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A hot and spicy dump-and-bake salsa chicken rice casserole, bubbling with cheese.

Spicy & Cheesy One-Dish Salsa Chicken Rice Casserole

This easy one-dish casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a zesty salsa sauce, all topped with melted cheese for a hearty and flavorful meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it requires minimal cleanup and delivers maximum taste.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1.5 cups uncooked long-grain white rice rinsing optional
  • 16 oz jar mild, medium, or hot salsa chunky recommended
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 can corn drained
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese or Mexican blend

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh cilantro chopped
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Avocado slices or guacamole
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Hot sauce

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Combine chicken, rice, salsa, chicken broth, black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder in the prepared baking dish.
  • Stir all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the rice is fully submerged in the liquid.

Baking

  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
  • Carefully remove foil, then gently stir the casserole.
  • Evenly sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole.
  • Return uncovered to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender, chicken is cooked (165°F / 74°C), and cheese is bubbly and melted.

Serving

  • Remove casserole from oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  • Garnish with desired toppings like cilantro, sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños before serving.

Notes

For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices. This casserole is great for meal prepping; simply portion it into individual containers for quick and easy lunches or dinners later in the week. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.