Description

This Cheesy Salsa Chicken and Rice Bake is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal featuring cooked rice, shredded chicken, salsa, corn, black beans, and a blend of spices all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for a busy weeknight, and customizable with your preferred salsa heat level.

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

Additional

1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
Optional fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent the dish from sticking during baking.
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 to ensure all ingredients and spices are evenly distributed.
Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to create a uniform layer.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture to form a cheesy crust during baking.
Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This allows the ingredients to heat through and flavors to meld.
Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, adding a delightful texture and flavor.
Cool and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes to set before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired for added freshness and color.
Serve: Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, cheesy, and savory chicken and rice bake.

Notes

You can easily customize the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa according to your preference.
Using rotisserie chicken saves preparation time and adds extra flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For a gluten-free option, ensure the salsa and spices used are certified gluten-free.
Adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce can increase the spiciness if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Keywords: Cheesy chicken bake, salsa chicken and rice, one dish dinner, easy chicken casserole, Mexican rice bake, cheesy rice dinner