Zesty Spanish Chicken & Rice Casserole
Delight in this Zesty Spanish Chicken & Rice Casserole, a perfect one-dish wonder that's both flavorful and simple to prepare. With tender chicken breasts nestled atop a savory mix of creamy soup, zesty salsa, and wholesome rice, this bake is enhanced with corn and optional black beans for added nutrition. The dish comes together effortlessly: just mix, layer, and bake. For those who crave more heat, feel free to ramp up the chili powder or drizzle with your favorite hot sauce. Make it your own and enjoy a cozy dinner any night of the week. Don't forget to soak your rice for even better texture! Perfect for freezing, this casserole makes a great meal prep option, ensuring you have a delicious dinner ready whenever you need it.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream of chicken soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (none)
salsa
1 cup (none)
water
1/2 cup (none)
whole kernel corn
1 cup (none)
long-grain white rice
3/4 cup (uncooked)
boneless chicken breast halves
4 (seasoned with salt and pepper)
chili powder
1/2 teaspoon (sprinkled over chicken)
shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (for topping)
canned black beans
1 cup (washed (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, salsa, water, corn, uncooked rice, and black beans (if using). Stir until well mixed.
3
Transfer the mixture into a 2-quart shallow baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
4
Season the boneless chicken breast halves with salt and pepper, then place them on top of the rice mixture.
5
Sprinkle the chicken with chili powder, adjusting the amount according to your spice preference.
6
Cover the dish tightly with a heavy lid or aluminum foil to retain moisture during cooking.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Be prepared to extend cooking time if needed, especially with the lid on.
8
Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
9
Cover again briefly to allow the cheese to melt, then serve warm and enjoy your delightful meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Spanish Chicken & Rice Casserole?
It is a one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breasts baked on a bed of rice, salsa, corn, and beans, seasoned with chili powder and topped with melted cheese.
What are the primary ingredients for this casserole?
The main ingredients include cream of chicken soup, salsa, water, whole kernel corn, long-grain white rice, chicken breast halves, chili powder, and cheddar cheese.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The dish typically bakes for approximately 45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
Should the rice be cooked before adding it to the dish?
No, use uncooked long-grain white rice as it cooks in the liquid during the baking process.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this casserole makes an excellent freezer meal option for future meal prep.
How can I make the dish spicier?
You can increase the amount of chili powder or drizzle the finished dish with your favorite hot sauce.
What size baking dish is required?
A 2-quart shallow baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to retain moisture so the rice and chicken cook properly.
When should I add the cheddar cheese?
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top after the initial 45-minute baking period is complete.
How do I ensure the cheese melts perfectly?
After adding the cheese, cover the dish again briefly to allow the residual heat to melt it.
Can I add beans to this recipe?
Yes, adding 1 cup of washed canned black beans is an optional way to increase nutrition and flavor.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless chicken breast halves.
Is there a tip for better rice texture?
Soaking your rice before adding it to the mixture can help achieve a better texture.
What type of soup is used in the base?
The recipe uses one 10 3/4 ounce can of cream of chicken soup.
How do I season the chicken?
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them on the rice, then sprinkle with chili powder.
Is this a good meal for families?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly, cozy dinner that is simple to prepare.
Can I adjust the amount of chili powder?
Yes, you should adjust the chili powder according to your personal spice preference.
What type of corn should I use?
Use 1 cup of whole kernel corn for this dish.
Do I need to mix the ingredients in the baking dish?
It is recommended to combine the soup, salsa, water, corn, and rice in a separate large mixing bowl before transferring to the dish.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center, coinciding with the rice being tender.
Can I use different types of salsa?
Yes, you can use any salsa variety to change the flavor profile of the casserole.
What if the rice is still hard after 45 minutes?
Be prepared to extend the cooking time if needed, especially when cooking with the lid on.
Is this considered a Spanish dish?
It is a Spanish-inspired casserole featuring flavors like salsa and chili powder.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not specified in the data, it typically serves 4 people based on the 4 chicken breast halves.
What should I do with the black beans before adding them?
The black beans should be washed before being mixed into the casserole base.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
While the recipe specifies cream of chicken, you could likely use cream of mushroom or celery as a variation.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is an effortless 'mix, layer, and bake' recipe designed for easy preparation.
Does the recipe require many pots?
No, it is a one-dish wonder requiring only a mixing bowl and a baking dish.
How is the dish served?
Serve the casserole warm immediately after the cheese has melted.