Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Mexican Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, hearty beans, and melty cheese, it combines simple ingredients into a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1 cup black beans, cooked, rinsed, and drained
• 1 cup frozen corn, defrosted
• 16 oz jarred salsa
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: In a large 12×9-inch casserole dish, combine the uncooked rice, minced garlic, chopped onion, and chicken broth. Stir gently until mixed.
3. Step 3: Layer the chicken cubes, black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, and paprika evenly on top of the rice mixture. Keep the rice at the bottom and covered to ensure it cooks properly.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cumin along with the spices.
• Use brown rice instead of white for a healthier, nuttier option—just increase the initial baking time slightly.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or diced tomatoes for more color and nutrition.
• Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack to add a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If the casserole thickens after refrigeration, add a splash of chicken broth while reheating to restore moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking. Using frozen chicken may result in uneven cooking and risk of undercooked meat.

Is this casserole spicy?

This recipe has a mild heat level from the salsa and chili powder, but you can adjust the spice by choosing a mild or hot salsa and adding extra chili powder or jalapeños if you prefer more heat.

Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 128 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Mexican Chicken Casserole is a flavorful, hearty one-dish meal combining tender chicken, black beans, corn, rice, and a zesty salsa, all baked together under a gooey layer of melted cheddar cheese. Perfectly balanced with spices like chili powder and paprika, it’s an easy and comforting recipe ideal for family dinners or meal prepping.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup black beans, cooked, rinsed, and drained
• 1 cup frozen corn, defrosted
• 16 oz jarred salsa
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Combine Base Ingredients: In a large 12×9-inch casserole dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly. Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and pour the chicken broth over. Stir these together to distribute the ingredients evenly at the base.
3. Add Toppings: Layer the cubed chicken breasts, black beans, defrosted corn, salsa, chili powder, and paprika over the rice mixture. Make sure the rice stays mostly at the bottom and is covered well so it cooks evenly during baking.
4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the casserole.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the rice to cook through and the flavors to meld.
6. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden on top.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it lighter or adjust for dietary needs.
• For extra spice, add jalapeños or hot sauce to the salsa before layering.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Using pre-cooked chicken can reduce the total cooking time but ensure the rice is cooked thoroughly.
• To make this recipe gluten free, verify that the salsa and broth you use have no gluten-containing ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: Mexican chicken casserole, baked chicken casserole, one dish chicken dinner, Mexican comfort food, easy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken casserole