Go Back
A hot and spicy dump-and-bake salsa chicken rice casserole, bubbling with cheese.

Spicy Cheesy Dump-and-Bake Salsa Chicken Rice Casserole

This easy dump-and-bake casserole combines chicken, rice, salsa, and cheese for a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal clean-up. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it's spicy, cheesy, and packed with savory goodness.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • aluminum foil
  • measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1.5 cups uncooked white rice long-grain or medium-grain
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1.5 cups salsa your favorite jarred, chunky
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade blend
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) corn drained (or 1 cup frozen corn)
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheese Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend, divided

Optional Garnishes

  • fresh cilantro
  • sour cream
  • diced avocado
  • jalapeño slices

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In the baking dish, combine cubed chicken, uncooked rice, chicken broth, salsa, taco seasoning, rinsed black beans, and drained corn; stir well to ensure rice is submerged.
  • Sprinkle half a cup of shredded cheese over the mixture, then stir gently to distribute.

Baking

  • Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40-45 minutes until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked.
  • Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the casserole, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Serving

  • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow liquids to redistribute and the casserole to set.
  • Garnish with desired toppings such as fresh cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado, or jalapeño slices before serving.

Notes

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño to the mixture. If you prefer a creamier casserole, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream at the end of the baking process before the final cheese sprinkle. You can also customize by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or onions. Make sure the chicken is cut into consistent pieces for even cooking.