Skinny Chicken Taco Casserole 🇲🇽🍲

This Skinny Chicken Taco Casserole is a delightful and healthy twist on traditional tacos, packed with flavor but light on calories! It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. The layers of seasoned chicken, beans, and vibrant veggies make for a satisfying dish that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings!

Ingredients

For the casserole

• 1 lb lean ground chicken
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (low sodium)
• 1 small red bell pepper, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 6 whole wheat tortillas, cut into strips
• 1 cup low-fat shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

For the toppings

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced jalapeños
• Avocado slices or guacamole
• Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add the veggies & beans: Stir in the diced onion, bell peppers, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and everything is evenly mixed.

   🥄 Incorporating different bell peppers can add a burst of color and variety to your casserole. Feel free to use yellow or orange for a sweeter flavor!

4. Assemble the casserole: In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the tortilla strips at the bottom. Pour half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with half of the cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.

5. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Serve and enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and avocado or Greek yogurt as desired.

   🧊 For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of lime juice over the top before serving!

Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the ground chicken with quinoa or extra beans for a hearty plant-based version. 🌱
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for an added kick!
• Cheesy: Experiment with different types of cheese or add a layer of cream cheese for creaminess.
• Freezer-friendly: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and freeze it before baking. Just thaw and bake when you're ready for a quick meal!

This Skinny Chicken Taco Casserole is bound to be a family favorite. Enjoy the flavors of tacos in a wholesome, easy-to-make, casserole form!