Description

Cheesy Salsa Chicken and Rice Bake is a comforting, flavorful casserole combining cooked rice, shredded chicken, salsa, corn, black beans, and a blend of spices topped with melted cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make dish is baked to perfection until bubbly and golden, making it a perfect weeknight meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
1.5 cups salsa (mild, medium, or hot, according to preference)
1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
1 cup black beans (canned, rinsed and drained)

Cheese and Seasonings

1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
1 teaspoon ground 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 the baking dish)
Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot enough for even baking and melting the cheese.
Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, salsa, corn, black beans, half of the shredded cheese, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
Transfer Mixture: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the surface of the mixture for a cheesy crust as it bakes.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to allow all ingredients to heat through and flavors to meld.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, creating a delicious crust.
Cool and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired to add a fresh herbal note.
Serve: Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful, cheesy, and comforting chicken and rice bake.

Notes

You can use either white or brown rice according to your preference.
Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut for cooked shredded chicken.
Adjust the salsa heat level (mild, medium, hot) based on your taste preference.
For extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of sour cream before baking.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Adding fresh cilantro at the end brightens the flavor but is optional.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Keywords: cheesy chicken rice bake, salsa chicken casserole, easy dinner, baked chicken and rice, Mexican-inspired dinner, quick casserole, family meal