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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat a casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent adherence.
- Seasoning: Massage chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and taco seasoning, ensuring complete coverage and flavor penetration.
- 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.
- Assembly: Position seasoned chicken breasts atop the rice mixture, then lavishly drench with remaining salsa to enhance moisture and taste.
- 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.
- 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