Mexican Chicken Casserole with Rice Recipe

Mexican Chicken Casserole with Rice is the perfect comfort food. This dish combines tender chicken, flavorful Mexican spices, hearty rice, and creamy cheese for a satisfying meal that is both easy to make and packed with flavor. Ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this one-dish wonder will become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh produce.
2. One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean, more time to enjoy.
3. Customizable: Easy to adjust spice levels or add your favorite toppings.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prepping or storing leftovers.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cook the Chicken
   • If not using rotisserie chicken, cook two chicken breasts until fully cooked, then shred with a fork.
2. Cook the Rice
   • Par-cook the rice by boiling it for half its normal cooking time. This ensures it finishes cooking in the casserole without becoming mushy.
3. Preheat the Oven
   • Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

1. Heat the Oil
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic
   • Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add Spices
   • Stir in taco seasoning, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to bloom the spices.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Layer the Casserole Base
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, par-cooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chicken broth, and the sautéed onion mixture. Mix well to combine.
2. Transfer to Baking Dish
   • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
3. Add Cheese
   • Sprinkle the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover and Bake
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes.
2. Remove the Foil
   • Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Rest Before Serving
   • Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions

• Taco Night Upgrade: Serve with tortilla chips for scooping.
• Fresh Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.
• Mexican Street Corn: Add a side of elote for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Perfect Mexican Chicken Casserole

1. Use Fresh Ingredients
   • Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
2. Season to Taste
   • Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or diced jalapeños.
3. Don’t Overcook the Rice
   • Par-cooking ensures the rice absorbs the casserole’s flavors without becoming mushy.
4. Cheese Variations
   • Try pepper jack or queso fresco for a different flavor profile.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Option
   • Skip the chicken and double the beans for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
2. Spicy Twist
   • Add a can of diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
3. Creamy Casserole
   • Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese for a creamier texture.
4. Southwestern Flavor
   • Mix in roasted poblano peppers or diced green chilies.
5. Gluten-Free Option
   • Ensure your taco seasoning and chicken broth are certified gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use Pre-Cooked Rice?

• Yes, reduce the chicken broth to 1/2 cup if using fully cooked rice.

2. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

• Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

3. What Can I Substitute for Chicken?

• Ground beef, turkey, or even shrimp make great alternatives.

4. Can I Make This Spicier?

• Add diced jalapeños, a splash of hot sauce, or an extra teaspoon of chili powder for more heat.

Conclusion

Mexican Chicken Casserole with Rice is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines bold flavors and comforting textures. Its versatility allows for endless customization, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to impress.

Yield: 6

Mexican Chicken Casserole with Rice Recipe

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Mexican Chicken Casserole with Rice is the perfect comfort food. This dish combines tender chicken, flavorful Mexican spices, hearty rice, and creamy cheese for a satisfying meal that is both easy to make and packed with flavor. Ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this one-dish wonder will become a family favorite.

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Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot, based on your preference)
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Sour cream and sliced jalapeños (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
   
2. Step 2: Prepare the Rice Base
   Spread the cooked rice evenly along the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
   
3. Step 3: Make the Filling
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, salsa, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
   
4. Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
   Spoon the chicken mixture over the layer of rice in the casserole dish.
   Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
   
5. Step 5: Bake
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
   
6. Step 6: Garnish and Serve
   Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve with sour cream and sliced jalapeños for extra flavor.

Notes

• Rice Options: Use leftover rice, microwave-ready packets, or freshly cooked rice.
• Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder for more heat.
• Cheese Lovers: Add an extra ½ cup of cheese for a gooey, cheesy topping.