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Loaded BBQ Chicken Tortilla Casserole: A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite


  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Description

You’ll love this easy loaded BBQ chicken tortilla casserole! Layers of tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, crispy tortillas, and melted cheese bake into the ultimate comforting dinner.

 


Ingredients

Scale

For the BBQ Chicken Filling:

  • 4 cups (about 1.5 lbs / 680g) cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken is ideal)

  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) smoky BBQ sauce, divided

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • Freshly ground black pepper

For the Creamy Layer:

  • 1 (8 oz / 225g) block full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature

  • 1 cup (240ml) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature

  • ½ cup (120ml) ranch dressing (or ½ cup milk mixed with 1 packet dry ranch seasoning)

  • 1 (4 oz / 113g) can diced green chiles, drained

For the Layer Ingredients:

  • 1012 soft taco-size flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for gluten-free), cut into quarters

  • 1 (15 oz / 425g) can black beans, rinsed and drained

  • 1 ½ cups frozen sweet corn kernels, thawed

  • 1 red bell pepper, diced

  • ½ cup finely diced red onion (divided)

For the Cheese & Crunchy Topping:

  • 3 cups (12 oz / 340g) freshly shredded Colby Jack or Mexican blend cheese, divided

  • 2 cups (8 oz / 225g) freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

  • 2 cups roughly crushed tortilla chips (restaurant-style or yellow corn)

  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for topping)

For the Fresh Garnish Bar (Essential!):

  • 1 cup diced tomatoes

  • 1 large avocado, diced

  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  • ½ cup sliced black olives

  • Extra sour cream or Mexican crema, for drizzling

  • Pickled jalapeño slices

  • Lime wedges


Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken Filling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1 cup of the BBQ sauce, olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until the chicken is evenly and thoroughly coated.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Ranch Layer
In a separate bowl, using a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing together until completely smooth and lump-free. Stir in the drained diced green chiles.

Step 3: Assemble the First Layer
Spread about ½ cup of the remaining plain BBQ sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange a layer of tortilla quarters over the sauce, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom completely.

Step 4: Build the First Flavorful Stratum
Spread half of the creamy ranch mixture over the tortilla layer. Top with half of the BBQ chicken mixture. Sprinkle evenly with half of the black beans, half of the corn, half of the diced red bell pepper, and a quarter of the diced red onion. Sprinkle with 1 ½ cups of the Colby Jack cheese and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Repeat the Layers
Place another layer of tortilla quarters over the cheese. Repeat the layering sequence: remaining creamy ranch mixture, remaining BBQ chicken, remaining black beans, corn, bell pepper, and another quarter of the red onion. Sprinkle with another 1 ½ cups of Colby Jack and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Apply the Final Tortilla Layer and Sauce
Top with a final layer of tortilla quarters. Drizzle the remaining ½ cup of BBQ sauce evenly over the top. This will soak into the top tortillas and create a flavorful glaze.

Step 7: Create the Crispy Tortilla Chip Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed tortilla chips, melted butter, and taco seasoning. Toss until the chips are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the sauced tortilla layer. Finish by sprinkling the remaining ½ cup of each cheese (Colby Jack and cheddar) over the chips. Top with the sliced green onions.

Step 8: Bake, Rest, and Load Up with Freshness
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the tortilla chip topping is golden. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to set. Serve directly from the dish, allowing everyone to top their portion from the fresh garnish bar: diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, olives, a drizzle of crema, pickled jalapeños, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Notes

  • 9×13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish

  • Large mixing bowls

  • Hand mixer or whisk

  • Cheese grater

  • Aluminum foil

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 780
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 1600mg
  • Fat: 42g
  • Carbohydrates: 62g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 42g