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.
Recipe: $7.88 | Per Serving: $0.79 | Servings: 10
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 This Recipe Works
- 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
Ingredient Notes:
Chunky salsa- You'll need some red salsa to add flavor to this recipe. I love to use chunky red salsa, but you can use smooth salsa if preferred. Also, you can choose which heat level you'd like (I use mild). If you still have salsa, try using it in our Easy Dorito Taco Salad.
Quick Minute Rice- Using fast cooking rice will help us to get dinner on the table much more quickly.
Cheddar cheese- Use pre-shredded cheese or cheese that you shred yourself, and sprinkle it over the top for a nice topping and cheesy goodness.
Chicken- You'll need some already cooked chicken for this recipe, so using leftover chicken works best. Shredded or diced chicken is fine. I like to use Boiled Chicken Legs.
Optional Toppings: Enhance your casserole with canned corn, black beans, green onion, and diced tomatoes.
For specific ingredients and measurements, please see the recipe card below.
🔪 Instructions for Cheesy Salsa Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Bring salsa and water to a boil in a medium sized pot.
Step 2: Stir in quick cooking rice.
Step 3: Add the lid and remove it from heat.
Step 4: Let stand 5 minutes.
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.
Step 7: Top with cooked chicken.
Step 8: Sprinkle cheese and additional toppings over the top of the chicken.
Step 9: Bake for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted.
Serve warm.
🍴 Recipe Tips
- Cooking Tip: The salsa contributes moisture to the rice, enhancing its flavor profile. To ensure the best taste, use a salsa variety that you enjoy. Chunky salsa works well, providing delightful bites of diced tomato.
- Stovetop Convenience: This recipe is quick and straightforward, suitable for preparation entirely on the stovetop. Follow the instructions for cooking the rice, then add cheese and chicken toppings. Cover the pot until the cheese melts and the chicken is heated through. Enjoy the easy and delicious meal!
💭 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.
❤️ More Delicious Main Dish Recipes
If you tried this Cheesy Salsa Chicken and Rice, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your feedback in the 📝 comments section below. I would 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 5 minute rice ($2.56)
- 1-2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded ($1.44)
- 1-2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded ($2.00)
Optional Toppings Suggestions:
- 1 can Black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15oz) whole kernel corn, drained or 2 cups frozen
- 1 can (14.5 ounce) diced tomatoes drained
- green onions, chopped
Instructions
- In a medium sized pot, bring 2 cups of water and 2 cups of salsa to a boil.
- Stir in quick cooking rice and place the lid on the pot.
- Remove the pot from the heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Spread the cooked salsa rice in the baking dish.
- Top the rice with your shredded or diced chicken.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top and any additional toppings if desired.
- Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through.
- Serve warm.
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