Easy Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner: Your New Weeknight Go-To

Craving a comforting weeknight dinner that requires minimal effort? You found it! Discover your new favorite with this straightforward Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner. This recipe brings together robust flavors in one pan, promising maximum satisfaction with minimal cleanup. Prepare to serve a hearty, family-friendly favorite that delivers on taste and simplicity, making your busy evenings much smoother. This is the ultimate solution for a delicious and stress-free meal.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner

This Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner simplifies mealtime without compromising on taste.

• Truly Effortless: Everything goes into one pan, making preparation incredibly simple.
• Minimal Cleanup: Since it’s a one-pan meal, you spend less time washing dishes afterwards.
• Flavorful and Hearty: Enjoy a satisfying blend of textures and bold, Tex-Mex-inspired flavors.
• Highly Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.
• Ideal for Weeknights: Get a wholesome meal on the table even on your busiest evenings, with less stress.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients for this straightforward Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner. Using pre-cooked chicken makes this recipe exceptionally convenient.

• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 2 10 oz. can diced tomatoes with chiles, such as Rotel
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 15.5 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 10 oz bag frozen corn
• 5 cups shredded cooked chicken, from about 1 small rotisserie chicken
• 12 small corn tortillas, cut into quarters
• 1 8 oz. block monterey jack cheese shredded, about 2 cups
• 1/2 cup sour cream, for serving
• 1/3 cup diced red onion, for serving
• 1/3 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro, chopped, for serving

Notes & Substitutions

For the chicken, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience, or shred leftover cooked chicken breast or thighs. If you don’t have Rotel, combine a can of diced tomatoes with a small can of diced green chiles. Black beans work well, but pinto beans or kidney beans are also suitable substitutions in this chicken tortilla bake. You can swap Monterey Jack with cheddar, colby jack, or a Mexican blend. While corn tortillas offer a traditional flavor, flour tortillas cut into strips also work in this comforting dump dinner.

Equipment

Prepare for your cooking adventure by gathering these essential items. You likely have most of these on hand already.

• A sturdy 9×13 inch casserole dish provides ample space for this hearty tortilla casserole.
• A large mixing bowl helps you combine all the ingredients thoroughly before baking.
• Standard measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate ingredient portions for the best results.

Instructions

Yields: 6 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 35 minutes

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). Brush a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish with the canola oil, ensuring the bottom and sides are lightly coated. This prevents sticking and promotes even browning for your Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner.
2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the two cans of diced tomatoes with chiles, chicken broth, chili powder, ground cumin, and kosher salt. Mix these liquid and spice ingredients thoroughly until well combined. This forms the flavorful base for the chicken tortilla bake.
3. Add the drained and rinsed black beans, frozen corn, shredded cooked chicken, and the quartered corn tortilla wedges to the bowl with the tomato mixture. Sprinkle in half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
4. Gently stir all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed and the tortilla pieces are moistened by the liquid. Avoid overmixing, as the tortillas will continue to soften during baking. This ensures every bite of your tortilla casserole is full of flavor.
5. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Spread it into an even layer using a spatula or the back of a spoon. This helps all components cook uniformly and creates a consistent texture throughout this Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner.
6. Loosely cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. Place it into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This initial covered baking period allows the tortillas to soften and all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
7. After 25 minutes, raise the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C). Carefully remove the foil from the casserole dish. This will allow the top to crisp and the cheese to melt and brown.
8. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and tortilla mixture. Return the uncovered dish to the oven.
9. Continue to bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn a light golden brown. The bubbling cheese signifies a perfectly cooked Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner.
10. Remove the casserole from the oven. Top it generously with dollops of sour cream. Sprinkle the diced red onion and chopped fresh cilantro over the top for added freshness and a vibrant garnish. Serve hot and enjoy this satisfying family meal immediately.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner

Master this comforting Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner with these straightforward tips.

• Freshly Shredded Cheese: Shredding your own cheese from a block melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded varieties. Research indicates that anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can impact its melting performance and texture. Learn more about the melting properties of shredded cheese.
• Rotisserie Convenience: Use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save significant time and effort in your preparation.
• Gentle Mixing: Mix the tortillas just enough to coat them. Overmixing can cause them to break down too much before baking.
• Flavor Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amounts of chili powder and cumin to match your preferred spice level.
• Even Layer: Spread the mixture evenly in the casserole dish. This ensures every component bakes at the same rate.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Explore ways to customize and enjoy your Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner long after it’s baked.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this comforting tortilla casserole with extra dollops of sour cream and a side of guacamole for added richness. A simple green salad provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the hearty flavors. You can also pair it with Mexican rice or a side of refried beans for a more substantial meal. This dump dinner recipe is truly versatile.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover chicken tortilla bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave until warmed through. Alternatively, warm larger amounts in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, covering with foil to prevent drying.

Delicious Variations

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced bell peppers or onions into the mixture for extra flavor and texture.
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy more heat, add finely diced fresh jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Go Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add extra beans, cooked lentils, or plant-based crumbles for a meatless option.
• Creamy Texture: Stir in a can of cream of chicken soup with the broth for an even richer, creamier casserole. This enhances the depth of this comforting Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner.

Nutrition Information (Estimated)

This Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner offers a satisfying and flavorful meal. This estimated nutrition information provides a general idea of the values per serving. It’s important to remember that exact figures can vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions you use. For precise nutritional data, consider using an online nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients. These values are approximate per serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use raw chicken in this recipe?

This recipe calls for cooked chicken, as the bake time is insufficient for raw chicken to cook safely. Use pre-cooked, shredded chicken like rotisserie chicken for best results. The USDA provides comprehensive guidelines for safe minimum internal temperatures to ensure poultry is cooked thoroughly. Refer to their safe minimum internal temperatures for poultry.

Can I make this dump dinner ahead of time?

You can assemble the mixture in the casserole dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What if I don’t have Rotel tomatoes?

Combine a can of regular diced tomatoes with a small can of diced green chiles and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This creates a similar flavor profile for your chicken tortilla casserole.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner is naturally gluten-free if you use corn tortillas, as specified. Always check ingredient labels for hidden gluten.

Can I freeze leftover chicken tortilla casserole?

Yes, freeze individual portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Conclusion

You now have a straightforward, flavor-packed solution for those busy evenings. This Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner delivers comfort and satisfaction with minimal fuss. Embrace the simplicity of one-pan cooking and treat your family to a hearty meal that everyone will appreciate. Give this recipe a try tonight and enjoy a stress-free, flavorful dinner that truly becomes a weeknight champion.

Easy Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner

A cheesy, hearty, one-pan Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights. Loaded with Tex-Mex flavors, this comforting casserole is a family favorite with minimal prep and cleanup!

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Course: Casserole, Dinner

Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Calories: 475

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 Tbsp canola oil
• 2 10 oz cans diced tomatoes with chiles (e.g., Rotel)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 15.5 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 10 oz bag frozen corn
• 5 cups shredded cooked chicken (e.g., rotisserie chicken)
• 12 small corn tortillas, quartered
• 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup sour cream, for serving
• 1/3 cup diced red onion, for serving
• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for serving

Equipment

• 9x13 inch casserole dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Aluminum foil

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush a 9×13-inch casserole dish with canola oil to prevent sticking.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the diced tomatoes with chiles, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, and salt until well combined.
3. Add black beans, frozen corn, shredded chicken, quartered tortillas, and half the cheese. Gently mix until evenly coated.
4. Transfer mixture to the greased dish and spread into an even layer.
5. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
6. Raise oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove foil and top with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
7. Top with dollops of sour cream, red onion, and chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Use shredded rotisserie chicken for ease. Swap Monterey Jack for cheddar or a Mexican blend. Substitute pinto beans or add diced jalapeños for heat. Flour tortillas can be used in place of corn tortillas if needed.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com