Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole

Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines chicken, rice, beans, and cheese. It’s an easy recipe that you can make for a family meal or a gathering with friends. The best part is that it’s packed with tasty ingredients and is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why Make This Recipe

This casserole is a great choice when you need something filling and delicious. It takes only a short time to prepare and cooks in the oven. Plus, you can use leftover chicken and rice, making it a convenient option for busy days. It has a lovely mix of flavors, with spices that bring a little taste of Mexico to your kitchen.

How to Make Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can corn, drained
1 cup salsa
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1 tsp taco seasoning
Optional toppings: diced avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges.

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, taco seasoning, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Top with the remaining cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Serve with your choice of toppings such as avocado, sour cream, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime.

How to Serve Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole

Serve the casserole hot right out of the oven. It’s great on its own, but you can add toppings like diced avocado, sour cream, or fresh lime juice to make it even tastier.

How to Store Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the oven or microwave until warm.

Tips to Make Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole

Make sure your rice and chicken are already cooked before starting.
Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor.
For a spicier dish, add more salsa or some chopped jalapeños into the mixture.

Variation

You can switch out the chicken for ground beef or turkey if you like. You can also use quinoa instead of rice for a different texture.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole and store it in the fridge before baking. Just bake it when you are ready to serve.

Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just wrap it well and store it. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge and bake as directed.

What can I use instead of black beans? You can use pinto beans or kidney beans as a substitute if you prefer.