Cheesy Tex-Mex Chicken & Rice Bake
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Cheesy Tex-Mex Chicken & Rice Bake, a beloved dish that's perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners. This casserole combines tender chicken with creamy soups, zesty tomatoes, and gooey Velveeta cheese, all baked together to create a mouthwatering experience. Topped with a crunchy layer of nacho cheese tortilla chips, this dish not only satisfies the palate but also evokes cherished memories of family dinners. Whether it's for birthdays, holidays, or just a weeknight meal, this casserole continually earns its place as a family favorite, bringing smiles to the table and warmth to the heart.
8
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 lbs (cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces)
cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) (none)
cream of chicken soup
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) (none)
diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 can (10 ounces) (none)
chicken broth
1 can (10 ounces) (none)
Velveeta cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
nacho cheese flavored tortilla chips
1 bag (15 ounces) (crushed)
cooked rice
to serve (cooked according to package instructions)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by cooking the boneless skinless chicken breasts until fully cooked. Chop them into bite-sized pieces.
2
2. Prepare the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
3
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
4
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and chicken broth. Mix until smooth.
5
5. In a large casserole dish, layer half of the cooked chicken evenly on the bottom, followed by half of the soup mixture and half of the shredded Velveeta cheese. Repeat the layering process with the remaining chicken, soup mixture, and cheese.
6
6. Finish by evenly distributing the crushed nacho cheese tortilla chips over the top of the casserole.
7
7. Cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the chips from burning, and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and heated through.
8
8. Serve the casserole hot over a bed of your prepared rice and enjoy a hearty meal!
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
40g
Carbs
18.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Cheesy Tex-Mex Chicken & Rice Bake?
The main protein in this recipe is 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
What kind of cheese is recommended for this casserole?
This recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of shredded Velveeta cheese to achieve its signature gooey and creamy texture.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the casserole.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole should bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until it is bubbling and heated through.
Do I need to cook the rice inside the casserole dish?
No, the rice should be prepared separately according to the package instructions and the casserole is served hot over a bed of the prepared rice.
What provide the crunchy topping for this dish?
A 15-ounce bag of crushed nacho cheese flavored tortilla chips is distributed over the top of the casserole to provide a crunchy finish.
What types of canned soups are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup and one 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of chicken soup.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 8 hearty servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How is the layering process handled?
You layer half the chicken, half the soup mixture, and half the cheese, then repeat the process with the remaining halves before adding the chips.
Should I cover the casserole while it bakes?
Yes, cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil during baking to prevent the tortilla chips from burning.
What are the primary flavor components of the soup mixture?
The mixture combines cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies.
How much chicken broth is required?
One 10-ounce can of chicken broth is used in the soup mixture.
Can I use different types of chicken?
While the recipe calls for boneless skinless breasts, you can use any cooked chicken as long as it is chopped into bite-sized pieces.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 18.75g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a single serving?
There are 40g of carbohydrates per serving in this dish.
How much protein is provided in one serving?
Each serving provides 18.75g of protein.
What should I do with the nacho cheese chips before adding them?
The chips should be crushed before being evenly distributed over the top of the casserole.
Are salt and pepper included in the recipe?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to taste according to your preference.
Is this dish considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal because it combines protein, starch, and vegetables into a single bake.
What preparation is needed for the Velveeta cheese?
The Velveeta cheese should be shredded before layering it into the casserole dish.
Can I prepare this for family gatherings?
Yes, the description highlights it as a beloved dish perfect for family gatherings, birthdays, and holidays.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked and then chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Does this recipe include dietary fiber information?
No, the fiber content is not specified in the current nutritional breakdown.
What is the second step of preparation?
The second step is to prepare the rice according to its package instructions and set it aside for serving.
Is the serving size defined by weight?
The specific weight of a serving size is not provided, but the recipe is divided into 8 servings.
What gives this dish its Tex-Mex flavor profile?
The combination of diced tomatoes with green chilies and nacho cheese tortilla chips gives it its Tex-Mex flair.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include casserole, chicken, rice, tex-mex, comfort food, family meal, easy dinner, one dish meal, and baked.
How do you ensure the soup mixture is smooth?
You should combine the soups, tomatoes, chilies, and broth in a large mixing bowl and mix until the consistency is smooth.
How is the dish served?
It is served hot, specifically spooned over a bed of prepared rice.