Description
This Cheesy Salsa Chicken and Rice Bake is a delicious and easy one-pan meal that combines tender shredded chicken, flavorful salsa, corn, black beans, and cheese for a comforting and satisfying dinner. With spices like cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder, it’s packed with Tex-Mex flair and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (can use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
- 1.5 cups salsa (mild, medium, or hot, depending on your preference)
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans (canned, rinsed and drained)
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
- Optional fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) ensuring it reaches the correct temperature before baking.
- Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish using the olive oil to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, salsa, corn, black beans, half of the shredded cheese, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture to create a bubbly, cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This allows the dish to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired for a burst of fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use either white or brown rice depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut to save time and add flavor.
- Adjust the salsa heat level (mild, medium, hot) to suit your taste.
- Use canned or frozen corn; if canned, drain well to avoid excess moisture.
- Rinsing and draining black beans is important to reduce sodium and improve texture.
- Covering the dish during the first baking phase prevents drying out while ensuring thorough heating.
- Letting the dish rest before serving helps the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Keywords: Cheesy chicken bake, salsa chicken rice, Tex-Mex casserole, easy dinner recipe, baked chicken and rice
