Name: Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: Cooked chicken, shredded; Corn tortillas, cut into strips; Black beans, drained and rinsed; Corn kernels, drained; Salsa; Enchilada sauce; Cheddar cheese, shredded; Cream cheese; Cilantro, chopped; Cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper

Busy weeknights call for meals that are both quick to prepare and satisfying to eat. The Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner fits this bill perfectly, offering a deliciously simple way to bring a flavorful, comforting meal to the table with minimal effort. This one-dish wonder combines tender chicken, robust spices, and crunchy tortillas, all layered together and baked to create a dish that's full of texture and taste.

This recipe takes the concept of a "dump dinner" to a delicious new level. With no need for sautéing or pre-cooking ingredients, it's as easy as layering everything in a baking dish and letting the oven do the work. The result is a hearty, Tex-Mex inspired casserole that's sure to please the whole family. It's a fantastic option for those evenings when you want a warm, homemade meal but don't have the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs, cut into bite-sized pieces)
Black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed)
Corn (1 can, drained, or 1 cup frozen)
Salsa (2 cups)
Red bell pepper (1, diced)
Onion (1 medium, diced)
Cumin (1 tsp)
Chili powder (1 tsp)
Garlic powder (½ tsp)
Salt and pepper to taste
Flour tortillas (6, cut into strips)
Cheddar cheese (2 cups, shredded)
Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Sour cream (for serving, optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish lightly with oil or non-stick spray.
Layer Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, spread out the cut chicken pieces in an even layer. Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Add the diced onions and bell pepper over the chicken. Pour the black beans and corn evenly over the top.
Add Salsa and Tortillas: Pour the salsa over the entire mixture, making sure to cover all the ingredients. This will help keep everything moist as it cooks. Scatter the cut strips of flour tortillas over the salsa, creating a rustic top layer that will absorb some of the sauce and provide a slight crunch.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return to the oven, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot, with dollops of sour cream on the side if you like.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner is a self-contained meal but can be paired with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to add a fresh, zesty contrast to the hearty casserole. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside some Mexican rice or a bowl of guacamole and chips.

Conclusion

The Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner is the epitome of convenience cooking without sacrificing taste or quality. It's a versatile recipe that can be tweaked with different spices or added vegetables depending on what's available in your pantry. Whether you're feeding a family or just looking for an easy meal to wind down your day, this casserole promises satisfaction with every bite. Enjoy the rich flavors and simple preparation of this delightful dinner option!