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Looking for a quick, comforting, and flavor-loaded dinner that the whole family will love? This Cheesy Fiesta Chicken and Rice Casserole is the answer! Packed with tender shredded chicken, zesty taco seasoning, creamy sour cream, and melty cheese, this dish is a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep.
At LivelyDish.com, we’re all about easy, delicious, and satisfying meals—and this casserole delivers on all fronts. With a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and bold Mexican-inspired flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Let’s dive into the recipe, plus tips, variations, and serving ideas to make it your own!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Rice Casserole
✔ One-dish wonder – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor!
✔ Meal-prep friendly – Makes great leftovers for lunches.
✔ Customizable – Adjust spice levels and toppings to taste.
✔ Kid-approved – Cheesy, creamy, and packed with familiar flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this fiery, cheesy, and comforting casserole:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (or sub with brown rice for extra fiber)
- 1 can (10 oz) Ro’tel tomatoes with diced green chilies, drained (adds a kick!)
- 1 cup frozen corn (or canned corn, drained)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (or pinto beans)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (for cooking the rice)
- 1 cup sour cream (adds creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Sliced jalapeños
- Green onions
- A squeeze of lime juice
- Extra sour cream or hot sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Rice
- In a medium saucepan, bring 1 ½ cups chicken broth to a boil.
- Add 1 cup uncooked rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender.
3. Prepare the Chicken Mixture
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add shredded chicken, taco seasoning, Ro’tel tomatoes, corn, and black beans.
- Stir well and cook for 5 minutes until everything is heated through.
4. Combine Everything
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice with the chicken mixture.
- Stir in 1 cup sour cream and 1 cup shredded cheese until well combined.
5. Assemble & Bake
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with cilantro, avocado, jalapeños, or any favorite toppings.
Pro Tips for the Best Casserole
🔹 Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut.
🔹 Drain tomatoes and beans well to avoid excess moisture.
🔹 Want extra spice? Use hot Ro’tel tomatoes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
🔹 Make it ahead – Assemble (without baking), refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Delicious Variations & Swaps
🌶 Spicy Version – Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
🌱 Vegetarian Option – Swap chicken for extra beans or tofu.
🧀 Extra Cheesy – Mix in cream cheese or queso for extra richness.
🍚 Brown Rice Option – Use brown rice and adjust liquid as needed.
What to Serve With This Casserole
This dish is hearty on its own, but you can pair it with:
- A crisp green salad
- Warm tortillas or chips
- Mexican street corn (elote)
- Refried beans
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheat: Microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Fiesta Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, potluck, or meal prep, this dish is a guaranteed hit!
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments below and share your favorite twists!
Looking for more easy dinner ideas? Check out more family-friendly meals on LivelyDish.com!
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Servings: 6 | Calories: ~450 per serving
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