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Flavour Quest Recipes

Southwest Chicken Rice Bake

Southwest Chicken Rice Bake is a hearty, family-friendly casserole loaded with seasoned chicken, rice, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and melted cheese. Packed with bold Southwest flavors, this easy baked dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and feeding a crowd.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • ***For the Chicken
  • 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ***For the Rice Bake
  • 1 cup 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (14.5 ounces)
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed (15 ounces)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • ***Cheese Topping
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ***Optional Toppings
  • Sliced avocado
  • Sour cream
  • Jalapeños
  • Lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

  2. Step 2: Season the Chicken

    In a bowl, combine chicken with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    Mix well.

  3. Step 3: Assemble the Bake

    Add to the baking dish:
    Rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, black beans, onion, bell pepper
    Stir together.
    Add the seasoned chicken and spread evenly.

  4. Step 4: Bake

    Cover tightly with foil.
    Bake for 35 minutes.

  5. Step 5: Add Cheese

    Remove foil.
    Sprinkle Mexican blend cheese evenly over the top.
    Return to the oven uncovered for 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

  6. Step 6: Garnish and Serve

    Top with fresh cilantro.
    Serve with avocado, sour cream, and lime wedges if desired.