Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner

If there’s one recipe that’s going to rescue your weeknight sanity, it’s this Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner. We’re talking bold flavors, minimal cleanup, and that magical moment when the whole family actually agrees on dinner (a rare unicorn, I know). It’s the kind of dish that feels like you fussed over it for hours, when in reality, you just tossed everything together and let the oven do the heavy lifting.

This recipe is my go-to when life gets busy—which, let’s be honest, is most of the time. Whether you’re juggling soccer practice, work deadlines, or just the kind of day where even folding laundry feels like climbing Everest, this dish will have your back.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner

Let’s break it down:

• Effort level: Minimal (you’ll have time to sip that iced tea).
• Flavor level: Sky-high, thanks to cumin, chili powder, and salsa doing the heavy lifting.
• Cleanup level: Practically nonexistent. Just one skillet and one baking dish—because nobody dreams of doing dishes after dinner.
• Kid approval: Off the charts. Even picky eaters will go back for seconds.

It’s like taco night, casserole night, and comfort food night all got together and decided to be best friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• Chopped cilantro and sour cream for garnish (optional)

How To Make Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner

1. Preheat & prep. Turn your oven on to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, take a deep breath—this is going to be easy.
2. Sauté the veggies. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Let them soften for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the flavor base. Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic. Stir and cook for another minute until the spices smell amazing (your kitchen will smell like a fiesta).
4. Mix it all in. Add the diced tomatoes with chilies, black beans, corn, shredded chicken, and salsa. Stir well and heat through for about 3–4 minutes.
5. Layer the magic. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half the crushed tortilla chips. Pour the chicken mixture over the chips, then top with the rest of the chips and all that glorious shredded cheese.
6. Bake to bubbly perfection. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
7. Garnish & serve. Add chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if you’re feeling fancy. Serve hot and watch it disappear.

Aneta’s Kitchen Tip

Don’t worry if your chip layer isn’t perfectly even—this is a dump dinner, not a fine art project. Also, if you’re out of Mexican cheese blend, cheddar works beautifully (and yes, I’ve been there).

This recipe was born out of one of those “use what you have” nights, and now it’s the dish my kids ask for most. Bonus: it reheats like a dream for next-day lunches.

FAQs About Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner

Your Next Family Favorite

There’s something magical about a Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner—it’s bold, comforting, and as easy as tossing a few things in a dish. The cheesy, crunchy, salsa-kissed layers will make this a permanent fixture in your dinner rotation.

And the best part? You’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time at the table, which is where the real magic happens.

More Recipes to Try After Your Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner

If you loved the flavors and easy prep of this Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner, you’ll definitely want to explore these other crowd-pleasing recipes. Each one offers a delicious twist while keeping things simple in the kitchen:

• Warm up on a chilly evening with a creamy bowl of Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup—rich, comforting, and perfect with crusty bread.
• For another set-it-and-forget-it favorite, try the Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken—sweet, savory, and ready when you are.
• Keep the Mexican-inspired vibe going with a zesty Taco Rice Bowl that’s perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings.
• Switch things up with a flavor-packed Cuban Chicken—bright, citrusy, and just the right amount of garlicky goodness.

Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a review to share your tips, tweaks, and rave-worthy results. And don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for daily chicken inspiration, dinner ideas, and plenty of kitchen magic you can save for later.

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