Zesty Mexican Chicken & Rice Bake Recipe: Fiesta in a Dish

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this zesty Mexican chicken and rice bake delivers comfort on a plate.

Packed with vibrant spices and hearty ingredients, the dish comes together effortlessly.

Tender chicken mingles with perfectly cooked rice, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Layers of melted cheese and aromatic seasonings turn an ordinary meal into a culinary celebration.

Each forkful promises a delicious journey through bold, traditional Mexican-inspired tastes.

Weeknight cooking just got a whole lot more exciting with this crowd-pleasing recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your dinner table.

Dive in and savor every satisfying bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

Total Time: 50-55 minutes

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes in Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender base of the dish, choose fresh, plump cuts for maximum juiciness and flavor.
• Taco Seasoning: Vibrant spice blend that infuses the chicken with zesty Mexican-inspired flavors.

• Cooked Rice: Fluffy foundation that absorbs delicious salsa and provides hearty substance.
• Black Beans: Creamy protein-rich legumes that add earthy depth and nutritional boost.
• Corn Kernels: Sweet, crisp vegetable that brings bright color and subtle sweetness.

• Salsa: Tangy sauce that adds moisture, spice, and authentic Mexican character.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty, sharp topping that creates irresistible golden-brown crust.
• Garlic Powder: Aromatic seasoning that enhances overall savory profile.
• Salt: Essential mineral that elevates and balances all ingredient flavors.
• Black Pepper: Subtle heat and warmth that complements other seasonings.

• Sour Cream: Cool, creamy topping that balances spicy elements.
• Avocado: Buttery, rich addition for extra texture.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings bright, citrusy notes.

Tools That Help You Bake Mexican Chicken and Rice Effortlessly

• Casserole Dish: Large baking dish for layering and baking the entire meal.
• Cutting Board: Flat surface for seasoning and preparing chicken.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for handling chicken and potential garnish cutting.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise tools for adding taco seasoning, salt, and spices.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for mixing rice, beans, and corn mixture.
• Cheese Grater: Optional tool if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
• Oven Mitts: Essential for safely handling hot casserole dish.
• Cooking Spray: Light coating to prevent sticking in the casserole dish.
• Meat Thermometer: Helps ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature.

How to Prepare Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake at Home

Flavor Explosion Chicken Rice Delight

• Oven Warmup

Get your kitchen ready by heating the oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray so nothing sticks.

• Chicken Magic

Lay out your chicken and sprinkle it with zesty taco seasoning. Make sure both sides get some love from the spices.

• Rice Foundation

In your baking dish, mix cooked rice with black beans, corn, and salsa. This creates a super tasty base that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Chicken Placement

Nestle the seasoned chicken right on top of your rice mixture. Drizzle a bit more salsa over the chicken for extra moisture and flavor.

• Baking Adventure

Pop the dish in the oven and let it cook for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken looks perfectly golden and juicy.

• Cheesy Finale

Sprinkle some shredded cheese over the top and return to the oven for a quick 4-5 minutes until the cheese gets all melty and irresistible.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your delicious creation and top with fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. Dinner is served!

Tips for Extra Flavor in Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake

• Swap chicken breasts with ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or black beans for a vegetarian option that keeps the dish hearty and flavorful.
• Adjust the heat level by using mild, medium, or hot salsa, or add diced jalapeños for extra kick. Experiment with different taco seasoning brands to find your perfect flavor profile.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Elevate the dish with creative garnishes like pickled red onions, crumbled queso fresco, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of chipotle crema for added depth and freshness.
• Replace white rice with cauliflower rice, brown rice, or quinoa to create a healthier or gluten-free version that doesn't compromise on taste and texture.

How to Serve Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake for Family Meals

• Flavor Explosion Topping Bar: Create a DIY station with fresh chopped cilantro, diced avocado, tangy sour cream, zesty lime wedges, and extra salsa so everyone can customize their Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake.
• Sidekick Spectacular: Pair this hearty dish with crisp tortilla chips, a refreshing green salad with Mexican-style dressing, or quick-pickled jalapeños for added crunch and heat.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion leftovers into meal prep containers for easy lunches. The dish reheats beautifully and stays flavorful for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Family-Style Fiesta Presentation: Serve directly from the baking dish with colorful garnishes, letting everyone scoop out their desired portion for a casual, interactive dining experience that celebrates Mexican-inspired comfort food.

Best Storage for Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake

• Refrigerator Roadmap: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. The dish stays fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen meals maintain quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Ingredient Prep Hack: Cook extra rice and pre-chop chicken earlier in the week to streamline meal preparation. This technique saves time and makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

Cheesy Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Home cooks discover pure comfort in this Mexican chicken and rice bake, a hearty casserole blending savory spices and tender ingredients. Families will savor each spoonful of this satisfying meal that brings warmth and zest to the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts (small, boneless, skinless; or 2 large sliced into cutlets, 2–3 lbs/907–1361 g)
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (freshly cracked, to taste)
• 2 cups rice (white or brown, cooked)
• 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans (drained, rinsed)
• 1 cup corn kernels (frozen)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 jar (16 oz/454 g) salsa (any flavor or brand)
• 2 cups cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat a casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent adherence.
2. Seasoning: Massage chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and taco seasoning, ensuring complete coverage and flavor penetration.
3. Foundation Layer: Combine cooked rice, black beans, corn kernels, garlic powder, and salsa in the prepared dish. Mix thoroughly and distribute evenly, creating a robust base for the chicken.
4. Assembly: Position seasoned chicken breasts atop the rice mixture, then lavishly drench with remaining salsa to enhance moisture and taste.
5. Baking Process: Roast uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, targeting an internal chicken temperature of 158°F. During the final 4-5 minutes, crown the dish with shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into a golden, appetizing layer.
6. Serving: Remove from oven and let rest briefly. Plate the chicken and rice, embellishing with optional garnishes like sour cream, avocado, or cilantro to amplify the dish’s culinary profile.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Season chicken thoroughly and let spices sit for 10-15 minutes before cooking to maximize flavor absorption.
• Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption, preventing dry meat.
• Salsa Selection: Choose a thick, chunky salsa for better moisture retention and more robust flavor profile in the rice mixture.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Grate cheese fresh for superior melting and more even coverage across the chicken and rice bake.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg