Cheesy Creamy Chicken Taco Bake
Indulge in this delightful Cheesy Creamy Chicken Taco Bake, a one-pan wonder that combines the savory flavors of taco spices with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and rich sour cream, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, making it not only delicious but also convenient. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a weekly favorite. Serve it with your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, or fresh cilantro for an extra pop of flavor!
N/A
Servings
325
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 (trimmed and cut into halves)
taco seasoning mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (divided)
oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
water
2 cups (for cooking rice)
quick-cooking rice
2 cups (uncooked)
sour cream
1 1/2 cups (divided)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Start by sprinkling the boneless chicken breasts evenly with 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning mix, ensuring every piece is well-coated.
2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3
Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the skillet, cooking for about 5 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4
In the same skillet, add the remaining taco seasoning mix along with 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil, stirring occasionally.
5
Once boiling, stir in 2 cups of uncooked quick-cooking rice. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Allow the rice to cook for about 5 minutes until it absorbs the water.
6
After 5 minutes, remove the lid and stir in 1 cup of sour cream until well combined and creamy.
7
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken.
8
Cover the skillet again and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
9
Before serving, dollop the remaining 1/2 cup of sour cream on top for added creaminess and flavor. Garnish with your choice of toppings such as chopped fresh herbs, chopped tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños.
Nutrition Information
16.5g
Fat
28.3g
Carbs
21g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Creamy Chicken Taco Bake?
It is a one-pan meal that combines taco-seasoned chicken, quick-cooking rice, and a creamy sour cream sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, trimmed and cut into halves.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs, though cooking times may vary slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
What seasoning is used for the chicken?
A standard 1 1/4 ounce package of taco seasoning mix is used, divided between the chicken and the rice mixture.
How much oil is needed for cooking?
You will need 1 tablespoon of oil to sear the chicken in the skillet.
How long should I cook the chicken in the skillet?
Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through.
What type of rice should I use?
This recipe requires 2 cups of uncooked quick-cooking rice to ensure it cooks in the specified timeframe.
Can I use regular long-grain white rice?
Using regular rice would require more liquid and a longer cooking time than the 5 minutes specified for quick-cooking rice.
How much water is added to the rice?
You need 2 cups of water to cook the 2 cups of quick-cooking rice.
When do I add the sour cream?
Add 1 cup of sour cream to the rice after it has absorbed the water, then use the remaining 1/2 cup as a topping before serving.
Can I substitute the sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a common substitute for sour cream if you want a different flavor profile or higher protein content.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe suggests 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a classic flavor.
Can I use a Mexican cheese blend?
Yes, a Mexican or Fiesta cheese blend works perfectly with the taco flavors in this dish.
How do I melt the cheese?
After topping the chicken and rice with cheese, cover the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, the entire dish is prepared in a single large skillet, making cleanup very easy.
What are some recommended garnishes?
You can garnish with fresh herbs, chopped tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, avocado, salsa, or fresh cilantro.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 325 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This recipe provides 21g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this meal?
There are 28.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 16.5g per serving.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 7 main ingredients: chicken, taco seasoning, oil, water, rice, sour cream, and cheddar cheese.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is designed as a comforting, easy-to-make meal that is popular with both kids and adults.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
Ensure you reduce the heat to low and keep the skillet covered while the rice is absorbing the water.
Can I make this dish spicier?
You can increase the heat by using a spicy taco seasoning mix or adding sliced jalapeños to the garnish.
How do I prepare the chicken?
Trim the chicken breast halves and cut them into halves before seasoning with 1 teaspoon of the taco mix.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
Use medium-high heat for searing the chicken and low heat once the rice is added.
Does the recipe use a specific brand of taco seasoning?
Any 1.25-ounce package of taco seasoning will work for this recipe.
Can I add beans to this bake?
Yes, black beans or pinto beans would be a great addition to the rice mixture for extra texture and fiber.
How long does the entire recipe take to cook?
The cooking process takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes from start to finish.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well, making it a convenient option for prepared lunches or dinners during the week.