Easy Salsa Chicken Casserole Recipe (Cheesy and Bubbly)

Everyone loves the tasty meal option of salsa chicken casserole! No matter how it’s made, we adore Chicken Rice Casserole, but this Mexican version is hands down our favorite!

Cheddar cheese is sprinkled on top of Spanish rice, corn, black beans, chicken, and salsa before being baked till hot and bubbly. For the ideal supper, top this simple recipe with sour cream, homemade salsa, jalapenos, and crunchy tortilla strips.

My 14-year-old daughter loves rice, and she likes it plain, fried, or even with garlic butter! Rice is a mainstay in our home since she always gets excited when she learns that it’s time for dinner.

No matter what type of food we are craving, rice always appears in the majority of our meals.

We are eating plenty of rice at home this month in observance of National Rice Month. We frequently serve rice as a side dish, but this loaded chicken casserole is my first choice for a whole entrée.

This quick Salsa chicken casserole just needs a few dishes, can be made ahead of time, and is tasty and soothing. Considering how flavorful salsa chicken is, I figured it would be ideal to employ the same flavors in this simple dish.

Chicken Casserole Recipe

The ideal foundation for this recipe is created by combining Zatarian’s Spanish Rice Mix with a little onion, beans, and some of our favorite vegetables.

I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe to keep it as quick as possible, but any prepared chicken would work. Poached chicken is simple to prepare and always turns out tender, so I frequently cook a batch to use in casseroles.

Simply arrange your vegetables, chicken, salsa, and cheese in a casserole dish, then bake until bubbling and brown. So simple and delicious!

When ready to serve, sprinkle your preferred toppings, such as sour cream, fresh jalapenos, cilantro, tomatoes, or green onions, on top of the Salsa Chicken Casserole and tuck in!

This chicken casserole is simple to prepare, and I am confident that your family will adore it just as much as ours does. Serve this with some crusty bread (or 30 Minute Dinner Rolls), a fresh Cucumber Avocado Salad, or even some tortillas for scooping!

Can a Chicken Casserole be frozen?

This recipe reheats well if you have any leftovers.

This simple chicken casserole dish freezes beautifully before or after baking, so you may prepare it ahead of time. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before baking from frozen. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until thoroughly heated, at 350°F.

Salsa Chicken Casserole

Rice and tender chicken in a creamy, tangy dish.

Ingredients for Salsa Chicken Casserole

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup diced onion
• 1 diced red or green bell pepper I used half of each
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 ¼ cup water
• 1 Zatarain’s® Spanish Rice
• 1 ½ cup salsa divided (I used medium heat and the result was a flavorful but mild dish, adjust the heat to suit your preference!)
• 15 ounces of black beans rinsed and drained
• ⅔ cup frozen corn
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken shredded
• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded

Instructions

1. An 11″ x 7″ casserole dish should be butter-lightly greased and placed in a 375°F preheated oven. Place aside.
2. Over medium-high heat, sauté onions and peppers in olive oil until they are soft (about 3-5 minutes). When the butter is melted and the garlic is aromatic, add the two ingredients.
3. Add water, 1/2 cup of salsa, and ZATARAIN’S Spanish Rice. Stir thoroughly then bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender while stirring occasionally.
5. Stir well after adding the corn and black beans. Spread the rice mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish before transferring.
6. Over the rice mixture, evenly distribute the chicken shreds. Add the remaining 1 cup of salsa evenly, then sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top.
7. Bake dish at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted, with foil covering it.
8. If preferred, add corn chips, sour cream, and cilantro before serving.

Notes

Add sour cream, cilantro, corn chips, and/or any additional toppings you like on top.

Nutrition information

Calories: 363 | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 475mg | Potassium: 508mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 505IU | Vitamin C: 14.9mg | Calcium: 143mg | Iron: 2.1mg