A flavorful dish combines tender chicken with hearty black beans and a kick of spice for a satisfying meal. It's easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner that everyone will love.
Prep Time15 min
Cook Time30 min
Total Time45 min
Difficulty
Medium
Cooking Techniques
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier results.
Rinse canned black beans well to reduce excess salt.
Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
Ingredients
0/13
Why This Dish Is Worth Trying
Full of bold flavors and a perfect balance of spicy and savory. It’s hearty and satisfying, making it great for a family dinner or meal prep. Plus, it combines protein and beans in one easy bake.
Step 1
Gently heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a big bowl, mix together the chicken, red bell pepper, red onion, sour cream, cream cheese, taco seasoning, and a pinch of salt until everything’s well combined. In another bowl, stir the black beans with hot water and cumin, then mash them roughly with a fork so it’s all mixed but still a bit chunky.
Step 2
Grab a 9x9-inch baking dish and layer three tortillas on the bottom. Spread half of the salsa over the tortillas, then half of the black bean mixture, and finally half of the chicken mix. Repeat the layers one more time, finishing with the chicken on top. Sprinkle the whole thing with mozzarella cheese.
Step 3
Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, until the top is nice and golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before digging in—it helps everything set and makes it easier to serve.
65
people cooked this recipe
ByRyan Parker
Ryan shares simple recipes made for everyday cooking and easy family meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of fluffy rice or warm tortillas to soak up the sauce. A fresh green salad or avocado slices also pair well and help cool down the spice.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the chicken tender. This bake can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked shredded chicken?
Yes, just cook and shred the chicken before mixing with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for jalapeno-flavored cream cheese?
You can use regular cream cheese plus a small amount of chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce.
How spicy is this dish?
It has a mild to moderate spice level, mainly from the jalapeno cream cheese and taco seasoning.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it the night before, cover, and refrigerate; bake it fresh when ready.
What type of salsa works best for this recipe?
A medium or hot salsa works well to complement the spicy flavors.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, but corn tortillas may be less flexible and could break when layering.
How do I prevent the bake from getting soggy?
Make sure to drain the beans well and avoid adding extra liquid to keep layers from becoming too wet.
Start your day with a warm and comforting bowl that's both nutritious and delicious. This simple blend of creamy peanut butter, ripe bananas, and hear...
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Snacks
Meals
Drinks
Vegan
