Cheesy Salsa Chicken Rice Bake

The Cheesy Salsa Chicken Rice Bake is one of those comforting dishes that turns an ordinary weeknight into something truly special. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of sautéing onions and chicken wafted through the kitchen, drawing my family in like a warm hug. It’s incredible how a skillet can transform simple ingredients into a delightful meal, complete with melted cheese that pulls apart beautifully with each serving. This dish has become a staple in our home, perfect for busy evenings when I want something hearty without spending hours cooking.

What I love most about the Cheesy Salsa Chicken Rice Bake is its versatility. Whether you’re hosting friends for a casual dinner or just want to treat your family to something delicious, this recipe does the trick. The combination of chicken, vibrant veggies, and a tangy salsa not only makes for a visually appealing dish but also packs a flavorful punch. Plus, it all comes together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!

As I prepare this dish, I often reminisce about family gatherings around the dinner table, where we share stories and laughter. The Cheesy Salsa Chicken Rice Bake is not just a meal; it’s a way to connect with loved ones and create lasting memories. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this savory adventure!

Cheesy Salsa Chicken Rice Bake Shopping List

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your own Cheesy Salsa Chicken Rice Bake. Each component plays a crucial role in bringing this dish to life. The heart of this recipe lies in the combination of chicken, rice, salsa, and cheese, which meld together in a harmony of flavors. Fresh vegetables add color and texture, while spices enhance the overall taste. Let’s look at what you’ll need for this amazing meal.

• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup dry broken spaghetti or angel hair pasta
• 1 cup long grain rice
• 1/2 cup chunky red salsa
• 2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncini
• 1 can (14 ounce) black beans, drained
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack or spicy cheddar
• Chopped cilantro for garnish
• Chopped scallions for garnish
• Cubed or sliced avocado for garnish
• Lots of fresh limes for serving

Recipe Steps for Cheesy Salsa Chicken Rice Bake

Are you ready to create your own Cheesy Salsa Chicken Rice Bake? It’s a straightforward process that brings all the ingredients together to create something magical. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish to serve in no time!

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. This is an important step as it ensures that your dish cooks evenly and the cheese gets that lovely golden color.
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat some oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, until it becomes translucent. This step releases the aromatic flavors of the onion, which form the base for the dish.
3. Next, add the chunks of chicken and the chopped bell pepper to the skillet. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and chipotle chili powder. Don’t forget to season with salt and black pepper to your taste. Cook everything together for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and thoroughly cooked.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to add the pasta and rice. Stir these in and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until they are lightly toasted and golden. This step adds depth and flavor to the dish.
5. Now, stir in the salsa, and add about 2 cups of water along with the chopped pepperoncini. Bring the mixture to a boil. You’ll see the vibrant colors mixing together, creating a beautiful dish.
6. Once boiling, stir in the drained black beans. These add protein and texture to your meal. It’s a wonderful way to enhance the nutrition in this dish.
7. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Allow the rice to cook for approximately 15 minutes. During this time, it’s important to keep the lid on, as this helps trap the steam needed for the rice to absorb the liquid and flavors.
8. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat. Remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the top of the dish. The melted cheese will create a creamy layer that ties all the flavors together.
9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The golden cheese will make your mouth water.
10. Finally, remove from the oven and serve topped with your favorite garnishes like chopped cilantro, scallions, avocado, and wedges of fresh lime. Enjoy every bite of this hearty and satisfying dish!

Making Adjustments

Adjusting the Cheesy Salsa Chicken Rice Bake allows for creativity in the kitchen. Here are some tips to consider when making this dish:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s perfect for quick lunches!
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this dish! Make sure it’s completely cooled before placing it in the freezer. It can last up to three months.
• Pairing: Serve with a fresh green salad or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle chili powder based on your preference. You can also add fresh jalapeños for an extra kick!
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for tofu or more beans for a vegetarian version.

Serving Options for Cheesy Salsa Chicken Rice Bake

When it comes to serving the Cheesy Salsa Chicken Rice Bake, there are numerous ways to enjoy this delightful dish. Here are some great serving ideas:

• With Fresh Sides: Pair it with a fresh green salad topped with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Serving for Brunch: This dish can easily transition to brunch; simply serve it with a side of eggs or a frittata.
• Game Day Delight: It’s perfect for game day! Serve it with tortilla chips for dipping and a side of salsa.
• Casual Family Dinner: This dish is great for a family gathering; everyone can dig in and enjoy it together.
• Storage Tips: For any leftovers, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Seasonal Pairings: This dish works well with seasonal sides like roasted vegetables or a corn salad.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Cheesy Salsa Chicken Rice Bake is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that makes it a standout dish for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for sharing, and truly comforting. I encourage you to try this recipe, gather your loved ones around the table, and enjoy a meal that brings everyone together. You won’t regret it!

Cheesy Salsa Chicken Rice Bake

The ultimate comfort food, the Cheesy Salsa Chicken Rice Bake combines tender chicken, zesty salsa, and gooey cheese for a deliciously easy weeknight dinner. This one-skillet dish is perfect for busy families and will have everyone asking for seconds. Try it tonight!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 yellow onion chopped
• 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs cut into chunks
• 1 red bell pepper chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup dry broken spaghetti or angel hair pasta
• 1 cup long grain rice
• 1/2 cup chunky red salsa
• 2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncini
• 1 can (14 ounce) black beans drained
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack or spicy cheddar
• chopped cilantro for garnish
• chopped scallions for garnish
• cubed or sliced avocado for garnish
• lots of fresh limes for serving

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Large Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Baking Sheet
• Skillet
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the oil/butter, onion, chicken, bell pepper, oregano, and chipotle chili powder. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 10 minutes until the chicken is browned.
3. Add the pasta and rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, until lightly toasted and golden. Stir in the salsa. Add 2 cups of water and the pepperoncini. Bring to a boil. Stir in the beans.
4. Place the lid on the skillet and turn the heat down to the lowest setting. Allow the rice to cook for 15 minutes.
5. Remove from the heat. Sprinkle the cheese over the chicken/rice. Bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
6. Serve topped as desired with avocado, cilantro, scallions, and lime. Enjoy!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

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Meet Jade Summer

Reliability is just as important as flavor. I am the one double checking measurements and testing temperatures. I cooked this recipe repeatedly, troubleshooting any tricky parts, so you can trust that it will turn out perfectly the very first time you try it.