Southwest Creamy Chicken Rice Bake
A Cheesy Tex-Mex Chicken Casserole Packed with Flavor!
This Southwest Creamy Chicken Rice Bake is the ultimate comfort food casserole creamy, cheesy, and bursting with Tex-Mex flavor. Made with shredded chicken, rice, corn, black beans, and smoky spices, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family.
Ingredients:
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
1 cup uncooked white rice (or instant rice for faster prep)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
1 cup salsa (choose your spice level)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional)
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning or Southwest spice blend
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup crushed tortilla chips (for topping)
Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, rice, soup, sour cream, salsa, beans, corn, green chilies, broth, taco seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for that rich, cheesy flavor.
Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes (or 25–30 minutes if using instant rice) until the rice is tender and the casserole is creamy.
Remove the foil. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and crushed tortilla chips. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with fresh cilantro or green onions for that perfect Southwest finish.
Serving Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: 55–60 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Calories: ~400 per serving
Recipe Tips & Variations:
Substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
Try Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese for a spicier kick.
Make it a make-ahead freezer casserole for busy weeknights!
This Southwest Creamy Chicken Rice Bake is a rich, cheesy Tex-Mex chicken casserole filled with rice, corn, and black beans the perfect easy chicken dinner for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
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