchiladas, tortillas are cut into pieces rather than rolled, creating a more rustic, layered casserole rather than individual servings. Compared to taco salads or traditional tacos, this dish is fully baked with melted cheese throughout, providing a comforting, cohesive dish that is eaten with a fork instead of hands. Its ease of preparation and layered texture set it apart from other Mexican-inspired meals.

Where It Is Commonly Served

Chicken Taco Dump Dinner is typically served in casual family settings, weeknight dinners, potlucks, and game-day gatherings. Its large, shareable format makes it ideal for feeding groups without requiring complex plating or extensive serving effort. In addition, it has become popular in meal-prep routines because leftovers store and reheat well. While not traditionally served in Mexican restaurants, it has gained a place in American homes as a practical, crowd-pleasing adaptation of Mexican flavors.

Interesting Facts

• The dump dinner concept gained popularity in the early 2000s as home cooks sought faster weeknight meals without sacrificing flavor.
• Using rotisserie chicken is a modern shortcut that allows the dish to come together in under an hour.
• This recipe is versatile and can be modified to suit dietary preferences, including vegetarian versions by substituting beans or plant-based proteins for chicken.
• The layering of tortillas, chicken, and cheese mimics the textures of both tacos and enchiladas, making it a hybrid comfort food.
• Despite its name, dump refers only to the simplicity of preparation; the final dish is considered flavorful and visually appealing when garnished with fresh toppings.

FAQ about Chicken Taco Dump Dinner Recipe

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