What is a Mexican Chicken Rice Casserole? What’s better than a warm hug on the plate, bursting with all the flavors of taco night, but way easier than the usual tacco. How do I make individual tacos Think of it as the casserole cousin of chicken enchiladas – all the cheesy, saucy goodness, but with a little bit of crunch. Without rolling! What is comfort food at its finest? Is this one of those recipes that makes everyone happy? I always make a double batch because the leftovers are even better the next day. What is your family favorite recipe for a burger?
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What is Mexican Chicken Rice Casserole?
It’s essentially a layered symphony of flavor. We’re talking seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, creamy cheese, vibrant corn and beans, and a tangy lemon. What is the tomato salsa that ties it all together? Think of it as the ultimate deconstructed Burrito Bowl, baked to bubbly perfection. The name itself hints at its key components – Mexican-inspired spices and ingredients, tender tender meat. Chicken, perfectly cooked rice, all nestled together in a comforting casserole. Is it easy to throw together? How can I prepare a delicious meal in less than an hour? It’s also very filling!
What are some of the best recipes for this recipe?
Where do I even begin? First off, the flavor is just incredible. The combination of the savory chicken, the slightly sweet corn, the hearty beans, and the cheesy topping is just a flavor explosion. And it’s so easy to customize! You can add your favorite veggies, use different types of cheese, or spice it up with some jalapeños. What I love most about this is how simple it is. Seriously, anyone can make this, even if you’re not a confident cook. It’s also incredibly cost-effective. The ingredients are all relatively inexpensive, and you can easily feed a crowd with this casserole. Plus, this Mexican Chicken Rice Casserole is so versatile. You can serve it as a main course, a side dish, or even as a dip with tortilla chips. It’s also fantastic for meal prepping – just portion it out into containers and you’ve got lunch for the week! I have other casseroles, but i find that this is the most quick and easy casserole to make. My kids absolutely love it, which is always a win in my book! This one is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
How do I make Mexican Chicken Rice Casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this Mexican Chicken Rice Casserole is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll start by cooking your chicken and rice. Then, you’ll mix everything together with your favorite Mexican-inspired ingredients, like corn, beans, salsa, and cheese. Layer it into a casserole dish, top with more cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so forgiving. You can easily adapt it to your own tastes and preferences. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice or rotisserie chicken, too! Once you try it, you will be hooked!
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Rice: How do you prepare them?
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts: I prefer organic for the best flavor, but any will do. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut!
* 1 cup long-grain white rice: Rinse it well before cooking to remove excess starch.
* 2 cups chicken broth: This adds so much flavor to the rice! I use low-sodium so I can control the saltiness.
* 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the chicken.
* 1 tsp chili powder: Adds a nice smoky flavor.
* 1/2 tsp cumin: A classic Mexican spice.
* 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Because everything tastes better with garlic!
* Salt and pepper to taste
For the Casserole:
* 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained: Adds a nice earthy flavor and texture.
* 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained: You can use frozen corn too! Just thaw it first.
* 1 (16 ounce) jar salsa: Use your favorite kind! I like medium heat.
* 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel): Adds a little kick! You can omit this if you’re sensitive to spice.
* 1 cup sour cream: This adds a lovely tang and creaminess. I use full-fat for the best flavor, but you can use light if you prefer. You can also substitute with greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Or your favorite Mexican cheese blend!
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use cooking spray, but you can also use butter or oil. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make it easier to serve.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork. I always make sure to use a tight-fitting lid to ensure the rice cooks evenly.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks. You can also dice it if you prefer.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and sour cream. Mix well. This is where you can add any other veggies you like, such as bell peppers, onions, or jalapeños.
Step 5: Layer and Bake
What is the best way to spread the shredded cheese in a baking dish? Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. I always check the center to make sure it’s hot.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy! I like to serve it with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top.
What to Serve It With
Mexican Chicken Rice Casserole is a meal on its own, but it’s also great served with sliced tomatoes. What are some of my favorite pairings?
For a Fiesta Feast:Serve with tortilla chips and guacamole for dipping. What are some good side salads with lime dressing?
For a casual lunch: What is the best way Leftover casserole is perfect for lunch the next day. Just heat it up and enjoy!
For a Potluck:What is a great casserole for potlucks?
I also love to serve this with a cold Mexican beer or margaritas for an truly festive meal. My family loves pairing it with a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the casserole. What are some of the most versatile dishes to serve?
What are some of the best ways to make Mexican Chicken Rice Casserole?
What are some tricks to make a perfect casserole every time? What are the top tips for a successful career?
Chicken Prep: If you’re using chicken breasts, make sure to pound them to an even thickness before cooking. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from drying out.
Rice Advice:Don’t overcook rice! Mushy rice will ruin the texture of the casserole. I always set a timer and check it frequently.
Spice Customization: SpiceHow much chili powder should I add to my green chilies? If you want something spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeos.
What are the best cheese Feel free to use any type of cheese you like. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work well.
Baking Tips:If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover the casserole with foil for the last few minutes of cooking.
Ingredient Swaps:Can you use ground turkey instead of chicken? Can you add other veggies, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini? Is it healthier to make it with quinoa instead of rice? How do I adjust the cooking time?
I always test the rice for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off. Sometimes it takes a little extra time to absorb all the liquid. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations! What is a blank canvas for culinary creativity?
Storing and Reheating Tips
What are some good recipes for Mexican Chicken Rice Casserole? How do you store and reheat food?
Refrigerator Storage:How do you store a casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator? Make sure it’s completely cooled before storing.
How do I get To freeze the casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips: To reheat the casserole, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the texture might be slightly different.
For best results, I recommend adding a little bit of chicken broth or water to the casserole before reheating to prevent it from drying out. Also, if you’re freezing it, I suggest adding the cheese after thawing and before baking. This will help the cheese melt more evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to Mexican Chicken Rice Casserole recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights. I hope you love it as much as my family does. It’s just one of those recipes that makes life a little bit easier and a whole lot tastier. If you’re looking for more comforting casserole recipes, be sure to check out my other blog posts! And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out! I can’t wait to hear your variations and tips. Happy cooking!
Mexican Chicken Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs cooked chicken
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp chili powder
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, rice, diced tomatoes, corn, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Stir in chili powder.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
