Spicy Mexican Chicken & Rice Bake
Transform your dinner routine with this vibrant Spicy Mexican Chicken & Rice Bake! This one-dish meal blends tender chicken breasts, zesty taco seasoning, and hearty salsa over a bed of fluffy rice, creating a delicious fusion that will tantalize your taste buds. Topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese and a cool dollop of sour cream, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. Enjoy a satisfying meal that is both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor!
4-6
Servings
367
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 lbs (trimmed and patted dry)
white rice
1 cup (rinsed)
water
2 cups (measured)
taco seasoning
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (store-bought or homemade)
salsa
1 (15 ounce) jar (mild or spicy, your choice)
shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups (for topping)
sour cream
to taste (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large 9 x 13 x 2 baking dish, combine the rinsed white rice, jar of salsa, and taco seasoning. Mix well until the rice is evenly coated.
3
Place the trimmed chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
4
Pour the measured water over the entire dish, covering the rice and chicken.
5
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
6
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the chicken.
7
Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Once finished, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve each portion with a dollop of sour cream on top, if desired.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
42g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Mexican Chicken & Rice Bake?
It is a vibrant one-dish meal that blends tender chicken breasts, zesty taco seasoning, and hearty salsa over a bed of fluffy rice.
What type of chicken is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and patted dry.
What kind of rice should I use?
You should use 1 cup of white rice that has been rinsed.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
What size baking dish is needed?
A large 9 x 13 x 2 baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the rice base?
Combine the rinsed white rice, a jar of salsa, and taco seasoning in the baking dish and mix until the rice is evenly coated.
Should the chicken be placed on top of or under the rice?
Place the trimmed chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
How much water is added to the dish?
Pour 2 cups of measured water over the entire dish, covering both the rice and the chicken.
Do I need to cover the baking dish?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil before putting it in the oven.
How long is the initial baking time?
Bake the covered dish in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
When do I add the cheese?
Carefully remove the foil after the initial 45 minutes of baking and sprinkle the cheese over the chicken.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
How long does the dish bake after adding the cheese?
Return the dish to the oven uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The dish is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Should I serve this dish immediately?
Once removed from the oven, allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
What is a suggested garnish for this meal?
Serve each portion with a dollop of sour cream on top if desired.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 367 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 25g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content for this recipe?
Each serving contains 13g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 42g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use different types of salsa?
Yes, you can use a 15-ounce jar of either mild or spicy salsa based on your preference.
What type of taco seasoning should I use?
You can use one 1.25-ounce package of either store-bought or homemade taco seasoning.
Is this a good recipe for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is described as a simple-to-prepare one-dish meal perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Key tags include chicken, rice, Mexican, one dish meal, and easy dinner.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 7 main ingredients required for this recipe.
Do I need to cook the rice before baking?
No, the rice is added raw (rinsed) and cooks in the oven with the water and salsa.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
The fiber content is not specified for this recipe.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Can I use a different cheese besides Monterey Jack?
While the recipe calls for Monterey Jack, you could likely substitute with other melting cheeses like Cheddar or a Mexican blend.