Mexican Bolo Chicken Bake
Description
If you’re in the mood for a flavorful, comforting, and spicy one-dish meal that can be quickly whipped up or made ahead of time, this Mexican Bolo Chicken Bake is the perfect solution. Made with boneless chicken breasts, rice, cheese, and a variety of zesty ingredients like chunky salsa and diced tomatoes with mild green chilies, this dish offers a perfect balance of rich flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner, a busy weeknight, or need a make-ahead recipe for a party, this dish is sure to please your guests. It’s easy to prepare, delicious, and full of those classic Mexican-inspired flavors everyone loves.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breasts | 3 |
| Onion, diced | 1 |
| Chunky salsa | 1 cup |
| Diced tomatoes with mild green chilies | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Whole kernel corn | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Tomato sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Long grain rice | 1 cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Bread crumbs | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 657.9 kcal |
| Fat content | 18.3 g |
| Saturated fat content | 7.2 g |
| Cholesterol content | 69.6 mg |
| Sodium content | 1856.1 mg |
| Carbohydrate content | 93.8 g |
| Fiber content | 5 g |
| Sugar content | 9.6 g |
| Protein content | 31.2 g |
Servings
This recipe yields 6 servings, making it perfect for a family meal or a small gathering.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when it’s time to bake the dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Spray a 9×13 glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the boneless chicken breasts into the dish.
- If you’re using large chicken breasts, bake them for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once during cooking. This step helps to cook the chicken halfway before adding the other ingredients.
- Alternatively, if you prefer to skip this step, you can slice the chicken breasts in half diagonally to create thinner pieces that will cook through quickly without the need for pre-cooking.
Step 3: Add the Onions
Once the chicken breasts are arranged in the dish, scatter the diced onions evenly over the top. The onions will soften and release their flavor as they bake, infusing the chicken with their sweetness.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the chunky salsa, diced tomatoes with mild green chilies (such as Ro-Tel), tomato sauce, whole kernel corn, and uncooked long grain rice. Stir these ingredients together until they’re well-mixed, forming a saucy base for the dish.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Pour the salsa and tomato mixture evenly over the chicken breasts and onions in the baking dish. Spread it out to cover the chicken completely.
Step 6: Add the Cheese and Breadcrumbs
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, followed by a layer of bread crumbs. The cheese will melt into a gooey, comforting layer, while the breadcrumbs will form a crispy topping that adds a nice texture to the bake.
Step 7: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour, or until the dish is hot and bubbly and the chicken is fully cooked. If you prefer a crispier top, remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Step 8: Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve your Mexican Bolo Chicken Bake with your favorite sides, such as sour cream, nacho chips, jalapeño slices, or guacamole. You could also pair it with a simple salad or warm bread.
Enjoy!
This one-dish meal is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves bold flavors and hearty ingredients. The combination of seasoned chicken, spicy salsa, melty cheese, and fluffy rice creates a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re preparing this dish for a busy weeknight or a gathering, you can make it ahead of time. Simply assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as instructed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold from the fridge.
Enjoy the convenience and the delicious flavor of this Mexican Bolo Chicken Bake—it’s a true crowd-pleaser!
