Description
This Mexican Chicken Casserole is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. It combines tender chicken, long grain rice, black beans, corn, and zesty salsa baked together with cheddar cheese for a comforting, easy-to-make meal inspired by classic Mexican flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup black beans, cooked, rinsed & drained
- 1 cup frozen corn, defrosted
- 16 oz jarred salsa
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Topping
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Casserole Base: In a large 12×9 inch casserole dish, combine the uncooked long grain white rice, minced garlic, chopped onion, and chicken broth. Stir the mixture well so the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the broth.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: Layer the cubed chicken breasts, black beans, defrosted corn, and jarred salsa evenly over the rice mixture. Sprinkle the chili powder and paprika on top. Take care to keep the rice mixture at the bottom covered by the other ingredients to ensure even cooking of the rice.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the rice to cook through and the chicken to become tender.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, and return to the oven uncovered. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked brown rice if you prefer a whole grain option, but increase the baking time and broth quantity accordingly.
- For a spicier casserole, add chopped jalapeños or use a spicy salsa.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the salsa and chicken broth are labeled gluten-free.
- Adding fresh cilantro on top after baking adds a fresh herbal note that complements the flavors well.
