Creamy Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice Casserole

Looking for a comforting and flavorful meal that’s easy to make and satisfies those cheesy cravings? Look no further than Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice! This one-pan wonder brings together tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, aromatic spices, and a generous topping of gooey Colby Jack cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely family dinners, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.

I stumbled upon this Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice recipe on a day when my pantry was running low, and it quickly became a beloved family favorite. The combination of pantry staples magically transforms into a dish that’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with Southwest flair. The melty Colby Jack cheese adds that extra touch of comfort and nostalgia, making every bite a delightful experience.

Whether you’re enjoying it fresh or savoring the leftovers, this Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice is a versatile dish that never fails to impress. Customize it with your favorite toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of Southwest ranch sauce for a meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Get ready to indulge in a taste of Tex Mex goodness with this easy and delicious recipe!

Quick Benefits

• Convenient One-Pan Meal: Enjoy a fuss-free dinner by cooking this cheesy chicken taco rice dish in just one pan, perfect for busy nights or a satisfying family weekend meal.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily customize this recipe by swapping chicken for turkey or tofu, using alternative cheese blends, or trying different canned tomato options, making it adaptable to your preferences and pantry staples.
• Long-Lasting Leftovers: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze for up to two months, providing you with a delicious meal prep option that can be quickly reheated for a tasty and convenient meal.
• Southwest Flavors: Indulge in the comforting and bold flavors inspired by Tex Mex cuisine, reminiscent of food trucks and restaurant-inspired taco fillings, creating a dish that’s rich in taste and perfect for satisfying your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice Casserole Recipe

• Satisfies comfort food cravings: This dish combines tender chicken, zesty tomatoes, punchy spices, and gooey melted cheese to create a comforting and satisfying meal that hits all the right notes.
• Easy one-pan meal: Perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends, this recipe is a breeze to make and requires minimal cleanup, making it a convenient option for any day of the week.
• Versatile and customizable: You can easily swap ingredients such as the protein source or cheese variety to suit your preferences. It’s a flexible recipe that allows for creativity and personalization.
• Family-friendly: The cheesy goodness of Colby Jack cheese and the flavorful Southwest ingredients make this a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
• Perfect for leftovers: This meal reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to four days or frozen for later enjoyment. It’s a great option for meal prep and busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious dinner.
• Tex Mex-inspired flavors: Drawing inspiration from Tex Mex cuisine, this dish combines the best of both worlds – comforting family casseroles and vibrant taco fillings. It’s like a fiesta in your mouth with every bite.
• Endless serving possibilities: From burritos and tacos to topping off salads or enjoying with tortilla chips, the serving options are endless. You can get creative with your toppings and accompaniments to suit your taste preferences.
• Brings a taste of the Southwest to your table: If you love bold flavors, generous toppings, and a hint of heat, this recipe captures the essence of Southwest cuisine in a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Creamy Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice Casserole

Main Components

• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 227 g can tomato sauce
• 450 g chicken breast, diced
• 355 ml chicken stock
• 170 g Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 284 g can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 195 g long grain white rice, uncooked and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried cilantro

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro, to serve
• Sour cream, to serve
• Southwest ranch sauce, to serve

Pro Tips for Creamy Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice Casserole

Pro Tip 1: To enhance the flavors of this Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice recipe, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, cilantro, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the meat with delicious Southwest flavors.

Pro Tip 2: For extra cheesiness, mix some shredded Colby Jack cheese into the rice mixture as it cooks, not just on top. This will create a rich and gooey texture throughout the dish. Be sure to save some cheese to sprinkle on top before serving for that perfect melty finish.

Pro Tip 3: Customize this dish by adding your favorite toppings like avocado slices, pickled onions, or fresh salsa. These toppings not only add extra flavor and freshness but also create a beautiful presentation. Serve with tortilla chips and Southwest ranch sauce for a complete Tex-Mex experience.

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice Casserole

Step 1: Cook Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breast, salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and dried cilantro. Sauté until chicken is fully cooked and lightly golden.

Step 2: Simmer Rice and Vegetables

Combine minced garlic, undrained diced tomatoes with chilies, tomato sauce, chicken stock, and rinsed long grain rice in the skillet. Stir well, cover with a tight lid, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Finish

Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese over the cooked mixture. Let the cheese melt from residual heat or briefly broil until golden and bubbling.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Divide onto plates and top with sour cream, freshly chopped cilantro, and Southwest ranch sauce to taste.

Storage Tips

Once you have made the Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice, allow any leftovers to cool before transferring them into airtight containers for storage in the refrigerator. The dish can last up to four days when stored properly. To reheat, sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice and chicken mixture before microwaving in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating. For longer storage, portion the dish into single servings, wrap tightly, and freeze. Make sure to use the frozen portions within two months and thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture.

To enhance the Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice, consider customizing it with various ingredients and serving suggestions. You can swap chicken for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian alternative. Experiment with different types of cheese blends if Colby Jack is unavailable, such as a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack. Additionally, feel free to incorporate different toppings like avocado slices, pickled onions, or fresh salsa for added flavor. Serve the dish alongside a crisp romaine salad, grilled corn, or tortilla chips with extra Southwest ranch for a game day feast. This recipe draws inspiration from Tex Mex cuisine, combining comforting family casseroles with vibrant taco fillings, allowing you to savor a taste of the Southwest in a simple one-pan meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different protein, turkey can be a great substitute for chicken in this recipe. Turkey provides a similar texture and flavor profile, making it an excellent alternative for those looking to switch up their protein source.

If you don’t have Rotel tomatoes on hand, feel free to use any canned diced tomatoes with a bit of chopped green chili or jalapeno to add a similar level of heat and flavor to the dish. This substitution will still provide the essential tomato base while adding a touch of spice to the Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice.

If Colby Jack cheese is unavailable, you can create a similar cheesy blend by combining equal parts of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. This substitution maintains the melty, gooey texture that Colby Jack provides while offering a slightly different flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist, serve the Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice in individual baked tortilla bowls. Simply line a muffin tin with small flour tortillas, bake until crispy, then fill with the cheesy chicken taco rice mixture. Top with extra shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a cute and delicious presentation.

Create a Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice bar for your next gathering. Set out bowls of toppings such as diced avocado, pickled onions, salsa, chopped lettuce, and tortilla chips. Let your guests customize their bowls of cheesy goodness with their favorite toppings for a festive and interactive dining experience.

FAQs for Creamy Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice Casserole

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and provide extra juiciness. Cut into cubes and cook as directed.

Can I substitute Rotel with other canned tomatoes?

Rotel adds subtle heat and flavor, but you can substitute with other canned tomatoes if preferred.

What should I keep in mind while cooking the cheesy chicken taco rice?

Make sure to stir once during cooking and use enough broth to keep the mixture moist while simmering covered.

Can I reheat leftovers of this dish?

Absolutely, reheat gently and top with cheese and fresh toppings before serving to maintain texture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the best of cheesy goodness and Southwest flavors in one delicious dish. Whether you’re making it on a busy weeknight or for a family gathering, this one-pan meal is sure to be a hit.

Remember, the beauty of Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice lies in its versatility. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or make substitutions based on what you have on hand. Whether you’re using chicken thighs for extra juiciness or experimenting with different types of cheese, the possibilities are endless.

So, gather your loved ones around the table, pile your Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice into warm tortillas, and top it with all your favorite fixings. Let the flavors transport you to the vibrant kitchens of the American Southwest, and enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite.

Creamy Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice Casserole

Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice: A comforting, one-pan meal packed with zesty flavors, tender chicken, and gooey Colby Jack cheese for a Southwest-inspired family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time25 Minutes

Total Time40 Minutes

CuisineTex-Mex

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (4 main course portions)

Ingredients

Main Components

• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 227 g can tomato sauce
• 450 g chicken breast, diced
• 355 ml chicken stock
• 170 g Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 284 g can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 195 g long grain white rice, uncooked and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon dried cilantro

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro, to serve
• Sour cream, to serve
• Southwest ranch sauce, to serve

Instructions

1. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breast, salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, and dried cilantro. Sauté until chicken is fully cooked and lightly golden.
2. Simmer Rice and Vegetables: Combine minced garlic, undrained diced tomatoes with chilies, tomato sauce, chicken stock, and rinsed long grain rice in the skillet. Stir well, cover with a tight lid, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
3. Add Cheese and Finish: Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese over the cooked mixture. Let the cheese melt from residual heat or briefly broil until golden and bubbling.
4. Serve and Garnish: Divide onto plates and top with sour cream, freshly chopped cilantro, and Southwest ranch sauce to taste.