There’s something magical about a one-pot meal, don’t you think? The simplicity of tossing everything together and letting the oven do the work is a lifesaver on those busy weeknights. My family can’t get enough of this *chicken tortilla dump dinner*. It’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to whip up. I remember the first time I made it; I was juggling work and the kids’ after-school activities, and I needed a meal that wouldn’t take all evening. One bite of the cheesy, flavorful layers, and everyone was hooked! Trust me, it’s perfect for those nights when you just want a delicious dinner without the fuss. You’re going to love how quickly this comes together and how clean your kitchen stays!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze for this chicken tortilla dump dinner. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (leftover or rotisserie works great!)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend or your favorite)
- 1 package (8 oz) corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (feel free to adjust based on your spice preference)
That’s it! You’ll have a hearty meal ready to go in no time. Make sure to check your pantry for these staples before you start; I promise, it’s worth it!
How to Prepare Instructions
Getting this *chicken tortilla dump dinner* ready is quick and straightforward, making it perfect for those hectic evenings. Let’s dive into the steps!
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important to ensure everything bakes evenly.
- While the oven is heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. The aroma will get you excited!
- Now, take a greased baking dish (about 9×13 inches works well) and layer half of the tortilla strips at the bottom. This creates a delicious base.
- Next, spread your chicken mixture evenly over the tortilla layer. Make sure to get every last bit out of that bowl—it’s packed with flavor!
- Top it off by layering the remaining tortilla strips over the chicken mixture. Don’t be shy; this adds great texture!
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top. Who doesn’t love a melty cheese layer?
- Pop the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is all melted and bubbly! Trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You’ll have a cozy, hearty meal that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This meal comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one baking dish. Less mess means more time to relax!
- Delicious Flavors: The combination of seasoned chicken, zesty tomatoes, and melted cheese creates a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- Customizable: Feel free to throw in your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your family’s tastes.
- Hearty and Filling: This dish is not only satisfying but also packed with protein to keep everyone fueled!
Tips for Success
To make your *chicken tortilla dump dinner* even more amazing, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, don’t hesitate to get creative with the ingredients. If you have leftover roasted veggies or some chopped bell peppers, toss them in for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also switch up the cheese—try pepper jack for a spicy kick or a creamy queso blend for something a bit different.
If you want to amp up the flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice or some chopped cilantro before serving. It brightens everything up beautifully! And for those who love a little crunch, crushed tortilla chips sprinkled on top right before serving adds a delightful texture. Remember, this recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust it to your family’s tastes. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information Section
While I always recommend enjoying your meals without stress, it’s good to know what you’re eating! Here’s an estimate of the nutritional values for one serving of this *chicken tortilla dump dinner*: around 400 calories, 15g of fat, 30g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind these values can vary based on specific ingredients used!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken, but it will require a bit more time in the oven. Just make sure to thaw it completely before shredding, as this helps with even cooking and flavor absorption. If you’re in a pinch and need to cook it from frozen, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Just keep an eye on that cheese—it should be melty and bubbly when it’s ready!
What can I serve with this dish?
This *chicken tortilla dump dinner* is a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, I suggest serving it with a fresh side salad or some guacamole and tortilla chips for that extra crunch. You could also whip up some Mexican-style rice or a zesty corn salad to complement those flavors beautifully. Trust me, your family will love the variety!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You sure can! To make this dish ahead of time, just prepare everything up to the baking step. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, simply pop it in the oven straight from the fridge—just allow a few extra minutes of baking time. It’s a great way to save time on busy days while still enjoying a homemade meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your *chicken tortilla dump dinner* is super simple! Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it too! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and it should last for about 2 months.
When you’re ready to reheat, you can pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option. Just cover it with a microwave-safe lid to prevent splatters. Enjoy your easy, delicious meal again!
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Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner: 5 Reasons You’ll Love It
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and hearty one-pot meal featuring chicken and tortillas.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 package corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning.
- Layer half of the tortilla strips in a greased baking dish.
- Spread the chicken mixture over the tortillas.
- Add the remaining tortilla strips on top.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken tortilla dump dinner