The Ultimate Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand a hearty Mexican chicken and rice casserole that brings comfort to your table.

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful one-pan marvel.

Layers of tender chicken mingle with fluffy rice and zesty spices.

Each bite promises a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Rich, creamy textures blend seamlessly with crisp, golden edges.

Cheese melts into every crevice, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Dive in and savor this crowd-pleasing dish that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Chicken and Rice Casserole With Mexican Flavor

• Savor Simplicity: This Mexican chicken and rice casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into a delightful meal with minimal kitchen effort.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Prep takes just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying dinner without complex cooking techniques.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Fest: Kids and adults alike will love the comforting blend of tender chicken, zesty spices, and cheesy goodness that brings everyone together at the dinner table.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily customizable with optional toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, or diced avocado, allowing each family member to personalize their plate.

Bold & Creamy Mexican Chicken and Rice Must-Haves

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein that forms the hearty base of the casserole, best when fresh and boneless.
• Long-Grain White Rice: Fluffy and light base that absorbs flavors, opt for uncooked rice.

• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the overall dish flavor profile.
• Bell Peppers: Provides color and crisp texture, choose green or red for vibrant appearance.
• Garlic: Brings robust and aromatic flavor to the casserole.

• Chili Powder: Classic Mexican spice that adds warm and slightly spicy notes.
• Cumin: Earthy spice essential for authentic Mexican flavor profile.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings for enhancing overall taste.

• Chicken Broth: Helps cook rice and adds rich savory flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: Provides moisture and tangy undertone to the casserole.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creamy texture.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright herb for garnish and fresh flavor contrast.

Chicken Rice Casserole Mexican Style Prep

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 375°F.

This creates the perfect heated environment for your delicious casserole.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat the entire surface with cooking spray or butter.

This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken and cook until golden brown and completely cooked through.

Break the chicken into bite-sized pieces as it cooks.

Step 4: Mix the Flavor Base

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Diced green chilies
• Chopped onions
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir all ingredients until well blended and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Rice

Add the cooked chicken and cooked rice to the flavor mixture.

Gently fold everything together until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the entire chicken and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Spread it out evenly using a spatula.

Step 7: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle additional shredded cheese over the top of the casserole for a golden, melty finish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is bubbly and slightly crispy.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.

This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.

Enjoy your comforting Mexican-inspired meal!

Chicken Rice Casserole Tips with Mexican Flavor

• Roast chicken before adding to casserole to enhance natural meat flavors and create a more complex taste profile.
• Adjust jalapeño or chili powder quantity to match your preferred heat intensity, making the dish mild or extra spicy.
• Cover casserole with aluminum foil during initial baking to trap moisture and ensure perfectly tender rice texture.
• Replace chicken with black beans or tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains the same delicious Mexican-inspired seasoning.
• Assemble casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Mexican Chicken Rice Casserole Storage

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, preserving the dish for up to 3 months with minimal flavor loss.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350°F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through, preventing moisture from escaping.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Flavor Matches for Chicken Rice Casserole

• Boost Tex-Mex Flavor Pairings
• Pair Crisp Margaritas: Zesty citrus and tequila complement the spicy chicken, cutting through rich casserole flavors and refreshing the palate.
• Elevate with Fresh Salsa: Vibrant tomato-based salsa adds bright acidity, enhancing the dish's Mexican-inspired profile and providing a cool contrast to warm casserole.
• Match Creamy Guacamole: Smooth avocado dip balances the casserole's spiciness, adding creamy texture and authentic Mexican side dish experience.
• Uncork Mexican Beer: Light, crisp cerveza like Corona or Modelo perfectly matches the casserole's robust flavors, offering a clean, smooth drinking companion.

Mexican Chicken Rice Casserole Bold Versions

• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with black beans or tofu, using the same spices and cooking method for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower and use fewer beans to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of cream and skip cheese toppings, replacing with nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this casserole unique?

The blend of Mexican-inspired spices like cumin and chili powder, combined with chicken, rice, and cheese, creates a flavorful and hearty dish that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine.

• Can I use different types of rice?

While long-grain white rice works best, you can substitute with brown rice or cauliflower rice. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the rice is properly cooked.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level. You can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding jalapeños for extra kick.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean chicken breast, opt for low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutritional value and fiber content.

Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican chicken and rice casserole delivers a spicy symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and tender chicken create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

Grains and Beans:

• 1.5 cups uncooked long-grain white or brown rice
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
• 1.75 cups chicken broth

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese:

• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro
• Avocado
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect environment for a sizzling casserole transformation.
2. Lovingly coat a spacious 9×13-inch baking vessel with a thin layer of cooking spray or butter, ensuring nothing sticks during the culinary journey.
3. In a generous skillet, sauté diced chicken until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, infusing the meat with robust flavors and tender texture.
4. Combine cooked rice, salsa, black beans, corn, and green chiles in a substantial mixing bowl, stirring until the ingredients meld into a vibrant, harmonious mixture.
5. Fold the perfectly seasoned chicken into the rice blend, ensuring each morsel is generously coated with zesty Mexican-inspired goodness.
6. Transfer the tantalizing mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer of deliciousness.
7. Shower the casserole with a blanket of shredded cheese, allowing it to melt and create a golden, bubbling surface during baking.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese transforms into a molten, appetizing crown.
9. Once emerged from the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes, allowing flavors to settle and making serving easier.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a burst of color and added freshness before serving.

Notes

• Spice Adjustment: Customize heat levels by choosing mild or hot salsa, and add extra chili powder or jalapeños for bolder flavors.
• Protein Swap: Replace chicken with ground turkey, black beans, or shredded beef for variety and different dietary preferences.
• Cheese Options: Mix cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack to create a more complex and rich melted topping.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready, making meal prep easier for busy families.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg