Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with this bold and satisfying Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole! Packed with tender chicken breasts, fluffy long-grain white rice, and a medley of vibrant ingredients like black beans, sweet corn, and zesty salsa, this one-dish wonder is bursting with Tex-Mex flavors. A perfectly spiced broth infused with garlic, chili powder, and cumin ensures every bite is flavorful, while a topping of melted Mexican blend cheese adds the ultimate gooey finishing touch. With just 15 minutes of prep and 40 minutes in the oven, this easy-to-make casserole is an ideal fuss-free meal that serves four generously. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser—don’t forget the fresh cilantro garnish for an extra pop of freshness! Perfect for those searching for hearty dinner recipes, chicken casserole ideas, or Tex-Mex-inspired comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup store-bought or homemade salsa
• 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1 cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or a small amount of oil.

Step 3

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then set it aside.

Step 4

In a medium-sized bowl, mix the chicken broth, salsa, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Step 5

Pour the rice into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.

Step 6

Sprinkle the black beans and frozen corn on top of the rice.

Step 7

Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, spacing them evenly.

Step 8

Pour the broth and salsa mixture over the entire casserole, ensuring the liquid covers the rice completely.

Step 9

Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam and help the rice cook evenly.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 11

Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 12

Place the casserole back in the oven (uncovered) for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 13

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 14

Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1812.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1736.0

Total Fat 48.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 395.8mg	0%
Sodium 5522.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 153.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.5g	0%
Total Sugars 16.9g
Protein 167.3g	0%

Vitamin D 3.5IU	0%
Calcium 1052.1mg	0%
Iron 14.9mg	0%
Potassium 2856.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.5%

Protein: 38.8%

Carbs: 35.7%