Cheesy Mexican Chicken & Rice Bake
This Cheesy Mexican Chicken & Rice Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Bursting with vibrant flavors from seasoned chicken, black beans, and zesty Rotel tomatoes, this casserole brings together all the delicious elements of Mexican cuisine in one hearty bake. With a creamy layer of melted Monterey Jack cheese on top, each serving is both satisfying and nourishing. Easy to prepare and packed with ingredients, it's an excellent choice for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead of time. Serve it with a fresh salad or warm tortillas for an unforgettable meal.
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow rice mix
8 ounces (Prepare according to package directions)
black beans
15 ounces (Canned, drained and rinsed)
Rotel tomatoes
15 ounces (Canned, with juice)
green pepper
1 cup (Diced)
diced onion
1 cup (Fresh, diced)
Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups (Shredded, divided)
cooked chicken
2 cups (Cubed, can use leftover or rotisserie chicken)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (For sautéing)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare the yellow rice according to the package directions, set aside once cooked.
3
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and green pepper for about 10 minutes, or until they are softened.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, black beans (drained and rinsed), Rotel tomatoes (with juice), cubed chicken, and the sautéed mixture of onion and bell pepper.
5
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until well combined.
6
Pour the mixture into a greased 13x9 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
7
Top the casserole with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
8
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
9
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
11
Fat
45
Carbs
20
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Mexican Chicken & Rice Bake?
It is a comforting and flavorful casserole made with seasoned chicken, black beans, yellow rice, and zesty Rotel tomatoes topped with Monterey Jack cheese.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What type of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires an 8-ounce package of yellow rice mix, prepared according to package directions.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?
Yes, you can use 2 cups of cubed cooked chicken, such as leftover or rotisserie chicken.
How much protein is in this casserole?
This recipe provides 20 grams of protein per serving.
What size baking dish do I need?
A greased 13x9 inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
Do I need to drain the black beans?
Yes, the black beans should be canned, drained, and rinsed before use.
Do I need to drain the Rotel tomatoes?
No, the Rotel tomatoes should be added to the mixture with their juice.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
How long does the casserole bake?
The dish bakes for a total of 40 minutes: 30 minutes covered with foil and 10 minutes uncovered.
What is the fat content of this meal?
There are 11 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should I saute the vegetables?
Saute the diced onion and green pepper in olive oil for about 10 minutes until softened.
How much cheese is mixed into the rice?
You should stir 1.5 cups of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese into the rice and chicken mixture.
How much cheese is used for the topping?
The remaining 0.5 cup of shredded cheese is used to top the casserole before baking.
What vegetables are included in the ingredients?
The recipe includes 1 cup of diced green pepper and 1 cup of fresh diced onion.
Is this recipe good for feeding a crowd?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, or feeding a crowd.
What are some serving suggestions?
This dish is delicious when served with a fresh salad or warm tortillas.
How many main ingredients are needed?
There are 8 main ingredients: yellow rice mix, black beans, Rotel tomatoes, green pepper, onion, Monterey Jack cheese, cooked chicken, and olive oil.
Should I let the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the dish cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, it is considered a one-pan meal casserole once all ingredients are combined in the baking dish.
Can I use raw chicken in the mix?
No, the recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of cooked chicken that has been cubed.
What oil should be used for the vegetables?
The recipe suggests using 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sauteing.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It is a hearty bake with a creamy layer of melted cheese and vibrant textures from beans and peppers.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is great for preparing ahead of time.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting dish perfect for family dinners.
What type of onion is best?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of fresh, diced onion.
What color bell pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of diced green pepper.
Is the sodium content provided?
The specific sodium content is not listed in the nutritional information for this recipe.