The Zesty Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe Everyone Loves

Mexican chicken and rice bake offers a vibrant culinary journey through hearty, satisfying comfort food.

Sizzling with robust spices and rich textures, this dish changes ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Layers of tender chicken meld seamlessly with fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

Warm seasonings infuse each bite with a tantalizing depth that speaks to traditional southwestern cooking techniques.

Colorful ingredients bring visual appeal and nutritional balance to this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Home cooks appreciate how simple preparation meets impressive results with minimal kitchen effort.

You’ll love how quickly this one-pan wonder comes together for a delicious family dinner.

Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake – Reasons to Try It

• Burst with Zesty Flavors: This Mexican chicken and rice bake delivers a flavor explosion with taco seasoning, salsa, and a mix of corn and black beans that dance on your taste buds.
• Quick and Hassle-Free Cooking: Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-dish meal comes together in under an hour with minimal prep work and simple ingredients anyone can find in their pantry.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe with different cheese varieties, swap proteins, or add extra toppings like avocado and cilantro to make it your own signature dish that fits any mood or dietary preference.
• Nutritious and Satisfying Meal: Packed with protein from chicken, fiber from beans and rice, and a variety of vegetables, this casserole offers a balanced, wholesome dinner that keeps you full and energized without complicated cooking techniques.

What Goes into Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main star of the dish, best when fresh and similar in size for even cooking.
• Black Beans: Hearty protein source that adds texture and nutrition to the rice layer.

• Cooked Rice: Provides a fluffy foundation for the casserole, white or brown rice work perfectly.

• Taco Seasoning: Spice blend that delivers authentic Mexican-inspired flavor to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, aromatic depth to the rice and bean mixture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that help balance and enhance overall taste.

• Salsa: Brings moisture, tanginess, and additional flavor to both chicken and rice layers.
• Corn Kernels: Sweet, crunchy addition that provides color and texture to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melty, sharp cheese that creates a golden, creamy finish to the casserole.

• Sour Cream, Avocado, Cilantro: Fresh toppings that add cooling, creamy, and herbal notes to the final dish.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures no sticking and easy dish removal.

How to Make a Delicious Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a casserole dish and give it a light spray with cooking spray.

Step 2: Spice The Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Taco seasoning

Coat both sides evenly and set aside.

Step 3: Create The Flavor Base

• Cooked rice
• Black beans
• Corn kernels
• Garlic powder
• Salsa
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything until perfectly combined and spread smoothly across the dish.

Step 4: Layer The Chicken

Gently place seasoned chicken breasts directly on top of the rice mixture. Drizzle remaining salsa over the chicken.

Step 5: Initial Baking

Slide the uncovered dish into the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until chicken reaches 158°F internal temperature.

Step 6: Cheese Finale

Remove casserole and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over chicken. Return to oven for 4-5 minutes until cheese melts completely.

Step 7: Serve With Flair

Pull out the bubbling dish and plate your creation. Top with fresh additions like sour cream, sliced avocado, or chopped cilantro. Enjoy your Mexican-inspired feast!

Helpful Notes for Cooking Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake

• Choose the Right Chicken: Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Season Generously: Don't be shy with taco seasoning; it adds depth and authentic Mexican flavor to the entire dish.
• Layer Strategically: Spread the rice and bean mixture evenly to create a moist base that helps prevent the chicken from drying out during baking.
• Check Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption, avoiding any risk of undercooking.
• Customize Toppings: Experiment with fresh garnishes like diced jalapeños, fresh lime juice, or crumbled queso fresco to elevate the flavor profile and add personal flair.

Storage Solutions for Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake

• Refrigerate Promptly: Transfer leftover Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake into an airtight container within 2 hours after cooking, ensuring food safety and maintaining optimal taste.
• Storing Duration: Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum, storing the casserole as a complete dish to preserve moisture and flavor integrity.
• Reheating Method: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and the rice stays tender.

Great Sides to Serve with Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake

• Spice Up with Margaritas: Complement the zesty Mexican chicken and rice bake with a classic margarita. The tangy lime and tequila perfectly balance the spicy taco seasoning, creating a vibrant flavor explosion that enhances the meal's Mexican-inspired profile.
• Cool Down with Creamy Sides: Pair the dish with smooth, cooling elements like Mexican crema or guacamole. These creamy additions provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy casserole and help temper the heat from the taco seasoning.
• Fresh Salad Companion: Serve alongside a crisp Mexican-style coleslaw or a light cilantro-lime salad. The fresh, crunchy textures and bright citrus notes will cut through the richness of the cheesy chicken and rice, creating a well-rounded dining experience.
• Beer Pairing Perfection: Choose a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial. The crisp, clean flavors of these beers will cleanse the palate and complement the dish's robust Mexican-inspired seasonings without overwhelming the meal's delicate balance.

Flavor Variations for Chicken and Rice Bake

• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Replace taco seasoning with chipotle powder and add diced jalapeños to the rice mixture for an extra kick of heat.
• Mediterranean Medley: Swap black beans for chickpeas, use Greek seasoning instead of taco blend, and top with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Veggie Feast: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, and add roasted bell peppers and zucchini to boost vegetable content.
• Creamy Poblano Pepper Fusion: Incorporate roasted poblano peppers into the rice layer and use pepper jack cheese for a creamy, slightly smoky flavor profile.

Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican chicken and rice bake delivers a fiesta of flavors with tender chicken, zesty spices, and melted cheese. Hearty comfort meets south-of-the-border excitement you’ll savor in every single, satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 large chicken breasts sliced into cutlets, approximately 2–3 pounds/907–1361 grams)
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Rice and Bean Layer:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 0.5 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 (16 ounces/454 grams) jar salsa (any flavor or brand)

Cheese Layer:

• 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C), ensuring a perfectly heated environment for the culinary creation. Lightly mist a casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Transform chicken breasts into a flavor-packed canvas by generously seasoning with salt, black pepper, and taco seasoning on both sides. Allow the spices to mingle and infuse the meat with zesty Mexican-inspired notes.
3. Craft a vibrant base layer in the prepared casserole dish by combining cooked rice, black beans, corn kernels, garlic powder, and salsa. Mix thoroughly to create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, then spread evenly across the dish’s bottom.
4. Carefully nestle the seasoned chicken breasts atop the rice mixture, creating a strategic arrangement. Drizzle the remaining salsa over the chicken, ensuring each piece is lovingly coated.
5. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes. Monitor the chicken’s internal temperature, aiming for 158°F to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
6. During the final moments of cooking, shower the chicken with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Return to the oven for an additional 4-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to transform into a molten, golden blanket.
7. Rescue the bubbling casserole from the oven and let it rest momentarily. Portion out the tantalizing chicken and rice mixture, garnishing with optional toppings like cool sour cream, creamy avocado, or fresh chopped cilantro to elevate the dish’s complexity.

Notes

• Prep ahead by cooking rice and shredding cheese in advance to streamline the cooking process.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F for perfect doneness.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning or choosing mild or hot salsa.
• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quicker cooking and easier portion control.
• Transform leftovers into a delicious lunch by storing in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to the rice mixture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg