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)

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

0.5 teaspoon onion powder

0.5 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional fresh cilantro for garnish

1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.

Step 3: 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 until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.

Step 6: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use leftover cooked rice and chicken to save time and reduce waste.

For extra heat, choose a spicy salsa or add a diced jalapeño to the mixture.

Swap black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans for a different flavor.

To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and add extra beans or sautéed vegetables.

Consider topping with sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream when serving.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked rice for this recipe?

This recipe works best with cooked rice since it needs to absorb the salsa and bake properly. If you want to use uncooked rice, cook it separately first before combining with the other ingredients.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the bake and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.