This Cheesy Salsa Chicken and Rice is a Mexican-inspired recipe perfect for an easy dinner night menu. With this 30 minute meal, you can have a filling dinner ready in no time.
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This recipe is a variation of my Easy Salsa Rice side dish. In this version, I turned it into a full meal. I love this 4 ingredient salsa chicken rice casserole so much that it's usually on the menu at least once a month.
This is a one-pan meal that's perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. We combine tender chicken, flavorful salsa, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice into one harmonious casserole.
It's a family-friendly dish that's loved by all, making it the perfect solution for a no-fuss dinner that's both delicious and convenient. Add it to your family's Lazy Sunday Dinner Ideas or Cheap Family Meals Under $10.
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💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- You can add to it! I often add in canned corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, or anything else on hand just to stretch it a little further.
- The leftovers can be repurposed. I enjoy taking salsa chicken bake leftovers (assuming there is any) and turning them into a burrito bowl or serving it up in my cheesy bean and rice burritos.
- Perfect for leftover shredded chicken. Have chicken leftovers from the night before (like Crockpot Chicken with Enchilada Sauce) or have some rotisserie chicken on hand? This recipe is perfect for using it up.
🛒 Ingredients
Chunky salsa. Adds flavor and moisture. Chunky red salsa works great, but smooth salsa is fine too. Choose your preferred heat level. If you have extra, try it in our Easy Dorito Taco Salad.
Quick minute rice. Fast cooking rice helps get dinner on the table quickly.
Cheddar cheese. Use pre shredded or freshly shredded cheese for a melty finish.
Chicken. Use cooked chicken, shredded or diced. Leftover chicken works well. I like using Boiled Chicken Legs.
Optional toppings. Canned corn, black beans, green onion, or diced tomatoes all make great additions.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Use leftover or rotisserie chicken: This keeps costs low and saves prep time.
Choose store-brand salsa and cheese: Generic options work just as well and are usually cheaper.
Stretch with add-ins: Black beans or corn add bulk and protein without increasing cost much.
🥄 Instructions for Cheesy Salsa Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Bring salsa and water to a boil in a medium sized pot. (Image 1)
Step 2: Stir in quick cooking rice. (Image 2)
Step 3: Add the lid and remove it from heat. (Image 3)
Step 4: Let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. (Image 4)
Step 5: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
Step 6: Spread the salsa rice into the baking dish into an even layer. (Image 5)
Step 7: Top with cooked chicken. (Image 6)
Step 8: Sprinkle cheese and additional toppings (if using) over the top of the chicken. (Image 7)
Step 9: Bake for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted. (Image 8)
Serve warm.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Choose a salsa you love. Salsa adds moisture and flavor to the rice, so use one you enjoy. Chunky salsa works especially well for little bites of tomato throughout the dish.
- Easy stovetop meal. This recipe comes together entirely on the stovetop. Cook the rice, then add the chicken and cheese, cover, and let everything heat through until the cheese melts.
❄️ Storage, Reheating & Make Ahead
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat portions in the microwave until warmed through, or cover and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes.
Make Ahead: Assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
Serve with a simple green salad, tortilla chips, or fresh fruit. Sour cream, avocado, or extra salsa also make easy, budget-friendly toppings.
- Iceberg SaladRecipe $5.00 / Serving $0.83
- Air Fryer Tortilla ChipsRecipe $0.90 / Serving $0.23
- Fajita Taco SaladRecipe $16.91 / Serving $2.82
- Tomato Jalapeno SalsaRecipe $3.67 / Serving $0.61
❓ Recipe FAQs
I have not tried this salsa chicken recipe with a Verde salsa but I can picture it tasting rather delicious if used. Let me know in the comments if you try it. I'd love to hear about it!
This salsa rice recipe uses white quick minute rice as it needs less liquid and time to cook. Other varieties could be used but they won't end up the same as the cooking time and the liquid ratios would need to be adjusted. Long grain rice will also end up starchy if not properly rinsed.
The spiciness of salsa rice depends on the type of salsa you use. Mild salsa will result in a milder dish, while hot salsa will make it spicier.
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- Crispy Sour Cream and Onion ChickenRecipe $12.70 / Serving $3.18
🐝 If you tried this Cheesy Salsa Chicken and Rice, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Cheesy Salsa Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups water - ($0.00)
- 2 cups chunky salsa - ($1.88)
- 4 cups white quick-cook rice (5-minute) - ($2.56)
- 1-2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded - ($1.44)
- 1-2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded - ($2.00)
Optional Toppings
- Black beans, canned, drained and rinsed
- Whole kernel corn, canned and drained or frozen
- Diced tomatoes, canned and drained
- Green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the rice. In a medium pot, bring the water and salsa to a boil. Stir in the quick-cook rice, cover, remove from heat, and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Preheat and prep. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Assemble the casserole. Spread the cooked salsa rice evenly in the baking dish. Top with the cooked chicken.
- Add cheese and toppings. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and add any optional toppings if using.
- Bake. Bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through.
- Serve. Serve warm.
Notes
- Salsa choice. Use a salsa you enjoy, as it provides most of the flavor.
- Stovetop option. This dish can be made entirely on the stovetop by stirring the chicken and cheese into the hot rice until melted.
- Rice swaps. Designed for white quick-cook rice. Other rice types may require adjusted liquid amounts and cook times.
Nutritional Information
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