Fiesta chicken and rice casserole is an easy, flavorful dish that your family will look forward to! I love to add a lot of flavor to any food I cook, and this one does just that. It’s a delightful symphony of flavors, combining classic Mexican food elements with the comfort of a good casserole.

This recipe is perfect for busy week nights. And another thing I like about it is that it’s a complete meal in one dish! So you can serve it all by itself or add a crunchy side salad like this crunchy broccoli slaw.

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Perfect Blend of Ingredients for a Mexican Dinner

When I’m in the mood for lots of flavor but still want to keep cooking simple, this is one of the dishes I like to make. It’s easy and doesn’t require hours and hours of standing in front of the stove.

My family enjoys a variety of Mexican or Tex Mex foods, like this yummy Tex Mex salad. We also enjoy any kind of chili, from this chili con carne that we make in the slow cooker, to this super quick and easy 3-ingredient Ro-Tel chili.

I like to end any Mexican-inspired meal with a light dessert, such as this no-bake cherry lime pie. Another delicious dessert for this dish is this homemade no-churn strawberry ice cream.

Ingredients

All of the following simple ingredients are available at any grocery store.

Here is what you’ll need:

• 1 can (10-3/4 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup salsa
• 6 ounces frozen corn
• 3/4 cup uncooked rice
• 1-1/2 tablespoon taco seasoning (more if you want it spicier)
• 1/2 cup water
• 2-1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into strips or bite-size pieces
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Colby)
• Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• Dash of paprika (optional)

How to Make Fiesta Chicken and Rice Casserole

First, preheat your oven to 375˚ F. Spray a casserole dish or pan with nonstick cooking spray or the oil of your choice. In a large bowl, mix the soup, black beans, salsa, corn, rice, taco seasoning, and water.

Pour the mixture into the pan. Or you can mix the ingredients directly in the baking dish if you prefer.

Place the chicken on top of the mixture. Sprinkle the salt, black, pepper, and paprika over the top if you want.

Cover the top of the pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and stir the rice. Put it back in the oven for another 25 minutes to finish cooking. Check for doneness. If the chicken or rice isn’t done, return it to the oven for another 10-20 minutes. The thickness of the chicken breast will determine the necessary cooking time.

Remove from the oven, take off the foil and immediately sprinkle to top with shredded cheese. As the casserole rests, the cheese will melt.

If you like chopped cilantro, sprinkle it over the top. Serve hot and enjoy!

Additional Ingredients

This dish has plenty of flavor for my family. However, if you want more, here are some other ingredients you may want to add or swap out:

• Taco seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Chili powder
• Green chiles
• Jalapeños
• Green onions
• Cream cheese
• Enchilada sauce
• Green bell peppers
• Sour cream
• Splash of lime juice (or lemon juice)

More Variations and Tips

• I usually use white rice. However, you can make this dish with brown rice or Mexican rice if you prefer. Instant rice is good too, but if you use it, cook the chicken before mixing the casserole.
• Speaking of chicken, you can use leftover cooked chicken, leftover rotisserie chicken, or any other form of cooked chicken.
• We like lots of cheese in our family, so sometimes I add even more.
• If you want to come home to great aromas and dinner that’s ready to be served, mix everything in your Crock Pot. Turn it on low and cook for 6-8 hours, depending on how hot your slow cooker gets.
• Serve this delicious meal with warm almond flour tortillas, more rice, or some delicious crunchy tortilla chips on the side.
• It’s also good with any delicious side salad, like this simple lettuce and tomato salad from Julia’s Simply Southern.

Storage and Leftovers

Fiesta chicken and rice casserole leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Then simply reheat it in the microwave or oven until it’s hot all the way through, and you have a delicious meal ready in no time!

For freezing, wrap the casserole in plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container and freeze. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for an easy but delicious dinner.

Easy Casserole Dinner

Not only is this fiesta chicken and rice recipe an easy casserole to make, but it’s also a celebration of flavors that brings the whole family together. Whether it’s for a regular dinner on a weeknight or you’re exploring new recipes, everyone will love this dish.

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