This salsa chicken and rice casserole is a delightful medley of flavors and textures, perfect for a hearty dinner. The recipe is simple, wholesome, and packed with proteins and fiber. It incorporates everyday ingredients and transforms them into something truly scrumptious. Loaded with delicious salsa, tender chicken, black beans, corn, and gooey cheese, this casserole is bound to be a hit with everyone!
Most of the ingredients required for this recipe are usual pantry staples. However, be sure to have some good quality salsa on hand, as this forms the base flavor for our casserole. Fresh, crunchy bell peppers add a pop of color and flavor. A rotisserie chicken, easily available in most supermarkets, is a convenient and delicious option for the chicken requirement in this recipe.
Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole Ingredients
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the onion and bell pepper, it adds a rich depth of flavor.
Onion: Provides a sweet and savory flavor that pairs well with other ingredients.
Bell pepper: Adds a sweet, mildly tangy crunch to the casserole.
Garlic: Enhances flavor of the casserole with its distinctive aroma.
Butter: Adds richness and depth to the dish.
Rice: Forms the starchy base for our casserole.
Salsa: This forms the base flavor of our casserole.
Black beans: Adds a great source of protein and fiber.
Corn: Adds a sweet pop to the casserole.
Rotisserie chicken: Adds a hearty and savory element to the casserole.
Cheddar cheese: Melts to a creamy, gooey perfection, adding a layer of indulgence to the casserole.
One reader, Jodee Monahan says:
This salsa chicken and rice casserole recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and it's so easy to make. The combination of tender chicken, savory salsa, and cheesy goodness is simply irresistible. It's become a family favorite in our household, and I can't recommend it enough!
Cooking Techniques for Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole
Preheat oven to 375 degrees f: This step is essential to ensure the casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly. It's important to preheat the oven before baking.
Lightly grease an 11 by 7 casserole dish with butter: Greasing the casserole dish prevents the casserole from sticking to the sides and makes for easier serving and cleaning.
Cooking onions and peppers: This step involves sautéing the onions and peppers in olive oil until they are tender. This helps to release their flavors and aromas, adding depth to the dish.
Simmering the rice: Simmering the rice in water and salsa until tender is crucial for the casserole's texture and flavor. It allows the rice to absorb the liquid and become fully cooked.
Baking the casserole: Baking the casserole at 375 degrees f allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese to melt, creating a delicious, cohesive dish.
Serving the casserole: Serving the casserole with optional toppings such as sour cream, cilantro, and corn chips adds extra flavor and texture to the dish.
How To Make Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole
This Mexican salsa chicken and rice with black beans and corn, topped with cheddar cheese is insanely scrumptious we can’t help but ask for a second plate.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspolive oil
- ½cuponion,diced
- 1red or green bell pepper,diced, I used half of each
- 2clovesgarlic
- 1tbspbutter
- 2¼cupwater
- 1/4cuprice
- 1½cupsalsa,divided, I used medium heat and the end result was a flavorful but mild dish, adjust heat to suit your preference
- 15ozblack beans,rinsed and drained
- ⅔cupfrozen corn
- 2cupsrotisserie chicken,shredded
- 1cupcheddar cheese,shredded
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
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Lightly grease an 11 by 7 casserole dish with butter. Set aside.
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Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook onions and peppers in olive oil until tender (about 3-5 minutes).
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Add garlic and butter and cook until fragrant and butter is melted.
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Add water, rice and ½ cup of salsa.
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Stir well and bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
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Add black beans, and corn and stir well.
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Transfer to prepared casserole dish and spread rice mixture in even layer into dish.
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Evenly spread shredded chicken over the top of the rice mixture.
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Top evenly with remaining 1 cup salsa and cover with cheddar cheese.
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Cover dish with foil and transfer to 375 degrees F oven.
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Bake for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted.
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Serve, top with sour cream, cilantro, and corn chips, if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 405.22kcal
- Fat: 14.98g
- Saturated Fat: 6.09g
- Trans Fat: 0.29g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.30g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.04g
- Carbohydrates: 45.68g
- Fiber: 9.79g
- Sugar: 4.16g
- Protein: 23.75g
- Cholesterol: 46.90mg
- Sodium: 481.37mg
- Calcium: 203.79mg
- Potassium: 1078.79mg
- Iron: 3.39mg
- Vitamin A: 85.34µg
- Vitamin C: 14.87mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole
When preparing the rotisserie chicken for this recipe, it's best to shred it while it's still warm. This makes the process easier and the chicken tends to be more moist and flavorful. Also, for the salsa, you can use either store-bought or homemade. If you prefer a milder flavor, choose a salsa that is labeled as mild. If you like it spicy, go for a medium or hot salsa. Remember, the salsa not only adds flavor but also moisture to the casserole.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and cook the rice in advance to streamline the assembly process.
Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding chicken yourself.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a large skillet or pot to cook the entire dish, minimizing clean-up time.
Batch cooking: Make a larger portion and freeze individual servings for quick and easy future meals.
Efficient assembly: Organize ingredients and utensils before starting to ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar light flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a delicate taste to the dish.
red or green bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers have a slightly sweeter flavor and can add a pop of color to the casserole.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a convenient alternative without compromising the flavor.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee, a clarified butter, can be used as a substitute for butter, adding a rich and nutty flavor to the dish.
water - Substitute with chicken broth: Using chicken broth instead of water can enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.
rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa can be used as a nutritious alternative to rice, adding a nutty flavor and extra protein to the dish.
salsa - Substitute with diced tomatoes with green chilies: Diced tomatoes with green chilies can provide a similar flavor profile to salsa in the casserole.
black beans - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans can be used as a substitute for black beans, offering a creamy texture and mild flavor.
frozen corn - Substitute with frozen mixed vegetables: Frozen mixed vegetables can add variety and color to the casserole, replacing the corn with a blend of vegetables.
rotisserie chicken - Substitute with shredded turkey: Shredded turkey can be used as a lean alternative to rotisserie chicken, providing a similar texture and flavor.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack cheese can be used as a milder alternative to cheddar, adding a creamy and melty texture to the casserole.
Presentation Tips for Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole
Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement. Use the vibrant colors of the salsa and bell peppers to add a pop of color to the plate. Consider using a ring mold to create a neat and tidy presentation.
Garnish with finesse: Add a touch of sophistication to the dish by garnishing with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a burst of fresh flavors.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a textural element by serving the casserole with a side of crispy tortilla strips. This will provide a delightful crunch and elevate the overall dining experience.
Emphasize precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate. Ensure that the chicken is evenly distributed and the cheese is perfectly melted, creating a visually enticing dish.
Balance the portion sizes: Focus on creating a balanced portion size that showcases the different elements of the dish without overwhelming the palate. Each bite should offer a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Highlight the ingredients: Emphasize the quality of the ingredients by showcasing them in their best light. Let the vibrant colors of the salsa and the wholesome appeal of the black beans and corn shine through.
Create a refined ambiance: Consider the overall dining experience by setting the table with elegant dinnerware and incorporating subtle elements that complement the dish, such as a splash of color in the form of a carefully selected tablecloth or placemat.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Recipe
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for heating and baking food.
- Skillet: A frying pan with a long handle, used for cooking food on a stovetop.
- Casserole dish: A deep, oven-safe dish used for baking and serving casseroles.
- Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, blunt blade, used for mixing, spreading, and turning food.
- Cheese grater: A kitchen tool used to grate cheese into fine pieces.
- Foil: Aluminum foil used for covering dishes and wrapping food for cooking.
- Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing food.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients together.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle, used for making sauces and heating liquids.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze the salsa chicken and rice casserole. Wrap the cooled casserole dish securely with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label the dish with the date and contents.
When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Remove the plastic wrap and cover the dish with foil.
Bake the thawed casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Alternatively, you can freeze individual portions of the casserole in airtight containers or freezer bags. This allows for quick and easy reheating of single servings in the microwave or oven.
To reheat individual portions, transfer the frozen serving to a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
If you prefer to reheat individual portions in the oven, place the frozen serving in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
How To Reheat Leftover Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover salsa chicken and rice casserole to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method ensures even heating and helps prevent the rice from drying out.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Transfer individual portions of the casserole to microwave-safe dishes. Cover each dish with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Microwave on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through. Stir the casserole halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating. Microwaving is a convenient option, but be careful not to overheat the casserole, as it may cause the rice to become dry or rubbery.
If you have a bit more time, you can reheat the casserole in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of chicken broth or water to a large skillet and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Add the leftover casserole to the skillet and stir gently to combine with the liquid. Cover the skillet and let the casserole simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. This method helps to rehydrate the rice and infuse it with additional flavor.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the casserole using a food thermometer. The casserole should reach a minimum temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to consume. If the casserole has been stored in the refrigerator for more than three days, it is best to discard it to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.
Interesting Trivia About Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole
The salsa chicken and rice casserole is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
The cost-effectiveness of this salsa chicken and rice casserole recipe is quite high. The use of affordable ingredients like rice, black beans, and frozen corn makes it a budget-friendly option for households. The addition of rotisserie chicken may increase the cost slightly, but it provides a convenient and flavorful protein source. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $15-20.
Is This Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
The salsa chicken and rice casserole recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes:
- Lean protein from the chicken
- Fiber-rich black beans and corn
- Nutrient-dense vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and garlic
However, there are some less healthy components:
- High-fat ingredients such as butter and cheddar cheese
- Potentially high-sodium content from the salsa and canned beans
- Refined carbohydrates from the white rice
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of cheese or opt for a lower-fat variety
- Use low-sodium salsa and rinse the canned beans to reduce sodium levels
- Increase the proportion of vegetables to boost the overall nutrient density of the dish
- Replace butter with additional olive oil to focus on healthier fats
Additionally, you can further enhance the nutritional value by:
- Adding more colorful vegetables like diced tomatoes, zucchini, or carrots
- Incorporating fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added flavor and antioxidants
- Serving the casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal
- Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream as a topping to increase protein and reduce fat content
Editor's Opinion on This Delicious Casserole
The salsa chicken and rice casserole recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of salsa adds a zesty kick, while the black beans and corn provide a satisfying heartiness. The dish is well-balanced and offers a comforting blend of ingredients. The addition of cheddar cheese on top creates a gooey, indulgent layer that ties everything together. This casserole is a versatile and convenient option for a family meal or a gathering with friends. It's a simple yet delicious dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Enhance Your Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement This Dish
Why trust this Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe:
This recipe offers a delicious and wholesome meal that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of salsa, black beans, and rotisserie chicken creates a flavorful and satisfying dish. The use of bell peppers and onions adds a delightful crunch and sweetness, while the cheddar cheese provides a rich and creamy finish. With the convenience of using rotisserie chicken and the simplicity of the cooking process, this recipe is both reliable and convenient for anyone looking to create a hearty and delicious meal.
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