Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delectable Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layered flavors that make this dish so special.

• 8 oz box Zatarain’s red beans and rice: This seasoned rice mix provides a fantastic flavor base with minimal effort. It already contains spices and beans, saving you several steps.
• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken: A great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, or you can quickly boil and shred chicken breasts or thighs. This ensures tender, flavorful chicken throughout the casserole.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The secret ingredient for unparalleled creaminess! Softened cream cheese spreads easily and melts beautifully, creating a rich, luscious layer that balances the spices.
• ¾ cup salsa: Choose your favorite mild, medium, or hot salsa to customize the heat level. This adds moisture, tang, and another layer of classic Mexican flavor.
• 1 cup Mexican style cheese: A blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, and queso blanco melts perfectly and adds a savory, salty finish. Freshly grated cheese always melts better than pre-shredded.

Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps to assemble your delicious Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole. Each step is designed for ease and maximum flavor development.

• Step 1: Prepare the Oven. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even cooking and a perfectly baked casserole. Proper preheating is key to getting that golden, bubbly finish.

• Step 2: Cook the Rice. Prepare the Zatarain’s red beans and rice on the stovetop according to the package instructions. This usually involves combining the mix with water (or sometimes broth for extra flavor) and bringing it to a simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Having a flavorful rice base is crucial for this Mexican chicken bake.

• Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Dish. Lightly grease a large 14×10 inch casserole dish (or similar size) with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes for easier cleanup. A well-greased dish ensures every cheesy bite comes out effortlessly.

• Step 4: Soften Cream Cheese. Microwave the cream cheese for about 15-25 seconds, or until it is super soft and easily spreadable. This step is important for creating a smooth, even layer over the chicken, ensuring uniform creaminess throughout the Mexican chicken and rice casserole.

• Step 5: Assemble the Casserole. Now it’s time to layer! First, pour the cooked red bean and rice mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This forms a hearty and flavorful base. Next, layer the cooked, shredded chicken evenly over the rice. The chicken adds a lean protein source and tender texture. Then, carefully spread the softened cream cheese over the chicken. This creamy layer will melt down into the casserole, providing richness. Follow this by spreading your chosen salsa over the top of the cream cheese, adding a zesty kick. Finally, sprinkle the top generously with the Mexican style cheese. This top layer will become beautifully golden and bubbly, adding a fantastic cheesy crust to your ultimate Tex-Mex dinner.

• Step 6: Bake and Serve. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Covering helps to cook the casserole through and prevents the top from browning too quickly. After 35 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. This final uncover period allows the cheese to get perfectly golden and slightly crispy. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Top with your favorite taco toppings for an extra burst of flavor and texture. Enjoy this delightful one-pan chicken and rice casserole!

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Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. Individual ingredient brands and preparation methods can alter final values.

Why This Mexican Chicken Casserole Will Become Your Favorite

If you’re searching for an easy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dinner, look no further than this Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole. It truly is the ultimate Tex-Mex comfort food, bringing together classic flavors in a convenient one-dish format. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, this casserole delivers on taste without demanding too much of your time. The combination of seasoned rice, tender chicken, creamy cheese, and tangy salsa creates a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds and earn rave reviews from your family.

This recipe is not just about convenience; it’s about robust, authentic-inspired flavors that everyone loves. From the smoky depth of the red beans and rice to the zesty kick of the salsa and the rich, comforting embrace of melted cheese, every spoonful is an experience. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite toppings and even incorporate extra vegetables for a more wholesome meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this easy chicken casserole is designed for success.

Serving Suggestions and Customizations

This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a few simple sides or enhanced with your favorite Tex-Mex toppings. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette to add a refreshing contrast, or a side of steamed corn for a touch of sweetness. Warm tortillas or tortilla chips are also excellent for scooping up any extra cheesy goodness.

Top It Off!

The beauty of this cheesy chicken bake is how easily it can be customized with various toppings. Here are some popular suggestions to elevate your casserole experience:

• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spicy flavors.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro brightens the dish with its herbaceous notes.
• Diced Avocado or Guacamole: Adds healthy fats and a smooth texture.
• Sliced Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled, for an extra kick of heat.
• Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato, onion, and cilantro salsa for a vibrant, chunky topping.
• Hot Sauce: A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for those who like it extra spicy.
• Black Olives: Sliced black olives add a briny, savory touch.
• Green Onions: Sliced for a mild onion flavor and fresh garnish.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top before serving really enhances all the flavors.

Make It Your Own: Variations

Feel free to get creative with this Mexican chicken casserole recipe. It’s highly adaptable!

• Add More Vegetables: Sautéed bell peppers, onions, corn, or black beans can be stirred into the rice mixture or layered with the chicken for added nutrition and texture.
• Different Protein: Instead of chicken, try cooked ground beef or turkey seasoned with taco seasoning for a delicious alternative. Leftover pork carnitas would also be fantastic!
• Spice Level: Adjust the salsa to your preferred heat. For more spice, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the chicken layer. For milder flavor, use a very mild salsa.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack for extra spice, or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for classic appeal.
• Homemade Rice: If you prefer to make your own rice, cook 2 cups of white or brown rice with 1 can (15 oz) of drained and rinsed red beans (or black beans), and season heavily with Tex-Mex spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is an excellent candidate for meal prep, making your weeknights even easier. You can prepare it ahead of time, store it, and bake it when you’re ready.

Make Ahead:

You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of baking) a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure it heats through completely from cold before uncovering.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave until warm through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, you can freeze individual portions or the entire casserole (if using a freezer-safe dish) for up to 2-3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. To reheat from frozen, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and hot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use uncooked rice?

No, for this recipe, the Zatarain’s red beans and rice mix needs to be cooked first according to its package directions before assembling the casserole. If you were to use uncooked rice, you’d need significantly more liquid and a different cooking method.

What kind of chicken is best for shredding?

Cooked shredded chicken is ideal. You can use a rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience, boil chicken breasts or thighs until cooked through and then shred them, or even use chicken cooked in an Instant Pot or slow cooker. Any tender, cooked chicken works perfectly.

Is this casserole spicy?

The spice level primarily depends on the salsa you choose. If you prefer a mild dish, opt for a mild salsa. For a medium kick, use medium salsa, and for a spicier version, go with hot salsa or add some diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) to the layers.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and consider adding extra beans (like black beans or pinto beans), corn, and sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and onions. You could also use a plant-based meat substitute. Ensure your rice mix is also vegetarian.

What if I don’t have Zatarain’s red beans and rice?

While Zatarain’s adds unique convenience and flavor, you can substitute it. Cook 2 cups of white or brown rice with 1 can (15 oz) of drained and rinsed red beans (or black beans). You’ll then need to season this mixture well with about 1-2 tablespoons of taco seasoning or a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to replicate the Tex-Mex flavor profile.

This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole truly embodies everything you love about Tex-Mex comfort food – it’s hearty, cheesy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Mexico right in your own kitchen!