Description
This Mexican Chicken Casserole is a flavorful, comforting one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, black beans, corn, and cheesy rice all baked together with zesty salsa and spices for an easy and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
Units
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Main Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup cooked, rinsed &; drained black beans
- 1 cup defrosted frozen corn
- 16 oz jarred salsa
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare the rice base: In a large 12×9 inch casserole dish, combine the uncooked white rice, minced garlic, chopped onion, and chicken broth. Stir the ingredients well until they are evenly mixed.
- Add chicken and veggies: Evenly distribute the cubed chicken breasts, black beans, defrosted corn, and jarred salsa on top of the rice mixture. Try to keep the rice at the bottom covered so it cooks properly underneath.
- Season the casserole: Sprinkle the chili powder and paprika over the top of the chicken and vegetables to add bold Mexican flavors.
- Add the cheese topping: Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole to create a melty, golden crust.
- Bake covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the rice to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked.
Notes
- If you prefer spicier flavors, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicier salsa.
- You can substitute brown rice, but increase the baking time and add more liquid accordingly.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Feel free to add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra color and heat.
- Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform pieces to cook evenly throughout the casserole.
