Name: Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; ½ cup chopped onion; 1 cup chicken broth; 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 cup black beans, cooked, rinsed & drained; 1 cup frozen corn, defrosted; 16 oz jarred salsa; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a comforting meal bursting with rich, vibrant flavors, you absolutely must try this Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe. It brings together tender chicken, hearty rice, black beans, and colorful corn, all enveloped in zesty salsa and melted cheddar cheese for a dish that is both satisfying and soul-warming. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or feeding a crowd, this casserole is a simple yet spectacular way to bring the taste of Mexican-inspired home cooking right to your table.

Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to this dish’s charm. Each component adds its own magic — from the fluffy rice base to the spicy kick from chili powder. Together, they create a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that will make your Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe truly unforgettable.

1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: Provides a light, fluffy foundation that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
1 teaspoon minced garlic: Adds aromatic depth and a subtle bite to every bite.
½ cup chopped onion: Brings mild sweetness and texture contrast to the casserole.
1 cup chicken broth: Keeps the rice moist and adds richness to the overall flavor.
1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes: The hearty protein that makes this casserole filling and satisfying.
1 cup black beans, cooked, rinsed & drained: Adds heartiness and a little earthy sweetness.
1 cup frozen corn, defrosted: Pops of natural sweetness and vibrant yellow color brighten the dish.
16 oz jarred salsa: Brings that quintessential tangy, spicy Mexican flavor that pulls everything together.
½ teaspoon chili powder: Infuses gentle warmth without overpowering the other tastes.
½ teaspoon paprika: Adds smoky undertones and beautiful color.
1 cup cheddar cheese: For that creamy, melty, golden topping that everyone loves.

How to Make Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Base

Begin by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, setting the stage for perfectly cooked rice and chicken. In a casserole dish, combine the uncooked rice, minced garlic, chopped onion, and chicken broth. Stir these ingredients together well so the rice is evenly spread and infused with flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Layer the Protein and Veggies

Next, scatter the cubed chicken breasts over the rice mixture, followed by the black beans and defrosted corn. Pour the jarred salsa evenly on top and sprinkle with chili powder and paprika. It’s important to try to keep the rice mostly on the bottom, covered by this savory mixture, as it ensures even cooking and moisture retention throughout the casserole.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Bake Covered

Top your casserole generously with shredded cheddar cheese, creating a rich, creamy cap that will melt beautifully in the oven. Cover the dish with foil to trap moisture and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the rice to absorb all those spicy, smoky flavors.

Step 4: Uncover and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the cheese bubble and brown into a golden, irresistible crust. This final step adds a perfect textural contrast to the tender ingredients beneath.

How to Serve Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

When it’s time to serve your Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe, fresh garnishes make all the difference. Brighten each plate with chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, or a dollop of cool sour cream. You can even add a sprinkle of fresh lime juice for an extra zing that wakes up the flavors.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty enough on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or warm tortillas. For added contrast, try serving it alongside a light cucumber salad or some grilled veggies to keep things balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized meal. Alternatively, layer it in a clear glass dish for a colorful presentation that highlights every vibrant ingredient. Either way, your Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe will look as fabulous as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making each next-day serving even better.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil to protect from freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until heated through, covering to retain moisture. Adding a sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating can refresh that melty, gooey texture we all crave.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but remember it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. You might want to partially cook the brown rice beforehand to ensure it finishes perfectly alongside the chicken.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken breasts with extra black beans, diced bell peppers, or even hearty mushrooms for a satisfying meatless version that still packs plenty of flavor.

Can I make this casserole spicier?

For sure! Increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the salsa for an extra kick that heats things up just the way you like it.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar is classic and melts nicely, but you can also try Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a different texture or flavor profile without losing that cheesy goodness.

How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

The casserole is done when the chicken is no longer pink in the center, the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender, and the cheese topping is melted and golden brown after baking uncovered.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe is a total winner in the kitchen — easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any night of the week. I hope you give it a try soon and find as much joy in making and sharing it as I do. It’s the kind of comforting, colorful meal that brings warmth to both the table and the heart.

Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 11 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful Mexican Chicken Casserole featuring tender chicken, black beans, corn, and a zesty salsa sauce baked together with rice and topped with melted cheddar cheese. This one-dish meal is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with delicious Tex-Mex flair.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
Prepare Rice Mixture: In a large 12×9 inch casserole dish, combine the uncooked rice, minced garlic, chopped onion, and chicken broth. Stir gently to evenly distribute ingredients while keeping the rice at the bottom layer.
Add Chicken and Vegetables: Spread the cubed chicken breasts, black beans, defrosted corn, salsa, chili powder, and paprika evenly on top of the rice mixture. Take care to keep the rice mostly covered so it cooks properly during baking.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole to ensure a creamy, melted topping.
Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes to allow the rice to cook through and chicken to become tender.
Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted, golden, and bubbly.

Notes

Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content if desired.
The casserole can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, then baked when ready.
Feel free to add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and spice.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave.
Substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese for variation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican