Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole

If your idea of a perfect evening is curling up on the couch with a good book and a big bowl of comfort food, this Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe is for you! It’s easy to make, hearty, and delicious.

Plus, it’s perfect for busy moms who need something quick and easy to put on the table. So give this recipe a try – your family will love it!

And there you have it, folks! The perfect way to spice up your weeknight dinner routine. This Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole is packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to please the whole family.

So go ahead and give it a try…you might just find that it becomes a new favorite in your household!

This Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect weeknight meal! It’s easy to make, only requires a few ingredients, and is absolutely delicious. We love using store-bought salsa in this dish, but feel free to use your favorite homemade salsa recipe instead.

So the next time you’re looking for an easy meal to make, give this Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole a try!

Let us know in the comments how it turned out!

Scroll to Bottom for Printable Recipe Card Below.

This casserole is also perfect for leftovers because it reheats well and tastes just as good the next day.

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Why do I love this recipe?

• This recipe is amazing because it is so easy to make and only requires a few ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
• Plus, it is packed with flavor and is always a hit with my family and friends.
• The best part about this recipe is that you can easily customize it to your liking. For example, you can add more or less salsa, chicken, or rice depending on how you want it.
• This casserole is also perfect for leftovers because it reheats well and tastes just as good the next day.

Is it possible to cook chicken in its marinade?

Can you cook chicken in its marinade? The answer is yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

• First, the chicken will be more flavorful if you cook it in the marinade, but it will also be more tender.
• Second, if you are using a high-acidity marinade, like salsa, it can cause the chicken to become tough. So, if you are using a salsa-based marinade, make sure to cook the chicken for a shorter amount of time.
• Third, always make sure that your chicken is fully cooked before eating it. Chicken that has not been properly cooked can contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

Can I use flour to thicken the salsa, or is there a better option?

Yes, you can use flour to thicken the salsa. However, make sure to whisk it in well so that there are no lumps. You can also add a little bit of water to help the flour dissolve better. If the salsa is too thick, add more liquid until it reaches the desired consistency.

How can I fix my runny salsa?

If your salsa is runny, it might be for one of these reasons.

• One possibility is that you didn’t cook the tomatoes long enough. If the tomatoes aren’t cooked sufficiently, they’ll release too much water and make the salsa runny.
• Another possibility is that you used too much tomato juice or water in the recipe. Be sure to drain the tomatoes before using them, and don’t add too much liquid when making the salsa.
• Finally, make sure you’re using ripe tomatoes. Unripe tomatoes can also make salsa more watery.

If your salsa is still too runny after trying these tips, you can try cooking it down on the stove for a bit longer to help thicken it up.

What side dish should I make with salsa chicken?

There are a few different schools of thought when it comes to pairing side dishes with salsa chicken.

• Some people prefer to keep things simple and stick with rice and beans, while others like to load up their plates with a variety of different textures and flavors.
• If you’re looking for a classic combo, rice and beans is always a delicious option. You can keep things traditional with Spanish rice, or mix things up by using black beans or lentils instead. For a heartier meal, try serving your salsa chicken with quinoa or farro.
• Vegetables are always a good idea when it comes to rounding out a meal, and there are plenty of options that will go well with salsa chicken. Roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, or squash would make a great addition to your plate. You could also try serving the chicken with grilled veggies, sautéed greens, or a simple salad.

Tips

• Use your favorite salsa to add flavor to the dish. If you like it spicy, go for a hotter salsa. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a milder salsa.
• Be sure to cook the rice before adding it to the casserole. This will help ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn’t end up mushy.
• Use fresh chicken breasts for the best results. If you’re short on time, you can use cooked chicken, but it won’t be quite as good.
• Top the casserole with shredded cheese and chopped green onions for a tasty finish.
• Serve immediately after assembling for the best flavor and texture.

Variations

You can use any kind of salsa you like in this casserole. If you want a bit more of a kick, try using a hot salsa. For a milder dish, use mild or medium salsa. You could also experiment with different kinds of rice. Brown rice would be a healthy choice, while white rice would be more traditional.

If you’re looking for something a little different, you could try substituting the chicken for another protein, such as beef or shrimp. You could also add some vegetables to the casserole, such as corn or black beans.

Ingredients:

• 4 C. Shredded chicken
• 1 ½ C. Uncooked rice that has been cooked
• 2 C. Shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 C. Shredded taco blend cheese
• 1 Can cream of chicken soup
• 1 Can cream of onion soup
• ⅓ C. Chopped green onions
• 1 ½ C. Salsa

How to make Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2. Cook the rice according to package instructions, and spread half of it on the bottom of a well-greased 9×9 baking dish.

Step 3. Add half of the chicken on top of the rice.

Step 4. Mix together the cream of chicken soup, cream of onion soup, green onions, and salsa until well combined.

Step 5. Spread half of the soup mixture over the chicken and top with half of the cheese.

Step 6. Repeat with another layer of the remaining rice, then the chicken and soup mixture.

Step 7. Lastly, add the remaining cheese on top.

Step 8. Bake for 40 minutes.

Step 9. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving with additional chopped green onions for garnish if desired.

This Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect weeknight meal! It’s easy to make, only requires a few ingredients, and is absolutely delicious. Jump to printable recipe below!

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Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole Storing and reheating instructions:

Storing and reheating your Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole is easy! Simply place the casserole dish in the fridge after it has cooled and enjoy it within 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until piping hot. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and extra salsa on the side.

Can I make Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole in advance. Simply prepare the casserole according to the recipe instructions, but do not bake it. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake the casserole, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, bake the casserole as directed in the recipe.

Can I freeze this Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe?

Yes, you can freeze salsa chicken and rice casserole. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in foil or freezer film so that it doesn’t dry out. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a 350-degree oven until piping hot.

Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

This Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole is the perfect weeknight meal! It's easy to make, only requires a few ingredients, and is absolutely delicious. So the next time you're looking for an easy meal to make, give this Salsa Chicken and Rice Casserole a try!

4.29 from 7 votes

Review Recipe

Ingredients 

• 4 C. Shredded chicken
• 1 ½ C. Uncooked rice that has been cooked
• 2 C. Shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 C. Shredded taco blend cheese
• 1 Can cream of chicken soup
• 1 Can cream of onion soup
• ⅓ C. Chopped green onions
• 1 ½ C. Salsa

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Cook the rice according to package instructions, and spread half of it on the bottom of a well-greased 9×9 baking dish.
• Add half of the chicken on top of the rice.
• Mix together the cream of chicken soup, cream of onion soup, green onions and salsa until well combined.
• Spread half of the soup mixture over the chicken and top with half of the cheese.
• Repeat with another layer of the remaining rice, then chicken, soup mixture and then the remaining cheese on top.
• Bake for 40 minutes.
• Let cool for 10 minutes before serving with additional chopped green onions for garnish if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 778kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 2072mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g

Author: Laura

THANKS FOR PINING!

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