Description
This Chicken Taco Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring layers of tender chicken seasoned with bold taco spices, smoky smoked turkey bacon and smoked turkey slices, black beans, fresh vegetables, and melty plant-based cheese. Enhanced with a natural gelling agent for perfect texture, it is easy to prepare, family-friendly, and customizable to meet your favorite taco toppings or dietary preferences, making it an effortless, delicious meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Proteins
- Chicken breasts – 3 medium, boneless and skinless
- Smoked turkey bacon – 4 slices
- Smoked turkey slices – 4 slices, chopped
- Black beans – 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
Vegetables & Fresh Ingredients
- Chopped tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 oz), drained
- Red bell peppers – 1 medium, diced
- Green onions – 3 stalks, sliced
Seasonings & Flavorings
- Taco seasoning blend (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder) – 2 tbsp
- Apple cider vinegar (natural) – 1 tbsp
Other Ingredients
- Plant-based cheese, shredded – 2 cups
- Natural gelling agent – 1 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Cook the chicken breasts in a skillet seasoned with the taco seasoning blend until golden brown and fully cooked through. In a separate pan, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the Base Layers: In a casserole dish, layer the chopped smoked turkey slices first, followed by black beans, cooked smoked turkey bacon, and diced red bell peppers to create a hearty foundation.
- Add Tomato Mixture and Natural Gelling Agent: Combine chopped tomatoes with apple cider vinegar (natural) and the natural gelling agent, then spread evenly over the base layers to add moisture and help bind the casserole.
- Top with Plant-Based Cheese and Green Onions: Generously sprinkle shredded plant-based cheese on top, then add sliced green onions for fresh flavor and color.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Place the assembled casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges turn golden brown.
Notes
- Prep ahead by cooking the chicken and smoked turkey bacon a day before to save time.
- Use freshly ground spices for an enhanced taco seasoning flavor.
- Gently fold ingredients when mixing to keep layers distinct for presentation.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set perfectly with the natural gelling agent.
- Adjust the amount of plant-based cheese to your preference for gooeyness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Chicken casserole, taco casserole, plant-based cheese, gluten-free casserole, smoked turkey bacon, Mexican flavors