Craving a mouthwatering meal that combines the zesty kick of salsa, tender chicken, and gooey melted cheese? Look no further! This Cheesy Salsa Chicken Rice is about to become your new obsession - a quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible dish that will transform your weeknight dinner from boring to extraordinary. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Season diced chicken breasts with cumin, salt, and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the seasoned chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed chicken, and salsa, stirring until ingredients are well mixed.
- Transfer the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top of the mixture, covering the entire surface.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to set.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or additional salsa if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Salsa: The flavor of your dish depends heavily on your salsa. Opt for a fresh, high-quality salsa with a good balance of tomatoes, onions, and peppers for the best results.
- Rice Matters: Use day-old rice or freshly cooked rice that's slightly cooled to prevent a mushy texture. Slightly firm rice will hold up better in the baking process.
- Chicken Cooking Tip: Ensure your chicken is evenly diced and cooked to golden brown for maximum flavor and perfect texture.
- Cheese Selection: Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for a more complex, rich flavor profile.
- Don't Overcook: Watch the dish carefully in the final baking stage to prevent the cheese from burning and the rice from drying out.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or extra salsa can elevate the dish and add fresh, vibrant flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
