Fiesta Chicken & Rice Bake Recipe 🍗🧀🍚

Overview:

This Fiesta Chicken & Rice Bake recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, savory salsa, and gooey cheese, all baked together to perfection. It’s a hearty and flavorful one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and easy to prepare. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious dinner on the table in no time!

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 355.6
• Rating: 4.5 ⭐

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chunky salsa
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup whole kernel corn
• 1 cup white rice
• 3/4 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 4 oz cheese (your favorite variety)
• 1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your chicken and rice dish.

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2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Take a 2-quart shallow baking dish and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. This will make cleanup easier later on.

3. Mix the Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, combine the chunky salsa, water, whole kernel corn, and white rice. Stir everything together until well combined.

4. Add the Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish. Arrange them evenly to ensure even cooking.

5. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with paprika for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful color. The paprika adds a subtle smokiness that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

6. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or a lid to trap the steam and moisture, ensuring that the chicken and rice cook evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven.

7. Bake Until Done: Bake the Fiesta Chicken & Rice Bake for 45-60 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts and the accuracy of your oven, so it’s always a good idea to check for doneness with a meat thermometer.

8. Add Cheese: Once the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender, remove the baking dish from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and rice mixture. The cheese will melt beautifully and add a deliciously gooey texture to the dish.

9. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the Fiesta Chicken & Rice Bake to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it straight from the baking dish and watch as your family devours every last bite!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 355.6
• Total Fat: 5.6g
• Saturated Fat: 2.7g
• Cholesterol: 77.5mg
• Sodium: 737.1mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 41.2g
• Dietary Fiber: 2.8g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 34.5g

Tips and Substitutions:

• Use Your Favorite Salsa: Whether you prefer mild, medium, or hot salsa, feel free to use your favorite variety in this recipe. You can also customize the heat level by adding extra jalapeños or chili powder if you like it spicy.

• Try Different Cheeses: While the recipe calls for a classic shredded cheese blend, you can experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even crumbled queso fresco would all work beautifully in this dish.

• Add Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional value of this dish by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, diced tomatoes, black beans, or spinach. Simply stir them into the rice mixture before adding the chicken.

• Make it Ahead: This Fiesta Chicken & Rice Bake can be assembled ahead of time and stored covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. It’s a convenient option for meal prep or busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.

• Serve with Sides: Round out your meal by serving the Fiesta Chicken & Rice Bake with your favorite side dishes. A simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or warm tortillas are all excellent choices.

• Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd or want to have leftovers for meal prep, feel free to double the recipe and use a larger baking dish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything cooks through properly.

Conclusion:

With its vibrant flavors, easy preparation, and wholesome ingredients, this Fiesta Chicken & Rice Bake is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or hosting a casual gathering with friends, this versatile dish is a winner every time. Enjoy the hearty goodness of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese in every bite!