Fiesta Chicken & Rice Bake ππ
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this delightful Fiesta Chicken & Rice Bake recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this Tex Mex-inspired dish bursts with flavor and is incredibly easy to make. With tender chicken, fluffy white rice, savory salsa, and gooey cheddar cheese, each bite is a fiesta in your mouth! Let’s dive into the culinary adventure:
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 435.9 per serving
Rating: β 4
Category: Chicken π
Keywords: White Rice, Poultry, Rice, Meat, Tex Mex, Southwestern U.S., Healthy, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
Ingredients:
- 1 cup thick & chunky salsa
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup whole kernel corn
- 1 cup white rice
- 3/4 lb boneless skinless chicken breast halves
- 1 tsp paprika
- 4 oz cheddar cheese
Instructions:
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Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
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Prepare Baking Dish: Take a 2-quart shallow baking dish and mix together the salsa, water, corn, and white rice until well combined.
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Add Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breast halves on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish.
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Season: Sprinkle the paprika evenly over the chicken breasts. This adds a flavorful kick and a beautiful color to the dish.
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Cover: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or its lid to seal in the moisture and flavors during the cooking process.
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Bake: Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. Check occasionally to ensure the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
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Check Doneness: After 45 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and ensure the chicken is no longer pink and the rice is fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165Β°F (75Β°C).
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Add Cheese: Once done, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken and rice mixture. The heat from the dish will melt the cheese beautifully.
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Serve: Allow the Fiesta Chicken & Rice Bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or sliced jalapenos if desired.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 435.9
- Fat Content: 11.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 88.2mg
- Sodium Content: 1246.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 45.6g
- Fiber Content: 2.8g
- Sugar Content: 3g
- Protein Content: 36.9g
Tips:
- For added flavor, you can use a variety of salsa such as mild, medium, or hot, depending on your preference for spice.
- Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or black beans.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick and delicious meal.
Enjoy Your Fiesta!
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Fiesta Chicken & Rice Bake that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Tex Mex cuisine. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit every time! So gather your ingredients and let the fiesta begin! π
