Description
This Cheesy Salsa Chicken and Rice Bake is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender shredded chicken, cooked rice, corn, black beans, and a spicy salsa base, all topped with melted cheddar cheese, this casserole delivers a delicious blend of Tex-Mex flavors baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (can use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
- 1.5 cups salsa (mild, medium, or hot, depending on your preference)
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans (canned, rinsed and drained)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings and Others
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
- Optional fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, salsa, corn, black beans, half of the shredded cheese, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Transfer Mixture: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the rice and chicken mixture for a cheesy, golden crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired before serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with turkey or a plant-based protein for variation.
- Adjust the salsa heat level to your preference from mild to hot.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For added texture, try mixing in diced bell peppers or jalapeños.
- Using brown rice will increase fiber content and offer a nuttier flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Keywords: chicken casserole, cheesy chicken bake, salsa chicken and rice, Tex-Mex casserole, easy dinner recipe, one dish meal
