Casseroles are my family’s feel-good food and I serve them all the time. In just minutes, I can put one together and have it baking in the oven, and it’s a super easy way to make sure we get some quality protein in our diet.
For instance, this Chicken Taco Casserole with Orzo uses a can of premium chunk white chicken. Yep, quality protein is in the can!
The latest dietary guidelines recommend that protein make up about one-quarter of the diet and should include lean cuts of meats and poultry, most types of seafood, and plant sources such as beans, nuts and legumes.
Most of us have favorite family recipes using canned proteins. Since canned goods are so casserole-friendly, I have a cantry full of them at all times.
Protein aids with muscle and tissue health, but some research suggests it may play a role in satiety, weight management and even energy. I’m definitely one of the nine in 10 Americans who feel fuller and satisfied longer with a meal containing protein.
So crack open some cans and get cooking!
You could be having this for dinner!
Chicken Taco Casserole with Orzo
Ingredients
- 1 14.5 ounce can chicken broth
- 1 10 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 pkg taco seasoning mix I like spicy
- 1 cup dried orzo
- 1 12.5 oz can premium chunk white chicken
- ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In medium saucepan, add chicken broth, tomatoes (undrained), taco seasoning mix and orzo and bring to a boil. Stir in chicken.
- Pour into a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish. Bake covered for 30 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese and bake uncovered for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cover until serving.
Nutrition
It’s an easy-to-make nutritious dinner the entire family will love right out of the Cantry.
Here are a few tips from Cans Get You Cooking to inspire you on the way to other healthy homemade meals:
Get creative! All you need for an easy, healthy home-cooked meal is a can opener, a strainer and some imagination. A salad becomes a meal with some canned chicken or salmon; pasta paired with canned crushed tomatoes and some spices make a savory entrée or side dish.
Use MyPlate as your meal planning guide Strive to comprise each meal with about one-quarter protein, one-quarter grains (preferably whole grains), and half fruits and vegetables. Canned fruits and vegetables are all excellent choices, since the nutrition, freshness and flavor are locked in at the peak of harvest. Canned chicken, tuna, salmon and clams are also excellent lean proteins – pre-cooked and ready to go. Don’t forget that canned beans count as a protein or a vegetable!
Have some go-to recipes. A well-stocked Cantry can offer a treasure trove of creative and nutritious meals to keep you cooking throughout the week. Keep a handful of tried-and-true, easy recipes using Cantry essentials on hand when time is tight. Visit CansGetYouCooking.com or the Cans Get You Cooking Pinterest page for ideas.
Surrender (some) authority to children Take meal preparation one step further by having children plan healthy meals and snacks for the family. Rotate among family members – kids included – in choosing what the family will eat on certain nights, or ask the children for input into healthy snacks to keep on hand.
Liz says
I made this tonight for dinner. For those who commented they thought this looked good and would like to try it I would say you should definitely give it a try. I made my own taco seasoning and used 1 TBLSPN of the seasoning. I added about a 1/2 cup of sautéed onion. This was very easy to make and the directions were clear. I increased the cheese on top and baked it 10 minutes uncovered after adding the cheese. Excellent use of canned chicken for an easy and tasty meal. I used the same round 2/12 qt white Corning casserole shown in the directions.
Marilyn says
It was too spicy for my family,but I liked it more for me lol!! 😂😂
Liz says
I love the kick of heat too, and I love your “more for me” attitude! You could cut the spice back for the family next time… or not. lol
Marilyn says
Do you have to drain the can of chicken?
Liz says
I do drain mine out of habit, yes.
Kimm at Reinvented says
That looks great! My family loves anything with Rotel.
Thanks for sharing at Funtastic Friday!
sual cevap says
This is my kind of dish – simple and easy to make and looks absolutely delishious!
A says
Is Orzo gluten free? Thank You
Latoicha says
This looks so yummy! I would love to try this recipe. I love orzo.
Annie {Stowed Stuff} says
This looks delicious. We love having Orzo instead of your typical rice!
Raijean says
Why are you doing this to me, this looks so good and I’m trying to lose this weight. I gotta try it.
Lexie Lane says
I would have seconds and thirds if that was in front of me. Yum! It looks cheesy and full of flavor! I’m bookmarking this for sure!
Chasing Joy says
This recipe seems easy enough. I just might try it.
Ashley @irishred02 says
I want one of these! Pinning recipe for later
Erin Kennedy says
I love taco anything and I adore Orzo! I never thought of combining two of my favorites! This is a fantastic recipe! I can’t wait to make it!
Candy O says
Oh i’ve never used orzo before. I need to break out of my rice and give orzo a try.
Krysten says
OMG that looks SO darn good. I totally need to try that, I think my husband would love it!
Lisa Rios says
This one looks very much delicious. Both my husband & my kids loves chicken the most. I have never tried this recipe before. Would love to try this for this weekend.
Kendra says
We love casseroles! Yours looks so delicious!
Gabriel says
Interesting. I’ve never thought to do a taco casserole, especially one with chicken instead of beef.
April G says
I’ve never made a casserole, but I think I should try with this one. Yum. Sounds delicious.
Beth says
This looks really delicious and easy to make. Will give it a try someday!
Karen W says
This looks quite tasty. I am thinking I could probably use my left over chicken with this. We are always looking for new ideas to go with our leftover chicken.
Jeana B. says
I’m making this on one of my busy days. I’m trying your recipe as is.
Esther says
Yummy. That looks super delicious. This would be a perfect addition to my weekly meal plans. I will try this out next week to see if it will become a regular.
Fariha N. says
I never thought of using orzo in a casserole. This looks really good. My kids would love this and it seems quick and easy!
Jeska says
Guess who has all the ingredients and is ready for dinner tonight?! This momma, that’s who!
Tracey says
This is a fabulous dish! I am making it tonight, actually😉
Erika says
This looks like a great recipe for when we are short on time and need something simple and hearty. True comfort food.
Amanda Ripsam says
I have yet to try Orzo it looks really good I love a good Chicken casserole.
Carly Brydon says
This chicken taco casserole looks delicious! I love that you used orzo pasta in it!
Ann Bacciaglia says
This is such a great recipe. I will have to try making this on the weekend. i love using canned goods to help create a meal.
kristin says
Looks very good and easy. Will have to give it a try!
lena says
This looks like a great dinner – simple and delicious!
Amber C says
Oh that looks SO yummy!!! I need to get back to expanding my recipes for casserole!!!
Erinn S says
This is a great way to make orzo. Looks delicious
Holly @ Woman Tribune says
This is a totally unique dinner idea. We don’t have anything like this very often, but it looks delicious.
Terri Ramsey Beavers says
Goodness gracious, that looks so tasty and tempting. The photos made my tummy growl. I’ll have to try this, I bet it would be great to bake ahead and serve after church for a quick meal. Thanks so much.
Keianna says
Mmmm. I’ll be making this soon. Thanks so much for sharing!
Rosey says
I like comfort foods that are fast too. I think this looks and sounds really good.
Ron Leyba says
Wow! How I wish I can try making this soon! Sounds delicious!~
R U S S says
My family is a huge fan of casseroles. Gosh, it’s almost midnight here right now and looking at your Chicken Taco Casserole is not a good idea. Looks really good!
R U S S says
That looks just divine and I would love to prepare this Chicken Taco Casserole for one of my wine night with friends. I was thinking it may be good with Sangria too.
katrina g says
sign me up, that looks amazing!
Lesley F says
This looks so good and I like how easy it seems to put together
Jessica Simms says
This looks so delicious and easy to make! Definitely a good quick dinner option for me!
lena says
This is my kind of dish – simple and easy to make and looks absolutely delishious!
Rebel Sweetheart says
Thanks for sharing the recipe! Will give this dish a try. 🙂
Jerusha (TheDisneyChef.com) says
That looks so yummy! I love that the components are easy and straight forward, but it still gives a unique tasting final dish. The fact that it comes together pretty quickly is a big win too! – Jerusha, TheDisneyChef.com
Paula Bendfeldt Diaz says
This casserole looks delicious, ideal for busy weeknights.
kath g says
I want to make this tonight. I have all the ingredients except orzo, so I’ll try pasta or rice as a substitute? It sounds like it might be okay with either. I like all the flavors listed in the recipe and I can’ imagine that either would turn out badly — or maybe I’ll add a little of both…
Tiffany says
This looks so good and easy. Tonight I just told my husband that I could eat Mexican every night!
Katherine says
That looks great. I would sub the orzo for rice though since it gives me a bellyache
catherine c. says
It looks good I ‘ll try to do in the coming Saturday thank you for sharing your recipe it will great
Aubrey says
This looks really good. I have never seen anything like it. Definitely need to make it.
Adriana Martin says
I love orzo but never thought of that combination, looks very tasty I wish I was invited for dinner =)
Camesha says
Must try! I love orzo. My kids could get into this. Seems like an easy week night dish. Pinning!
Vera Sweeney says
This looks delicious!! This would be a great dinner for when the kids are back to school!
Lauren Harmon says
Wow, this casserole looks AMAZING! I can’t wait to try it and the fact that it’s so easy to make is awesome!
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
I love recipes that combine Mexican and Italian ideas! One of my husband’s favorite dishes that I make is Mexican lasagna!
Donna says
We love Mexican food, so this will be added to my to make list soon. I’ve never made orzo before, and I’m not sure if I’ve ever eaten before, so I’m looking forward to trying it.
Sally K Witt says
Interesting recipe. Easy, and simple ingredients that work in a budget. This is my first time on your blog, and I am very impressed. Thank you.
Michelle Hwee says
Oh this looks delicious!! I definitely want to try this, so many great foods all in one!!
tonygreene113 says
I think I could even attempt to make this for me and my son.
Elizabeth O. says
Me too! It looks so easy to do.
Lily Kwan says
This recipe looks very tasty. Thanks for sharing!
Annie M says
Chicken tacos, yum. I’ve never really tried orzo before. Is it like tiny pasta?
Mykidsguide says
I have never tried Orzo, too. I use rice more. I’d love to try it.
Maggie says
That looks delicious! I have been wanting to experiment with orzo but wasn’t sure what to do. I will be trying this for sure!
Uplifting Families says
This recipe looks delicious. I’m going to have to try it. I’ll have to find another chicken option, my husband thinks canned chicken smells horrible.
Carol Bryant says
Chicken is a meat that so much can be done with – sadly I am a terrible cook but this recipe inspires me. Orzo is yummy.
Nicci says
I agree that the kids need some hands-on time in the kitchen. And let them pick out brightly colored veggies at the store too. Thanks for sharing your recipe. I haven’t tried Orzo, so this will be new for us.
Cindy (Vegetarian Mamma) says
This looks like a yummy and easy to make recipe. I am always looking for one dish meals like this!
Curtis Joseph says
I would love to try something like this, I am a big fan of Mexican style food.
Maureen says
This sounds amazing. I have a trip planned to the store and will be picking up the ingredients to give this a try.
Allie D. says
This looks so easy to make! Can’t wait to make this for dinner tomorrow! We have all the ingredients already! Saves a trip to the store.
Nupur says
I would love to make it for our next potluck it looks very tempting and delicious I am sure it would be a hit
Toughcookiemommy says
This casserole looks so delicious and full of flavors. I love the combinations of chicken and taco flavors.
coolchillmom says
This looks amazingly good. We sure love our orzo and this is a great addition to our menu
Lee says
This! This looks delicious and perfect and so incredibly brilliant. Casseroles are a standard and have been for 100 years for a reason. They are easy and good.
Lee
Stephanie Harriel says
YUMMY!! I never would have thought to substitute orzo!!
Richard Hicks says
This looks really good and I think I might even be able to prepare it!
April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutrition says
I think I need to make some of this right away! We love taco anything and could eat it every day!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
This looks amazing. I am going to be surprising my family with this – we just discovered Orzo about 2 weeks ago. So they will just love this. thanks for sharing!
Kathy says
Yummy! Now this looks really delicious. I think my kids would really enjoy this as well. I’m going to have to bookmark this one and save for later.
Alicia says
This looks delish and something my family would love!
Toughcookiemommy says
I think that my family would love it too. I also love that it is something easy I can prepare on a work night.
Becca Wilson says
I have been meaning to try more dishes with Orzo. Thanks so much for sharing this one.
Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins says
Wow, Liz! You done did it again! I just know my husband would love this and the fact that it looks easy to make is a win-win for me.
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
I love casseroles. This looks like a great recipe.
Mandi says
This sounds like something my crew would love! I will have to make this, I’ve been looking for some new things to try that are easy!
Felissa@ Two Little Cavaliers says
I love these simple recipes. They are usually the ones that are the best. I will try this one out soon.
Star Traci says
That looks positively delicious! I am printing that recipe and will be making it next week. YUM! YUM! YUM!
🙂
Traci
Jessica says
Oh my… This looks SO good! Anything with cheese in it is a winner with me! 😉
Amber Edwards says
Oh my goodness, that casserole looks delicious. I’m normally not one for casseroles, but this one looks like one we may like to try!
Ora Lee Gurr says
What a delicious recipe you’ve provided for a tasty, nutritious casserole. I appreciate quick and easy when the weather is hot (which it is).
aimee fauci says
First time I ‘ve heard of Cantry, pretty clever. I mainly use beans and corn and tomatoes. I always rinse my beans first and then sauce them up.
Kari says
This looks really good! Pinning recipe and definitely want to try it out.
Pam says
These look easy and delicious. I have no problem cooking with canned food. There are some chili and pasta dishes family loves.
Lisa @bitesforbabies says
This looks fantastic! I love making baked pasta. I think orzo is a great choice because it cooks evenly and even if you overcook it, it’s still delicious!
Mistee Dawn says
Yum! This looks delicious! I have never tried chicken, taco and orzo all together. It looks amazing though. Will have to make this recipe soon!
Censie says
I like making one dish meals and this one looks so delicious and easy! Added it to my meal plan
Shauna says
Oh my goodness, I have a very soft spot for orzo. It is so soft and yummy… This recipe sounds amazing… I will totally be trying this. Thanks for sharing…
Gingermommy says
Oh this sounds delicious! We love tacos and chicken. I bet my family would enjoy this
CAROL CASSARA says
That looks easy enough! And I like the orzo addition.
Seattle Travel Blogger says
That’s a delicious looking recipe and it looks easy to make too! Those are the types of recipes that I like!
Maureen says
I like cooking with orzo. THis meal looks really good.
Mama to 5 Blessings says
That looks amazing, I love Mexican food! Looks super easy to make too!
Angela says
I love casseroles too! They are usually easy to make and feed many-the perfect meal! This one looks SO good!
Stefanie says
Looks delicious! I make taco soup from my Cantry!
Mama to 5 Blessings says
What a great recipe. I love orzo, it is so much better than rice!
becca says
Oh my this looks so good. I had to pin to save for later. I am definitely making this.
Sicorra@NotNowMomsBusy says
This meal looks delicious Liz! I love anything with chicken and cheese.
BellaVidaLetty says
I haven’t had yummy orzo in such a long time. This sounds so good.
Ida says
YUM! I’m not a big casserole person but this looks really delicious. I like that you used Orzo too!
Dana Rodriguez says
This sounds delicious.I will be trying this very soon!
Heather says
We are bringing a meal to someone on Monday. This will be perfect. Thanks!
desirae young says
I am so pining this for later! We are huge mexican recipe fans 🙂
Valerie says
I am always looking for easy and inexpensive meals. This fits both and looks delicious!
Tina @ My Highest Self says
I just love any taco-related recipe! I’ve been meaning to put together something with Orzo, this one sounds delish.
Debbie says
Sometimes it’s just so convenient to make dinner from cans. Like those times you didn’t make it to the grocery store, but you need to throw something delicious together for dinner. Oh, that’s my life, but you get my meaning 🙂
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
Ooo, that looks yummy! Thanks for sharing this one!
Mykidsguide says
That looks savory. I can’t wait to make this for my family.
Kelly Hutchinson says
I love a good casserole, but never think to include orzo in it. I am going to be giving this recipe a try!
Catherine S says
I agree, I also love casseroles. This looks so yummy I can’t wait to make it.
Jessica Harlow says
I love one dish meals and this looks like a really flavorful dish that is different! I think we’ll definitely give it a go!
Holly Thomas says
I am always looking for new recipes for chicken and this sounds great.
Jaime Nicole says
This looks so delicious. I love making foods with a great flavor profile and this seems to fit that description. Very nice!
Theresa says
Can you believe that I have never had orzo? I need to remedy with this recipe asap!
Pamela Gurganus says
I love casseroles! Any kind of casseroles! But I’ve never had or even thought of making a casserole with orzo in it! This looks and sounds so delicious! I’m definitely going to be making this. I think my family will love it. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Joann Woolley says
I love an easy meal for busy weeknights with the kids being busy with sports – I will pin this to my easy meals pinterest board!
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
Your casserole looks delicious! My family would love to eat this, so thanks for our next meal idea!
Diana Villa says
We love chicken tacos so much, we can’t stop eating them lol! Your recipe looks amazing, I can’t wait to try out for our 4Th of July party. Thanks! ^_^
Terri Ramsey Beavers says
Goodness gracious that looks so tasty and has a lot of my faves in it. I’ll have to try this for our next ladies auxiliary meeting.
Christy Maurer says
That sounds delicious! I have never had orzo, but this would be a great way to try it!
Jennifer Boehme says
That is so easy and looks so good! I have made the oven casserole, but this looks like I need to try it too!
Milena says
I always forget about that canned chicken. I should keep some around for a protein kick!
Crystal says
It’ll be a fiesta at my house tonight! This looks and sounds fantastic. My mom made casserole after casserole growing up, and let’s just say they weren’t anything like this.
Amy C. says
I like your use of Orzo in this dish. I’ve cooked with Orzo a few times and really loved it.
latanya says
This looks quick and simple to make. Plus, yummy!
Christie says
That looks so delicious, even my picky kids would eat it! We love our taco nights, but never thought about using orzo too, fun!
Michele D says
Looks so simple but yet delicious that my whole family would love. Even my kids love tacos so this recipe would be hit for us. Gotta try it out! Thank you Liz!
Debbie Denny says
That is an awesome meal. Nice, tasty and easy!
Pauline C. says
Anything chicken is good enough for me. But I never thought that this would be as tasty as I imagined. Tried it and it is perfect for my taste.
Ourfamilyworld says
That looks so delicious. I love that it’s easy to make. Perfect when I don’t have much time to cook.
Jerry Marquardt says
This recipe looked so good for a taco dish, I copied it down because I love chicken. I thank you for the share.
Amanda Sakovitz says
This looks delicious! I’ve never had a casserole with Orzo before and would like to try this!
Annette says
It’s been years since I used canned chicken, but I remember it being surprisingly good! My favorite meal from my cantry is Tuscan Vegetable Soup. It uses canned beans, canned tomatoes, and canned broth.
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert says
This looks scrumptious! I love the addition of orzo to it! I make one with a cornbread base, but I want to try this next 🙂
Michelle V. says
We love ORZO, the taste of rice is love! This recipe is a keeper I will try this!
Colette - JamericanSpice says
My son keeps asking me to make a casserole. I think that’s what it is. I will have to make something.
This looks quite delicious and inviting!
Thanks for sharing.
Veronica says
This looks so yummy! It would be perfect for when my sis comes t visit in a few days
Stephanie Phelps says
I have always been scare to use Orzo because I was not sure how it would be but after reading this recipe I will be giving it a try!
Chantal says
This looks like an easy and yummy meal, thanks for sharing!
Sandy KS says
I never had anything like that. I bet my daughter would love it. She loves anything with rice.
Emily says
Ooo this looks and sounds really good! I’ve never tried a taco casserole but I’ve been meaning to for so long.
Marcie W. says
We love Orzo and eating it still reminds me of the initial explanation my husband gave me about how it looks like rice but is actually pasta. This recipe looks so easy and is great for a busy evening.
Nicole Dziedzic says
This would be perfect for a busy weeknight meal, i love making casseroles, they are so easy and quick.
Janet W. says
This looks absolutely delicious! What a yummy combination of flavors! I’d love to try and make this recipe!
Maria C says
OMG! this looks so yummy. Me & my family loves to eat this kind of dishes. This will please my relatives & friends too. Can’t wait to make my own. Thanks for sharing.
Chubskulit Rose says
I have never tried making orzo yet. This looks like a delicious meal that my family would like.
lisa says
This looks really good. It would be a great way to mix up Taco Tuesday in our house.
shelly peterson says
This looks super good and so easy to make. I have never used Orzo before. I will have to try this out.
David says
I would also add some tortillas to the recipe. Either sliced up corn or flour tortillas or crunched up tortilla chips.
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
I’m a casserole nut. This is a very different and tasty looking option to bring a friend that just had a baby!
Catherine S says
This sounds yummy and I like how easy it is to make. It will make a great quick and easy dinner on Friday before bowling.
Stacy says
I love orzo, but I usually use it for Italian style dishes. I never thought of using it for something Mexican, like this recipe. I would add some black beans to this, and maybe corn. Looks delicious though.
Jeanine says
Get out of here. This looks INCREDIBLE! I need to make this, like yesterday! This looks so good. I love orzo too so PERFECT!
Elena says
Looks delicious! I like to make a simple rice and beans recipe using items from my pantry.
Theresa says
This looks delicious! I love the idea. Yum, I can’t wait to make it!
Pam says
You know I am coming to your house for dinner one day, right? Everything you cook always looks so good and this is no exception!
Cheryl says
I love the idea of eating “tacos” with a fork. Sounds so good!
Shop with Me Mama (Kim) says
Now this is my kind of meal! I love this kind of food and so do my kids. Hubby not so much, but hey, I am making it, right? Ha!
Diana Villa says
Chichek tacos are my favorite! We totally love them lol. I can’t wait to try your recipe for 4Th of July ^_^
Robin Masshole Mommy says
we are having a huge cookout on the Fourth of July, too, so this would be perfect to serve 🙂
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
You obviously know the kind of recipes I like. Quick, easy, and tasty! I think I’ll whip some of this up this weekend.
Alli says
Casseroles are the ultimate comfort foods! You can’t live in the south and not have an arsenal of casserole recipes to make from the pantry. Your chicken taco casserole looks delicious. I’ll be making it soon.
Lesley F says
My family would love this
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
OMG that sounds ah-mazing. We love Mexican inspired meals like this, so I know it would be a huge hit.