Life gets hectic, and finding time to cook a homemade meal can feel impossible. This Easy One-Pan Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner comes to the rescue! It is a flavorful, fuss-free solution that takes minimal effort and delivers maximum satisfaction. You will love how quickly this hearty Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner comes together, leaving you with delicious Tex-Mex flavors and hardly any cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner
Busy weeknights call for simple solutions, and this recipe delivers every time. This Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner will quickly become a family favorite in your home.
- Quick Preparation: Get dinner in the oven in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Pantry Staples: Uses ingredients you likely already have, including cooked chicken.
- Family-Friendly: Mildly spiced and easily customizable to suit everyone’s taste buds.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything bakes in one dish, making washing up a breeze.
- Comforting Flavors: Enjoy warm, cheesy, and satisfying Tex-Mex goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your fantastic Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner. The combination of spices, beans, corn, and chicken wrapped in tortillas creates a robust flavor profile everyone will enjoy. For a deeper dive into the nutritional value, explore the many nutritional benefits of black beans, a key ingredient in this dish.
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 2 10 oz. cans 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
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 1/3 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro, chopped
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with many of the ingredients for this easy chicken tortilla bake. If you do not have Rotel, use a can of diced tomatoes mixed with a small can of diced green chiles and a pinch of cayenne. Vegetable broth works great in place of chicken broth for a different flavor. Feel free to adjust the chili powder or add a dash of smoked paprika for extra depth.
Cannellini beans or pinto beans can substitute black beans. Fresh corn sliced from the cob or canned corn (drained) also works instead of frozen. Leftover shredded chicken from dinner or even canned chicken can replace rotisserie chicken. Flour tortillas are an option, but corn tortillas hold their shape better in this cheesy chicken casserole. Try a Mexican cheese blend or sharp cheddar instead of Monterey Jack. For garnishes, consider sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Equipment
You need only a few basic kitchen tools for this quick and easy dump dinner. These items make preparation and cooking simple.
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
Creating this delicious Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these easy steps for a satisfying meal.
- Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Dish.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, take your 9×13-inch casserole dish and brush it generously with the canola oil. This prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup for your chicken tortilla bake.
- Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients.In a large mixing bowl, combine the two cans of diced tomatoes with chiles (Rotel), the chicken broth, chili powder, ground cumin, and kosher salt. Stir these ingredients until they are well combined and fragrant. This mixture forms the flavor base for your dump dinner.
- Step 3: Add Main Ingredients.To the same large bowl, add the drained and rinsed black beans, frozen corn, and the shredded cooked chicken. Next, toss in the quartered corn tortilla wedges. Finally, add half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir all these ingredients gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed and the tortillas are moistened by the sauce. This ensures every bite of your easy chicken tortilla dinner is full of flavor.
- Step 4: Transfer to Dish.Carefully transfer the entire mixture from the bowl into your prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the mixture into an even layer across the bottom of the dish. This promotes even cooking.
- Step 5: First Bake.Loosely cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. Place it into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This initial bake allows the flavors to meld and the tortillas to soften.
- Step 6: Final Bake & Cheese.After 25 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Carefully remove the foil from the dish. Sprinkle the remaining half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the chicken tortilla dump dinner. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and continue baking for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and just starting to brown and bubble.
- Step 7: Garnish & Serve.Once the chicken casserole is golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven. Dollop spoonfuls of sour cream over the top. Then, sprinkle generously with the diced red onion and chopped fresh cilantro. Serve this hot and delicious Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner immediately for the best experience.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Make your chicken tortilla dinner perfect every time with these helpful tips. Avoid common pitfalls for a successful meal.
Tips for Success
- Shred Chicken Easily: Use two forks to shred cooked chicken quickly, or place warm cooked chicken in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment for seconds.
- Good Quality Rotel: Invest in good quality diced tomatoes with chiles; they are the heart of this dish’s flavor.
- Don’t Overmix Tortillas: Stir just enough to coat the tortillas. Overmixing can cause them to break down too much.
- Ensure Even Layer: Spreading the mixture evenly in the dish promotes consistent cooking and prevents dry spots.
- Rest Briefly: Let the Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Undercooking or Overcooking: Follow bake times closely. An undercooked dish will be watery, an overcooked one dry.
- Too Much Liquid: Stick to the specified broth amount. Excess liquid can make the tortillas soggy.
- Forgetting to Cover First Bake: Covering initially traps steam, helping the tortillas soften and absorb flavors without drying out.
- Not Enough Seasoning: Taste the initial sauce mixture and adjust salt and spices as needed before adding other ingredients.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
This versatile Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner is perfect for any occasion. Adapt it to your taste or store it for delicious leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors. You can also set up an extra toppings bar with fresh salsa, guacamole, extra sour cream, and hot sauce. For a more substantial meal, offer sides of Mexican rice or a bowl of crispy tortilla chips for scooping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Following proper food safety practices is crucial for enjoying leftovers safely, as detailed in the USDA guidelines for safe storage of leftovers. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick meal.
Variations
- Protein Swaps: Substitute shredded cooked chicken with cooked ground beef, ground turkey, or even cooked shredded pork for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Boosts: Sauté diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini and add them to the mixture for extra nutrients and texture in your cheesy chicken casserole.
- Spice Level: Kick up the heat by adding a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, or a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick in your chicken tortilla bake.
- Creamy Version: Stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with the wet ingredients for an extra creamy and indulgent casserole.
Nutrition Information
Please note that the following nutrition information is an estimate only. It is calculated based on the ingredients listed and may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods. For precise nutritional values, we recommend using a reliable nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients. This Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner offers a good source of protein and fiber.
| Amount Per Serving (1 serving) | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Total Fat | 27 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 110 mg |
| Sodium | 1200 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 39 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8 g |
| Total Sugars | 6 g |
| Protein | 34 g |
FAQ
You have questions, and we have answers about this easy Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner! Here are some common inquiries.
- Can I make this ahead?
- Yes, absolutely! Assemble the entire casserole in the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to the initial bake time if baking from cold.
- What if I don’t have Rotel?
- Combine one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes with one 4-ounce can of diced green chiles. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat.
- Can I use flour tortillas?
- You can, but corn tortillas tend to hold their shape better and offer a more authentic Tex-Mex flavor. If using flour, choose small ones and cut them into quarters.
- Is this dish spicy?
- This recipe is generally mild, using chili powder for flavor rather than intense heat. You can easily increase the spice by adding more chili powder or a diced jalapeño.
- How to prevent soggy tortillas?
- Ensure you spread the mixture evenly in the dish so all tortillas are coated with liquid but not submerged. Also, avoid overmixing the tortillas into the sauce.
Conclusion
This Easy One-Pan Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner truly simplifies weeknight cooking without compromising on flavor. Its blend of convenience, hearty ingredients, and delicious Tex-Mex taste makes it an instant favorite for busy parents and beginners alike. We hope you try this fantastic recipe soon! Share your experiences and ratings in the comments below; we love hearing from you.
Easy One-Pan Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush a 9×13 inch casserole dish with canola oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together diced tomatoes with chiles, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, and salt.
- To the bowl, add black beans, corn, shredded chicken, quartered tortillas, and half the shredded cheese. Stir gently until combined and coated.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly for uniform cooking.
- Cover dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to meld flavors and soften tortillas.
- Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Remove foil, sprinkle on remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for 10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven. Top with sour cream, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.
Notes
Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.
