Description

This Cheesy Salsa Chicken and Rice Bake is a hearty, flavorful casserole that combines tender shredded chicken, cooked rice, and zesty salsa, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, it’s loaded with black beans and corn for added texture and nutrition. The dish is seasoned with warm spices like cumin, garlic, and chili powder to bring a delicious southwestern flair to your dinner table.

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 and Seasonings

1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Other

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

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and allow easy serving.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, salsa, corn, black beans, half of the shredded cheese, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Assemble Bake: Pour the combined mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly for consistent baking.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture to create a cheesy crust.
Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Cool and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the bake cool for about 5 minutes. Optionally garnish with fresh cilantro before serving warm.

Notes

You can use either white or brown rice depending on your preference and dietary needs.
Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut if you want to save time on cooking chicken.
Adjust the heat level of the salsa to suit your spice tolerance, from mild to hot.
Feel free to substitute cheddar with your favorite cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat in the oven before serving.
For added texture, you can mix in diced bell peppers or jalapeños.

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

Keywords: Cheesy chicken bake, salsa chicken casserole, chicken and rice bake, southwestern chicken casserole, easy chicken dinner