1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole

Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole

Featured in: Memorable Main Dishes Worth Sharing

This Mexican chicken and rice casserole brings together tender shredded chicken, fluffy brown rice, and a homemade spice blend that includes chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. The dish gets extra flavor and texture from black beans, corn, green chilies, and colorful bell peppers, all cooked together until the rice is tender and flavors meld. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and finished with fresh additions like avocado, cilantro, and green onions, it's a complete meal in one dish. The combination of protein, whole grains, and vegetables creates a satisfying dinner that's perfect for feeding a family or having leftovers for lunch.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
marry from tastelikemagic.com
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:45:04 GMT
Chicken Burrito Casserole Pin it
Chicken Burrito Casserole | tastelikemagic.com

Transform your favorite burrito ingredients into a comforting, family-style casserole that's loaded with Mexican flavors. This one-dish wonder combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and vibrant vegetables with classic Mexican seasonings, all topped with melty cheese and fresh garnishes.

After experimenting with various Mexican casseroles, I discovered that layering the seasonings properly and using brown rice creates the perfect texture and depth of flavor. My family now requests this "burrito bowl casserole" regularly.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Brown rice: Choose long-grain for best texture
  • Chicken: Rotisserie works perfectly
  • Black beans: Rinse well to remove excess sodium
  • Green chilies: Fresh or canned both work well
  • Cheese: Freshly grated melts better
  • Spices: Fresh, aromatic spices make a difference
  • Broth: Low sodium allows better seasoning control

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1:
Perfect Your Base: Mix spices thoroughly. Layer rice with vegetables. Distribute seasonings evenly. Combine liquid ingredients separately. Ensure even distribution. Cover tightly with foil.
Step 2:
Build Your Layers: Pour broth mixture evenly. Add proteins gradually. Distribute vegetables evenly. Check seasoning levels. Cover completely with foil. Press down gently to settle.
Step 3:
Master the Baking: Maintain consistent temperature. Check rice tenderness. Add cheese at right time. Watch for proper browning. Allow proper rest time. Check liquid absorption.
easy Chicken Burrito Casserole Pin it
easy Chicken Burrito Casserole | tastelikemagic.com

During a large family gathering, I learned that preparing all the toppings while the casserole bakes creates the perfect timing. The casserole needs its rest time anyway, and fresh toppings make all the difference.

Make-Ahead Tips

Streamline your preparation: Mix spices in advance. Chop vegetables ahead. Prepare chicken day before. Measure ingredients. Have toppings ready.

Topping Suggestions

Create a topping bar with: Fresh cilantro. Diced avocado. Lime wedges. Sour cream. Pico de gallo. Sliced jalapeños.

delicious Chicken Burrito Casserole Pin it
delicious Chicken Burrito Casserole | tastelikemagic.com

This Mexican-inspired casserole has become my go-to recipe for feeding a crowd. It proves that comfort food can be both convenient and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, but you'll need to reduce the cooking time to about 45 minutes and adjust the liquid amount according to package instructions.
→ Can I make this casserole spicier?
Yes, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños to make it spicier according to your taste.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or covered in the oven.
→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Just shred it to get the needed 5 cups.
→ Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating. Add fresh toppings after reheating.

Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole

A hearty casserole combining tender chicken, rice, and Mexican spices with black beans and corn, topped with melted cheese and fresh garnishes.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
75 Minutes
Total Time
90 Minutes
By: Marry

Category: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican-American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Seasoning Blend

01 Chili powder, 1 tablespoon
02 Cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon
03 Garlic powder, 2 teaspoons
04 Smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon
05 Onion powder, 1 teaspoon
06 Ground cumin, 1 teaspoon
07 Dried oregano, 1 teaspoon
08 Salt, 1 teaspoon
09 Black pepper, 1 teaspoon

→ Casserole Base

10 White onion, chopped, 1/2 cup
11 Red bell pepper, diced, 1
12 Uncooked brown rice, 1 cup
13 Low sodium chicken broth, 3 cups
14 Green chilies, deseeded and chopped, 2
15 Olive oil, 1 tablespoon
16 Tomato paste, 2 tablespoons

→ Main Ingredients

17 Corn kernels (canned or frozen), drained, 1 cup
18 Black beans, drained and rinsed, 1 (14 oz) can
19 Cooked chicken, shredded, 5 cups
20 Cheddar cheese, shredded, 1 1/4 cups

→ Fresh Toppings

21 Fresh cilantro, chopped
22 Green onions, chopped
23 Avocado, chopped
24 Your favorite salsa

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 400°F. Mix all seasoning ingredients together in a small bowl.

Step 02

In a 9x13 baking dish, combine onion, bell pepper, uncooked rice, and the seasoning mix. In a separate bowl, mix chicken broth, chilies, olive oil, and tomato paste, then pour into the baking dish and stir.

Step 03

Add corn, black beans, and shredded chicken to the baking dish, mixing well to combine everything evenly.

Step 04

Cover dish tightly with foil and bake for 65-70 minutes until rice is tender. Remove from oven, uncover, top with shredded cheddar, and return to oven for 5-10 minutes until cheese is melty and golden.

Step 05

Let rest 5-10 minutes, then top with fresh cilantro, green onions, avocado, and salsa before serving.

Notes

  1. Rice cooks directly in the casserole - no pre-cooking needed
  2. Can adjust spice level by modifying cayenne amount
  3. Perfect for using leftover cooked chicken

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil
  • Mixing bowls

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 28 g