Mexican Chicken Rice Bake Recipe – Grandma’s Tasty Recipes

Mexican Chicken Rice Bake is hearty and flavorful, best enjoyed with sides that balance and enhance its richness. These pairings add freshness, creaminess, and a touch of spice.

A crisp garden salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette offers a light, refreshing contrast. Creamy guacamole paired with crunchy tortilla chips adds texture and indulgence.

Mexican street corn, coated with lime, cheese, and spices, complements the bake perfectly. Fresh pico de gallo brings zesty brightness, while spicy pickled jalapeños add a fiery kick for heat lovers.

on busy weeknights, finding a go-to dinner recipe can be a challenge. Enter the Mexican Chicken Rice Bake—your new kitchen champion. It’s simple to prepare, bursting with flavors, and everyone at the table will likely ask for seconds. 

Trust me; this recipe has been through the trial and error phase. I’ve tweaked it time and again until I found the right balance of spices and textures. 

And let me tell you, when you finally get that perfect bake, life feels a bit more manageable.

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What is Mexican Chicken Rice Bake?

At its core, Mexican Chicken Rice Bake is a layered casserole dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and delicious spices—think of it as a love letter to both comfort food and Mexican flavors. 

You start with delicate chicken cutlets, intertwine them with plump rice, and envelop them in a savory enchilada sauce before baking. The final touches? 

Gooey melted cheese and fresh herbs sprinkled on top for that burst of color and flavor. This dish not only fills the tummy but also warms the heart. And let’s be real; who doesn’t appreciate a dish that lets you whip up dinner while spending time with the family?

Why You’ll Love this Mexican Chicken Rice Bake

So, what makes this bake truly special? Several factors come into play. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it based on dietary needs or what you have on hand. Feeling adventurous? Add some black beans or swap out the chicken for tofu.

Next, let’s talk about flavor. The combination of spices in the enchilada sauce gives this dish a deep, satisfying taste. Speaking of the sauce, it sneaks in sweetness from the maple syrup or honey, balancing the heat from cayenne. Not bad, right?

Let’s not forget the convenience of a one-dish meal. Fewer dishes mean less cleanup. You can assemble it early in the day, pop it in the oven at dinner time, and have the aroma fill your kitchen. That’s magic right there.

Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. This bake is just as good for a family dinner as it is for a potluck, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

The Ingredients You Will Need to Make Mexican Chicken Rice Bake

When it comes down to ingredients, simplicity rules the day. Here’s what you will need:

1 small red bell pepper, finely diced

2 raw chicken breasts, sliced thinly into cutlets

300 g canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

50 g shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup long-grain white rice

30 g shredded mature cheddar cheese

cooking oil spray (e.g., olive oil or vegetable oil)

small bunch of fresh chopped cilantro leaves

480 ml low-sodium chicken broth

salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Enchilada Sauce:

1 tablespoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 cup canned crushed plum tomatoes

1 medium onion, finely chopped

¾ cup chicken broth

½ teaspoon cayenne chili powder

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1½ teaspoons ground cumin

1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or honey

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial to ensure your chicken cooks through evenly. Trust me, you don’t want to be waiting with a half-baked chicken on your plate.

Step 2: Prepare the Enchilada Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, spray some cooking oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent. This typically takes about 4-5 minutes. 

Then, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute. You don’t want it to burn, so keep an eye on it.

Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, smoked paprika, cayenne chili powder, oregano, cumin, and apple cider vinegar. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll start to see a rich color develop and will know you’re on the right path.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, layer the chicken cutlets, kidney beans, red bell pepper, and rice. Mix them gently, so everything combines nicely.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Pour your prepared enchilada sauce over the chicken and rice mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste. Make sure every bit is coated with that beautiful sauce.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes. This allows the rice to cook through and absorb the sauce.

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the bake sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow it to set. Sprinkle your chopped cilantro over the top before serving.

Notes

Here are some helpful tips for making the most of your Mexican Chicken Rice Bake:

• Cook Rice Separately: If preferred, you can cook the rice partially before baking to ensure it’s tender.
  
• Adjust Spice Level: Not a fan of heat? Reduce or eliminate the cayenne in the enchilada sauce.
  
• Use Leftover Chicken: This is a great way to use up any leftover chicken you may have from a previous meal.
  
• Use Fresh Veggies: The bake is versatile; feel free to throw in any veggies you have lying around.
  
• Add Extra Cheese: If you love cheese, don’t hold back! Layer it on thick for a cheesy experience.
  

Storage Tips

Storing your leftovers is easy! Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it into the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use the microwave—just be sure to cover it to avoid splatters.

Nutrition Information

Mexican Chicken Rice Bake Recipe Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

• Garnish with Sliced Avocado: Fresh avocado adds creaminess that perfectly balances the flavors.
  
• Pair with Creamy Cilantro Dressing: A drizzle of creamy cilantro dressing brings extra zing to each bite.
  
• Add Squeeze of Lime: A little lime juice brightens the overall flavor profile so well.
  
• Top with Greek Yogurt: Instead of sour cream, use Greek yogurt for a zingy, healthier twist.
  
• Serve with Corn Tortillas: Warm up corn tortillas on the side for added texture and fun!
  

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Mexican Chicken Rice Bake?

If you don’t have some of the ingredients or need a change, here are five substitutes you can consider:

• Quinoa Instead of Rice: Quinoa can provide a nutty flavor and protein boost.
  
• Ground Turkey in Place of Chicken: Ground turkey works beautifully in the place of chicken or even beef.
  
• Canned Black Beans for Kidney Beans: If you’re a fan of black beans, they would fit right in.
  
• Vegetable Broth Instead of Chicken Broth: For a vegetarian version, substitute with vegetable broth.
  
• Diced Tomatoes for Crushed Tomatoes: If you have diced tomatoes on hand, they can substitute well in the sauce.
  

Conclusion

In the end, the Mexican Chicken Rice Bake is not just a meal; it’s an experience worth savoring. It’s comforting, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. With just the right balance of spices and textures, it captures the essence of home-cooked goodness. 

Whether you share it with family during the week or impress friends at a gathering, it’s bound to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, don your apron, and get ready for a flavorful adventure you won’t forget. Happy cooking!

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