Description
This Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Bake is a hearty, comforting casserole perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful spices, rice, black beans, and corn, all baked together with melted cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish. Easy to prepare and full of vibrant Tex-Mex flavors, it is a great family-friendly meal that combines convenience and taste effortlessly.
Ingredients
Protein & Grains
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
Vegetables & Legumes
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Liquids & Sauces
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and green bell pepper, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, uncooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, sautéed vegetables, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices and ingredients.
- Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the mixture and stir to incorporate everything well. The broth will cook the rice during baking.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with a little oil or cooking spray. Pour in the mixture and spread evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and cool slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dish dairy-free, use a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit the cheese topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
