Chicken Taco Rice Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy casserole is everything you love about tacos — bold, cheesy, and satisfying — but in a simple, no-fuss form. You’ll love it because it’s:

• A complete meal with protein, grains, and veggies.
• Great for feeding a crowd or storing as leftovers.
• Made with simple pantry ingredients.
• Customizable with your favorite taco toppings.
• Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• Cooked rice (white or brown)
• Olive oil or butter
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Taco seasoning
• Black beans, drained and rinsed
• Corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Salsa or enchilada sauce
• Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in the cooked chicken, taco seasoning, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa or enchilada sauce. Mix well to combine.
5. Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir everything together until evenly coated with sauce and seasoning.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add veggies: Mix in bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Use spicy taco seasoning or add chopped jalapeños.
• Swap proteins: Use ground beef, turkey, or rotisserie chicken.
• Cheesy upgrade: Add a layer of cream cheese or sour cream before baking for extra creaminess.
• Low-carb version: Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until heated through. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

2. What type of chicken works best?

Shredded rotisserie chicken is quick and flavorful, but any cooked chicken works.

3. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely, just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.

4. Is this recipe spicy?

It’s mildly spiced, but you can easily adjust the heat with extra seasoning or salsa.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese entirely.

6. How can I make it vegetarian?

Skip the chicken and add extra beans or sautéed veggies instead.

7. Can I use quinoa instead of rice?

Yes, cooked quinoa works great as a substitute for rice.

8. What toppings go well with this casserole?

Try sour cream, guacamole, diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, or crushed tortilla chips.

9. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Add a little extra salsa or sauce before baking to keep it moist.

10. Can I freeze individual portions?

Yes, portion out servings in freezer-safe containers for easy meal prep.

Conclusion

Chicken Taco Rice Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, comforting meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. With its cheesy layers, bold taco flavors, and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or leftovers, this casserole is a complete meal that satisfies every craving.

Chicken Taco Rice Casserole

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Chicken Taco Rice Casserole is a hearty, one-pan comfort dish that combines tender chicken, seasoned rice, beans, corn, and melty cheese for a flavorful, family-friendly meal. It’s the perfect way to enjoy taco night in a casserole form that’s easy to prepare, customize, and reheat.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Mexican-American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 3 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
• ½ cup salsa or enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in cooked chicken, taco seasoning, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with chilies, and salsa or enchilada sauce. Mix well.
5. Add cooked rice to the skillet and stir until everything is evenly coated and combined.
6. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro or green onions if desired.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
• Add extra salsa or enchilada sauce if you prefer a saucier casserole.
• For more spice, use hot taco seasoning or add jalapeños.
• This casserole is freezer-friendly — perfect for make-ahead dinners.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 85mg