Also Known as Ro-Tel Chicken Bake

Looking for a delicious and comforting dish that’s quick to prepare? I love this Mexican Chicken Rice Casserole because it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when I’m craving cheesy, Tex-Mex flavors. Made with simple ingredients like chicken broth, white rice, shredded chicken, and Ro-Tel tomatoes, it’s a crowd-pleaser your whole family will love. 

Whether you’re using rotisserie chicken, tender chicken breasts, or even canned chicken, this recipe is both versatile and satisfying. It’s a great weeknight dinner! 

Next time you see Ro-Tel tomatoes on sale, stock up. Another quick and easy recipe we enjoy is this 3-ingredient Ro-Tel chili!

Ingredients 

• 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded or cut into small pieces)
• 1 can Ro-Tel (10 ounces; includes diced tomatoes and green chilies)
• ½ cup uncooked white rice
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar cheese or Mexican blend work well)
• Salt to taste (optional)
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or chives, chopped (optional for garnish)

More ingredient options: Add chili powder or cumin for extra flavor. For a heartier version, mix in black beans, corn, or red bell pepper.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350˚ F and grease the bottom of a 6” x 8” casserole dish to prevent sticking.

Spread the uncooked white rice evenly across the bottom of the dish. Pour chicken broth over the rice, ensuring it’s evenly distributed for optimal cooking. If the broth is unsalted, feel free to add salt to taste.

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and Ro-Tel. Spread this mixture over the rice layer. The diced tomatoes and green chiles in Ro-Tel bring bold Tex-Mex flavors to this casserole.

Add taco seasoning if you want extra flavor. That’s what I did for this post. However, when I’m serving a larger crowd, I often leave it out for those who don’t like a lot of spice.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, creating a layer of cheesy goodness that melts beautifully during baking.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the cheese melts. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

If desired, garnish with fresh cilantro or chives for a burst of freshness. Serve with tortilla chips or a dollop of sour cream on the side for added flavor. Add any of your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Either scroll to the bottom of this post or click on the jump-to-recipe button beneath the title to get to the printable recipe card.

Tips and Variations

• Use brown rice or minute rice if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Mix in a dollop of cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup for a creamy chicken bake.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for the next day. Simply reheat and enjoy!
• Double the recipe and freeze half for a convenient dinner during the winter months. Cover with aluminum foil before freezing.

Why I Love This Easy Chicken Bake

This dish combines tender chicken, flavorful green chiles, and melty cheese in one baking dish. It’s a fantastic way to use leftover cooked rice or rotisserie chicken, making it a breeze to whip up after a long day. Plus, the prep time is minimal—perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. For a larger group, feel free to double all of the ingredients. It’s such a crowd pleaser!

More Recipes for Two

Here are more recipes that are perfect for two people:

Tuna Casserole for Two – Here is one of our favorite comfort foods, with a recipe that serves just a couple of people.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew for Two – This recipe is one of many reasons I like having a smaller Crock Pot. You can make this beef stew that provides just the right amount of food for two.

Chicken Curry for Two – This delightfully flavorful dish from Taste of Home will satisfy even the heartiest appetite without leaving you with a bunch of leftovers.

Sausage and Black Beans for Two – After enjoying one of our favorite foods at a Cuban restaurant, I worked on this recipe to duplicate the flavors. My husband agrees that it’s just as good!

Chicken Stew for Two – Put the ingredients in your slow cooker and come home to this delicious chicken stew! Serve it over rice, on a bed of noodles, or all by itself!

Family Favorite Recipe

This casserole is one of those favorite recipes that’s perfect for a church supper, Cinco de Mayo gathering, or just a cozy dinner at home. It’s an easy recipe that picky eaters will love, making it a true comfort food classic.

Pair it with Mexican rice or corn tortillas for a complete Tex-Mex-inspired meal. Don’t forget to share this recipe on social media or save it to your full recipe card collection for future busy weeknights!

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