One Pot Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole - Super Easy!

This delicious one pot Mexican chicken and rice casserole is not only super easy to make, but it's also packed with flavor. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Why You'll LOVE This Chicken Casserole

One Pot Recipe - oh come on, EVERYONE loves a one-pan dinner recipe! Less washing up!

Super tasty - our Mexican chicken and rice casserole is super delicious, packed with flavor and those toppings... JUST SO GOOD!

Family favourite - this Mexican chicken and rice bake is one of those family faves, you can throw it in the oven and know everyone will enjoy it.

Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

Serves – 4 people

Prep Time – 15 minutes 

Cook Time - 40 minutes

Total Time – 55 minutes

Our Most Popular Alternative – Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole

Equipment Needed

• Chopping board
• Vegetable knife
• Tablespoon
• Teaspoon
• Cooking spoon
• Large ovenproof skillet pan with lid - we use a Le Creuset Casserole Pan
• American measuring cups
• Cheese grater

One Pot Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole Ingredients

Everything you need to make our delicious Mexican chicken and rice one pot

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 brown onion - diced
• 2 cloves garlic - finely chopped
• 2 bell peppers - diced
• 600g skinless boneless chicken breast - diced (In the US? This is around 1lb 2oz skinless boneless chicken breast)
• 2 teaspoon chipotle seasoning - you could also use taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 400g passata (In the US? This is around 14oz tomato paste)
• 1 cup rice
• 1 ½ cups boiling water
• pinch salt
• pinch ground black pepper
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese

How To Make Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe

Just follow our step by step instructions for making the perfect Mexican chicken and rice one-pot casserole

Step One - fry the onions, garlic and diced chicken breast

• Add the olive oil to a large oven proof skillet pan with a lid.
• Add the onions and garlic and fry for 5 minutes to soften.
• Add the chicken breast - fry until it turns white.

Step Two - add the rest of the ingredients (not the cheese or toppings)

• Then tip in the peppers and seasonings - mix well.
• Pour in the passata, tip in the rice and tip in the cups of boiling water.
• Season with salt and black pepper - mix well.

Cooks note - it's going to look like you've added way too much water, but the rice will absorb it all as the casserole cooks, don't worry!

Step Three - cook the Mexican chicken and rice casserole in the oven

• Put the lid on and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
• Then, Remove from the oven - stir, top with the grated cheese.

Step Four - continue to cook the chicken and rice casserole

• Put the lid back on and return to the oven for a further 20 minutes (or until the rice is cooked and softened)

Step Five - serve

Once the Mexican chicken and rice casserole is cooked through properly and the cheesy topping melted. It's time to serve. Before serving, we usually add a good sprinkling of crispy fried onions (the Dino's ones, you can put on hotdogs) and some sliced jalapeño. And if you've any to hand, a dollop of sour cream is good too. And some chopped fresh cilantro

Helpful Tips And Ingredient Swaps 

Add in extra veggies - you can add in any extra quick cooking vegetables you like, try diced courgette (zucchini) sweetcorn or peas.

Make it gluten-free - this is easy to make gluten free, just use certified gluten free ingredients.

Use chicken thighs - you can swap the chicken breast for diced chicken thigh fillets.

Casserole Topping Ideas

Now, you don't have to add toppings to your casserole, BUT... we are all about the toppings!

Grated cheese - Rice casseroles just taste so much more delicious with shredded cheese melting into them - you can do any mix of cheese you like mozzarella, sharp Cheddar, blue cheese, Monterey Jack, pepper jack - anything you fancy!

Add some crunch - we use the Dino's hot dog onions - these are super crispy onions, and the contrast with the soft casserole and cheesy topping is PERFECT. You could also scatter over some crushed nachos or tortilla chips.

Spice - spice up your casserole by scattering over jalapeño (the candied ones are great if you can find them) or scatter over freshly chopped green chilies or just a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Get More Chicken Breast Recipes Here

What To Serve With Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole?

Here's 10 side dishes that go great with Mexican chicken casserole

1. Mexican Street Corn - Grilled corn on the cob coated with mayonnaise, cheese, and spices.
2. Chunky Guacamole - Creamy avocado dip with lime juice, onions, tomatoes, and coriander
3. Garden Salad - toss together some fresh salad leaves, cucumber, tomatoes and radish with your favourite dressing.
4. Pico de Gallo - Fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and cilantro.
5. Refried Beans - Classic Mexican side dish made from mashed and fried pinto beans.
6. Jalapeño Coleslaw - Tangy and refreshing coleslaw with a hit of spice!
7. Mixed Bean Salad - Colorful salad made with black beans, corn, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
8. Roasted Vegetables - Seasonal vegetables roasted with Mexican spices like cumin and chili powder.
9. Cheesy Nachos - Crunchy corn chips topped with cheese for scooping up the casserole.
10. Steamed Greens - go for a healthy choice and steam some broccoli!

Get More Chicken Recipes Here

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straight from the Daisies & Pie kitchen

More Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes

• Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Casserole
• Cajun Chicken And Rice
• Chicken And Halloumi Burger
• Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken 
• Hunters Chicken Pasta Bake