Savory Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bake
Elevate your dinner game with this Savory Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bake, a delightful twist on the classic chicken and rice dish. Infused with vibrant vegetables and a touch of southwestern flair, this one-dish meal comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The creamy Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully over the top, adding a comforting richness to the dish. This casserole is not only hearty and satisfying but also versatile, allowing you to customize the spices and heat levels to suit your preference. Enjoy the nostalgia of grandma’s recipe with a modern spin that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow rice mix
1 (10 ounce) package (as per package instructions)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
green bell pepper
1/2 cup (chopped)
carrot
1/2 cup (chopped)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
cooked chicken
2 cups (cubed)
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (drained)
diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 (10 ounce) can (drained)
Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups (grated, divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 3-quart or 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
2
Prepare the yellow rice according to the package directions; set aside.
3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and carrot, sautéing for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
4
In a large mixing bowl (you can use the skillet, if preferred), combine the hot cooked rice, sautéed onion mixture, drained black beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
5
Transfer the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top.
6
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Savory Chicken and Black Bean Rice Bake?
The main protein is 2 cups of cooked, cubed chicken.
What type of rice is used for this recipe?
This recipe calls for one 10-ounce package of yellow rice mix, prepared according to package instructions.
What vegetables are included in this chicken and rice bake?
The vegetables include 1 cup of chopped onion, 1/2 cup of chopped green bell pepper, and 1/2 cup of chopped carrot.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
You should use a lightly greased 3-quart or 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onion, green bell pepper, and carrot in olive oil for about 10 minutes or until tender and fragrant.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe uses 2 cups of grated Monterey Jack cheese, divided between the mixture and the topping.
Do I need to drain the black beans before adding them?
Yes, the 15-ounce can of black beans should be drained before being incorporated into the rice mixture.
Should the diced tomatoes and green chilies be drained?
Yes, the 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes and green chilies should be drained.
How much cheese goes inside the rice mixture versus on top?
Combine 1 1/2 cups of the cheese with the rice and vegetables, and use the remaining 1/2 cup to sprinkle on top before baking.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake covered for 20 to 30 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
Is the chicken added to the bake raw or cooked?
The chicken should be pre-cooked and cubed before being added to the rice mixture.
Can I customize the heat level of this dish?
Yes, this casserole is versatile and allows you to customize the spices and heat levels to suit your personal preference.
What gives this dish its southwestern flair?
The combination of yellow rice, black beans, Monterey Jack cheese, and diced tomatoes with green chilies provides its southwestern flavor profile.
What type of oil is best for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing.
Should I cover the dish while it bakes?
Yes, cover the dish with foil for the first 20 to 30 minutes of baking, then remove it for the final 5 to 10 minutes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients: yellow rice mix, onion, green bell pepper, carrot, olive oil, cooked chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and Monterey Jack cheese.
Is this a good recipe for weeknights?
Yes, it is described as a one-dish meal that comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
What should I do after the bake comes out of the oven?
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to set.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and described as a hearty and satisfying casserole.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features a creamy texture from the melted Monterey Jack cheese and a hearty consistency from the rice and beans.
Can I use a different type of cheese than Monterey Jack?
While Monterey Jack is recommended for its melting quality and richness, you could likely substitute it with another meltable cheese like Pepper Jack for more heat.
Does this recipe require a lot of preparation?
Preparation involves chopping vegetables, cooking rice, and sautéing, but overall it is considered an easy dinner with a 10-minute sauté time.
How much yellow rice mix is needed?
One 10-ounce package of yellow rice mix is required.
How much onion is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped onion.
What kind of beans are used?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of black beans.
Is this a southern-style dish?
Yes, it is categorized under southern cooking and described as having a nostalgic feel similar to grandma’s recipes.
Can this recipe be prepared in a skillet?
The vegetables are sautéed in a skillet, and you can even use that same skillet to mix the ingredients before transferring them to a baking dish.
How much green bell pepper is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped green bell pepper.
Is the dish served immediately?
It is best to let it cool for a few minutes after baking before serving.