Shredded Chicken And Black Bean Casserole

Name: Shredded Chicken And Black Bean Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned); 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend); 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for extra heartiness)

Highlighted under: Home-Cooked Favorites

I absolutely love making this Shredded Chicken and Black Bean Casserole on busy weeknights. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that brings a burst of flavor with every bite. The combination of tender chicken, nutritious black beans, and melty cheese creates a comforting meal that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, it's easy to prepare and can even be made ahead of time, making it a real lifesaver when I need to get dinner on the table quickly.

Created by

Ottilie James

Last updated on 2026-02-24T02:02:37.109Z

When I first made this casserole, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. I started by shredding leftover rotisserie chicken, which not only saves time but also adds incredible flavor. Using canned black beans is another shortcut that doesn't compromise the taste of this dish. I recommend rinsing the beans to reduce sodium and improve the flavor profiles.

Over time, I've tweaked the recipe, adding my favorite spices to elevate the flavor. Each layer of chicken, beans, and cheese melts into a comforting embrace, making it a weeknight favorite in my household. I often serve it with a side salad for a balanced meal that's delicious and fulfilling.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Loaded with nutritious ingredients like beans and chicken
Perfect for meal prep and easy weeknight dinners
Rich, comforting flavors that everyone will love

Perfecting the Texture

To achieve the perfect texture in your casserole, it’s essential to combine the ingredients without overmixing. When you mix together the shredded chicken, black beans, and other components, aim for a cohesive blend that maintains some structure. This technique not only enhances the final texture but also ensures that each bite offers a delightful mix of flavors without one element overpowering the others.

Consider the type of cheese you use; a good melting cheese like cheddar complements the dish beautifully. If you want to step outside the box, try Monterey Jack or a blend for a more varied flavor profile. Just be sure you don't add too much cheese on the first layer to ensure it melts evenly and doesn’t form an overly thick crust.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This casserole makes an excellent meal prep option. You can assemble it a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This not only saves time on busy evenings but also allows the flavors to meld together more richly overnight. When you’re ready to serve, simply remove the wrap and bake according to the original instructions, adding a few extra minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge.

For freezing, you can either freeze the unbaked casserole or already cooked portions. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. When reheating, do so gently in the oven to restore the texture. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the casserole may become soggy. You want to heat it until it's steaming hot throughout, generally about 1-2 minutes in the microwave for individual portions.

Ingredients

Casserole Ingredients

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cooked rice (optional, for extra heartiness)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Layer the Ingredients

In a greased casserole dish, layer half of the chicken mixture, followed by half of the rice (if using) and half of the cheese. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Serve

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your delicious casserole!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add jalapeños to the filling or serve with a side of hot sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Ingredient Variations

While black beans are the star in this casserole, you can easily swap them with pinto beans or kidney beans for a different flair. This flexibility allows you to cater to personal preferences or dietary restrictions. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, consider substituting the rice with cauliflower rice or eliminating it altogether without compromising the casserole's heartiness.

For an extra dash of flavor and nutrition, add some diced bell peppers or spinach to the mixture. These additions not only boost the dish's visual appeal but also enhance its nutritional profile, making your meal even more satisfying and wholesome.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or cornbread to round out the meal. If you’d like to add a bit of freshness, consider serving it with a drizzle of homemade guacamole or a dollop of sour cream on top. This contrast in temperature and texture makes for a more enjoyable dining experience.

For a delightful twist, serve this dish with some tortilla chips or warm tortillas to scoop up the casserole. The combination of the cheesy, comforting casserole with the crunch of chips adds a fun element that makes meal times feel festive, perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen cooked chicken, just be sure to thaw and shred it before mixing it with the other ingredients.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?

Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and use more beans, like pinto or chickpeas, along with extra veggies.

→ Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it.

→ What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad, guacamole, or avocado slices for added creaminess.