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Mexican Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe for Two

Mexican Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe for Two

5.1 from 9 reviews

This Mexican Chicken Rice Casserole is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for two people. Combining tender cooked chicken, zesty Ro-Tel tomatoes and green chilies, seasoned rice, and melted cheese, it offers a comforting meal with a hint of spice. Quick to prepare and baked to perfection, it’s a great option for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or cut into small pieces
  • 1 can Ro-Tel (10 ounce can, diced tomatoes and green chilies in juice)
  • 1/2 cup white rice, uncooked
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or chives, chopped
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare the dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the bottom of a 6” x 8” casserole dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine rice and broth: Pour the uncooked white rice and chicken broth into the casserole dish. If your chicken broth is unsalted, add salt according to your taste preferences.
  3. Mix chicken and Ro-Tel: In a medium bowl, mix the shredded cooked chicken with the entire can of Ro-Tel, including the juices. If desired, add the taco seasoning to enhance flavor. Pour this mixture evenly over the rice and broth in the casserole dish.
  4. Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and rice mixture.
  5. Bake the casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender, and the cheese has melted and turned slightly golden.
  6. Rest and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or chives before serving, if desired.

Notes

  • Use pre-cooked chicken to save time and speed up preparation.
  • The taco seasoning is optional but adds a nice southwestern flavor.
  • The Ro-Tel can be replaced with diced tomatoes and diced green chilies if preferred.
  • Adjust salt carefully, as Ro-Tel and seasoning packets may already contain sodium.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican chicken casserole, rice casserole, easy dinner, Ro-Tel chicken recipe, baked chicken and rice