Description
A one-pan Mexican casserole that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, black beans, and zesty seasonings topped with melted cheese. This hearty, flavor-packed dish is perfect for family dinners and requires minimal prep work.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 cup long grain rice, uncooked
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can Rotel (10 ounces)
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cilantro and pico de gallo to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. This temperature ensures the rice cooks through properly while allowing the chicken to remain tender and juicy.
- Heat the broth: In a small bowl, heat 2 cups of chicken broth in the microwave for 2 minutes, or until hot. Using hot broth helps kickstart the cooking process and ensures the rice cooks evenly.
- Combine all ingredients: Add the chopped chicken, uncooked rice, chopped onion, red pepper, minced garlic, taco seasoning, black beans, Rotel, and salsa into a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam during cooking.
- Bake and finish with cheese: Cook the covered dish for 35 minutes. Remove from oven and stir the mixture to redistribute the ingredients. Top evenly with shredded cheddar cheese and return to the oven, uncovered, for another 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. Garnish with fresh cilantro and pico de gallo before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can use fire-roasted Rotel tomatoes or add a diced jalapeño.
- The dish can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
- For a spicier version, mix in 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper with the taco seasoning.
- You can substitute brown rice, but increase the cooking time by 15-20 minutes and add an extra 1/4 cup of broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
