Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s not just delicious, it is also an easy one. What a game changer Think of it like a cross between creamy chicken enchiladas and your favorite cheesy taco skillet. How can I make it easier? My kids beg me for this. I’m a mom.One Pan cheesy taco chicken. Serves 4.at least once a week, and honestly, I’m happy to oblige because it’s so simple. I used to make tacos all the time, but this is so much less fussy on a busy weeknight, and it’s delicious. What are the flavors of a chef’s kiss? What makes this dish so special?
What is One Pan Cheesy Taco Chicken?
What are the best parts of a taco? – all baked together in One Pan. What’s essentially what we’One pan cheesy taco chicken – one panIt’s a creamy, cheesy and utterly addictive dish that takes minimal effort and yields maximum flavor. Is this a casserole? What’s the best part about tacos? Clean up is a breeze!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Seriously, where do I even begin? The flavor is out of this world. We’re talking tender chicken simmered in a creamy, cheesy sauce with all your favorite taco spices. It’s savory, a little spicy, and oh-so-satisfying.
But the real reason this recipe is a lifesaver? It’s unbelievably easy. You literally throw everything into one pan, bake it, and boom – dinner is served. I’m talking 30 minutes, start to finish, on some nights! Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. Chicken thighs are generally more affordable than chicken breasts, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. This is a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t taste like one.
And talk about versatile! You can serve this One pan cheesy taco chicken – one pan over rice, with tortilla chips, in lettuce wraps, or even stuff it into tortillas for a quick and easy taco night. My kids love it with a dollop of Sour Cream and some chopped avocado. What I love most is how easily I can customize it, too. Want it spicier? Add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Need to sneak in some veggies? Toss in some chopped bell peppers or corn. It’s truly a blank canvas of flavor.
How do I make one pan Cheesy Taco Chicken?
Quick Overview
Making this One pan cheesy taco chicken. Serve withIs 1-2-3 easy? What is the best way to smother chicken in cheesy sauce? Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Do not overbake. What is the beauty of this method? What are some of the best taco flavors? If you accidentally add too much of one ingredient, it is no problem. What is the hardest part of waiting for it to cool down enough to eat?
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. (Chicken Thighs are my go-to meat). Can you use chicken breasts if you prefer – just don’t overcook them?
1 packet taco seasoning (I usually use a low-sodium version so I can control the salt level)
1 tbsp olive oil (or any cooking oil)
1 small onion, chopped (adds a lovely sweetness and depth of flavor).
What is Cheesy Sauce?
What is the best condensed cream of chicken soup?
1/2 cup Sour Cream (full-fat for the best flavor and texture)
1/2 cup milk (I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch and it was great)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend – whatever you have on hand works)
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies, undrained (these add a subtle kick without being overpowering)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use cooking spray, but a little olive oil works too. How do you make sure the chicken doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan? I even use a glass baking dish on occasion and it works fine.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until golden brown. Set aside. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then add the chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink, making sure to stir often.
Step 3: Season the chicken and transfer to a baking dish.
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken and onions. Stir well to coat everything. Cook for another minute or two, allowing the spices to toast slightly (this really enhances the flavor of the spice). Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Don’t worry if there is a little bit of liquid; it will all bake together.
Step 4: Make the Cheesy Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of Chicken Soup, sour cream, milk, diced green chilies, and salt. Set aside. (with their liquid! ), and 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk until it reaches your desired consistency. What should I do if I want to keep it from thickening up as it bakes?
Step 5: Pour Sauce Over Chicken
How do you spread the cheesy sauce evenly over the chicken mixture in a baking dish? What are the chicken pieces? What makes this dish so creamy?
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the sauce. In the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent the cheese from burning. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken up slightly. Garnish with your favorite taco toppings, such as chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. I like to set out a toppings bar and let everyone customize their own serving.
What are some good ways to serve it with?
One pan cheesy taco chicken. Serves 4.Is incredibly versatile, so the possibilities are endless! What are some of my family’s favorite ways to serve it?Over Rice:Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice for an easy and satisfying meal. I like to use brown rice or cilantro-lime rice.With Tortilla Chips:Serve with tortilla chips for a fun and casual appetizer or snack. This is perfect for parties or game nights.In Lettuce Wraps:What are some healthy ways to serve lettuce wraps? I like to use romaine lettuce or butter lettuce.Stuffed in Tortillas Turn it into tacos or burritos by stuffing it into warm tortillas. Add your favorite taco toppings, like salsa, guacamole, and shredded lettuce.
On Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with the chicken mixture and cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This makes a delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
My favorite way to serve it is with a big dollop of sour cream, some chopped avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. And don’t forget the hot sauce! My husband loves to add a generous drizzle of his favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your One Pan Cheesy Taco Chicken
Want to take your one pan cheesy taco chicken to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken thighs are more forgiving than chicken breasts, but you still want to make sure you don’t overcook them. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.
Use Good Quality Cheese: The cheese is a key ingredient in this dish, so it’s worth using a good quality cheese that melts well. I like to use a sharp cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend.
Don’t Skip the Green Chilies: The diced green chilies add a subtle kick of flavor that really enhances the dish. Don’t worry, they’re not too spicy!
Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your liking. If you like things spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños.
Add Veggies: Sneak in some extra veggies by adding chopped bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the chicken mixture.
Make it Ahead: You can assemble this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
One time I accidentally used cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken… it was still delicious! The family never even noticed. Also, I often use rotisserie chicken to make this even quicker!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: I really wouldn’t recommend leaving this out at room temp for more than 2 hours. You don’t want anything to spoil.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover one pan cheesy taco chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the dish. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, you can either microwave it for a few minutes, or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If baking, cover the dish with foil to prevent the cheese from burning. I usually add a little more cheese on top before reheating to make it extra gooey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This one pan cheesy taco chicken is seriously one of those recipes that I know you’ll make again and again. It’s easy, delicious, and incredibly versatile. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a total weeknight winner. If you love quick and easy dinners like this, you should definitely check out my recipe for One-Pot Pasta Primavera!
I really hope you give this recipe a try. I know you’ll love it as much as my family does! And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I’d love to hear your variations and serving suggestions! Happy cooking!
One Pan Cheesy Taco Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast cut into cubes
- 1 cup shredded cheese use a Mexican blend
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your pan over medium heat.
- Add chicken cubes and cook until browned.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over chicken and stir well.
- Top with shredded cheese and cover until cheese is melted.
