Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely—but keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook. You’ll likely need an extra 15-20 minutes of baking time and a bit more broth to prevent drying out.

How can I store leftovers?

Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover tightly and reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Can I swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts?

Yes! Thighs are juicier and just as delicious in this Southwest Chicken Casserole. Trim any excess fat and proceed with the recipe as written.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Sure can. Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

Southwest Chicken Casserole - Chicken magic recipes

Description

A cheesy, bold Southwest Chicken Casserole loaded with juicy chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, and melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights and sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup white rice
1 lb chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup jarred salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
Optional toppings: sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a 12×9-inch casserole dish, combine white rice, minced garlic, chopped onion, and chicken broth. Stir to mix.
Arrange chicken breasts on top of rice mixture.
Scatter black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, and paprika evenly over the chicken. Try to keep rice mostly covered under the liquid.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or lime wedges if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Swap in brown rice for a heartier dish but increase cooking time by about 15-20 minutes and add extra broth if needed.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicier kick!
You can dice the chicken breasts into chunks before layering for faster cooking and easier serving.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 55 mins
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southwest, Tex-Mex

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 430 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 39 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg