If cozy comfort food is calling your name, you are going to absolutely adore this Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe! It’s a cheesy, satisfying favorite that layers chicken, beans, rice, and flavorful spices—all baked up bubbly and golden for the ultimate one-dish dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Magic: This Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe delivers a complete meal in a single pan—no juggling a bunch of dishes or pots!
- Family-Pleasing Flavors: Cheesy, zesty, and loaded with tender chicken and veggies, it’s always a hit with adults and kids alike.
- Customizable Comfort: You can easily tweak the spice, protein, or veggies to suit your favorite flavors or what’s in your pantry.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This casserole is perfect for prepping in advance for busy weeknights or gatherings—just reheat and serve!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how simple the ingredient list is for this Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe. Every addition, from the cozy rice to the creamy cheese topping, brings something delicious—whether it’s flavor, vibrant color, or that craveable cheesy texture.
- Uncooked long grain white rice: Lays the foundation, soaking up every bit of flavor as the casserole bakes.
- Minced garlic: Adds aromatic depth and an unmistakable punch that you’ll taste in every bite.
- Chopped onion: Sweetens and softens as it bakes, building savory flavor from the bottom up.
- Chicken broth: Ensures the rice cooks up fluffy and tender while infusing the whole dish with rich, savory notes.
- Chicken breasts (cubed): Turns this into a hearty, satisfying meal—be sure to cut them into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- Black beans (cooked, rinsed, and drained): Brings protein, fiber, and delicious creamy texture.
- Frozen corn (defrosted): Pops of sweetness and bright color, plus no need to wait for corn season!
- Jarred salsa: Packs in punchy flavor, moisture, and a bit of heat depending on your chosen variety.
- Chili powder: Layers in mild heat and classic Tex-Mex flavor—it’s not too spicy, just warming.
- Paprika: Gives the casserole a gorgeous color and a subtle smoky undertone.
- Cheddar cheese: The crowning glory! Melts to bubbly, golden-gooey perfection.
Variations
This Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe is incredibly flexible! Don’t be shy about swapping in your favorite proteins or veggies, or adjusting the seasoning to match your taste buds or dietary needs. Here are a few delicious ideas to lift your casserole game:
- Switch up the protein: Swap chicken breast for rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or even pulled pork for a fun twist.
- Add extra veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or diced tomatoes taste fantastic and add nutrition and color.
- Cheese lover’s delight: Mix in Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack for extra ooey-gooey, melty goodness and a little kick.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and double up on beans and veggies for a meatless version that’s just as hearty.
How to Make Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Layer the Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large casserole dish (about 12×9 inches), combine the uncooked rice, minced garlic, chopped onion, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir so the rice starts out evenly distributed and absorbs all those bold flavors as it bakes.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Toppings
Scatter the cubed chicken breasts, black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, and paprika on top of the rice mixture. Try to tuck as much of the rice as possible underneath the other ingredients to ensure even, tender cooking. This layering also delivers plenty of texture and flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Cheese Time!
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. The cheese will melt into those nooks and crannies, forming a glorious golden crust.
Step 4: Bake, Uncover, and Finish
Cover your dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes (or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly). This final step also helps any excess moisture evaporate, giving you that beautifully set, scoopable casserole texture.
Pro Tips for Making Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Rice Placement is Key: Make sure your rice base is fully submerged under the liquids and toppings so it steams up beautifully—no crunchy spots!
- Use Even Chicken Cubes: Cut the chicken into uniform, 1-inch pieces so it stays juicy and cooks through in the same amount of time.
- Cheese It Up at the End: For peak cheesy meltiness, add a little extra cheese to the top during the last 5 minutes of uncovered baking.
- Check Before Serving: Give the casserole a quick stir and check that the rice is fully cooked—if it needs a touch more time, just cover and bake for a few additional minutes.
How to Serve Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
This casserole truly shines with a shower of fresh toppings! A sprinkle of chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or creamy avocado easily elevates each serving. Add a dollop of sour cream or a few diced tomatoes for color, freshness, and a decadent finish atop your Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple but vibrant with a side of crunchy tortilla chips and homemade guacamole, a fresh corn salad, or even a crisp green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette. These easy sides round out your Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe, making dinner feel like a mini fiesta!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn leftovers into burrito or taco fillings, or scoop the casserole into individual ramekins for a fun, personal touch at your next get-together. Another favorite? Use this hearty casserole as a topping for baked sweet potatoes or serve it layered over crunchy tortilla chips for an epic Tex-Mex nacho platter—it’s a crowd-pleaser in every form.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe cool to room temperature before transferring leftovers into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—the flavors only get better overnight!
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or spoon into freezer-safe containers. Label with the date and stash away for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, defrost overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20-25 minutes). If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave also works—just stir halfway and top with fresh cheese, if you like, before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber, but keep in mind it takes longer to cook and may need a bit more broth. Add an additional 15-20 minutes to the covered bake time and check for doneness before removing the foil.
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Will the chicken cook through if I start with raw cubes?
Yes, as long as your pieces are cut close to 1-inch cubes and baked as directed, the chicken will cook through perfectly in the Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe. If you’re ever unsure, check with a meat thermometer—the internal temp should read 165°F.
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Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?
You sure can! Just be aware that the rice will absorb some liquid as it sits, so add a splash of extra broth before baking. Store covered in the fridge, and bake as directed when ready—makes weeknight dinners a total breeze.
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What kind of salsa is best for this recipe?
Pick your favorite! Chunky salsa adds extra texture, while smoother styles create a more cohesive, saucy consistency. Mild, medium, or hot all work—just tailor it to your heat preference for that signature Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing, and totally comforting meal, you can’t go wrong with this Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe. Give it a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, your family will be smiling, and you’ll have a new favorite go-to dish for busy nights or cozy gatherings. Buen provecho!
Print
Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Mexican Chicken Casserole is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, rice, beans, corn, and salsa, all baked together with melted cheddar cheese on top for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Rice Mixture:
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chicken broth
Chicken and Vegetable Layer:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup black beans, cooked, rinsed & drained
- 1 cup frozen corn, defrosted
- 16 oz jarred salsa
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a large casserole dish (12×9), lay down white rice, minced garlic, onion, and chicken broth. Stir until combined.
- Add chicken breasts, black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, and paprika on top.
Try to keep the rice on the bottom and covered so it can cook correctly.
- Top with cheddar cheese.
- Cover and bake for 45 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
