Name: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown); 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (can use rotisserie chicken for convenience); 1 ½ cups salsa (mild, medium, or hot, depending on your preference); 1 cup corn (canned or frozen); 1 cup black beans (canned, rinsed and drained); 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend); 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing); Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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If you’re craving a hearty, flavor-packed meal that comes together with ease, this cheesy salsa chicken and rice bake is an absolute winner. It’s a comforting and colorful dish that combines tender shredded chicken, vibrant salsa, and gooey melted cheese all baked to perfection. One simple yet crucial tip to set your bake up for success is to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil before assembling your ingredients. This step ensures nothing sticks and keeps every bite luscious and easy to serve.

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredients, each bringing something special to the table. From the hearty grains of cooked rice to the spicy warmth of cumin and chili powder, every element is essential for a deliciously balanced flavor and texture combo.

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown): Provides a soft, neutral base that soaks up all the flavorful juices.
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Adds protein and tender, savory goodness; rotisserie chicken works perfectly for a time-saver.
1 ½ cups salsa (mild, medium, or hot): Brings a tangy, spicy punch that livens up the dish.
1 cup corn (canned or frozen): Adds a hint of sweetness and delightful pops of texture.
1 cup black beans (canned, rinsed and drained): Adds earthiness and extra fiber for a wholesome boost.
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend): Melts into gooey, savory layers that hold everything together deliciously.
1 teaspoon cumin: Adds a subtle smokiness that complements the salsa perfectly.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Elevates the dish with aromatic depth.
½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances overall savory notes without overpowering.
½ teaspoon chili powder: Gives a mild heat and complexity to every bite.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and bringing out all the flavors.
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): Adds freshness and a pop of color just before serving.
1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing): The key to ensuring your bake releases beautifully from your pan.

How to Make Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil

Step 1: Preheat your oven

Start by heating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature to melt the cheese just right without drying out the chicken or rice. Getting your oven ready early means everything bakes evenly and you’re one step closer to dinner happiness.

Step 2: Prepare the baking dish

Here’s a tip I always share: before you do anything else, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. This subtle coating keeps your layers from sticking to the pan while adding just a hint of richness to the edges. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference when you’re serving up big portions.

Step 3: Combine the ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together your cooked rice, shredded chicken, salsa, corn, black beans, half of the cheese, and all the spices—cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, as well as salt and pepper. Mixing everything thoroughly ensures every forkful bursts with flavor. This vibrant mixture is the heart of the dish.

Step 4: Transfer the mixture

Pour your flavorful rice and chicken combo into the baking dish you have already prepared. Spread it out evenly for consistent cooking and to create that perfect layer for the cheese to melt over. Remember that the best part is hidden under that melted golden top!

Step 5: Add the cheese topping

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top, covering every inch with gooey goodness. Cheese is the magical ingredient that brings everything together and makes this dish irresistibly comforting.

Step 6: Bake with care

Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in and prevent the cheese from browning too fast. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and perfectly golden. Your kitchen will smell amazing by this point!

Step 7: Cool and garnish

Once out of the oven, give the bake about five minutes to cool and settle. This rest helps it slice neatly and lets the flavors meld beautifully. For a splash of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top if you like. Now, it’s ready to serve!

How to Serve Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate your baked dish from rustic to restaurant-quality. Fresh cilantro adds brightness and a subtle herbaceous twist that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese. You could also sprinkle diced green onions or a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy touch.

Side Dishes

This cheesy salsa chicken and rice bake works wonderfully with a side of crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness. For a heartier meal, pair it with warm tortillas or a side of guacamole and chips to keep the festive, southwestern feel going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving family or guests, consider scooping the bake into colorful bowls and topping each portion with sliced avocado and a squeeze of lime. Another fun idea is to stuff the mixture into bell peppers before baking for individual servings that look as pretty as they taste. And remember to always lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or any other container you choose to keep that perfect bake texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your bake, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal taste even better. Just make sure to cover your container tightly so the cheese and chicken stay moist and tender.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead or keep portions for busy nights, this dish freezes beautifully. Assemble and bake the dish as directed, then once cooled, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before popping into the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftover portions in a microwave-safe dish or oven-friendly container and warm until heated through—usually about 2 to 3 minutes in the microwave or 15-20 minutes at 350°F in the oven. If you’re using the oven, don’t forget: it’s always best to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil if you transfer leftovers to a new baking dish for reheating to keep everything moist and prevent sticking.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the chicken and add more beans or toss in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to maintain great texture and heartiness.

What type of salsa works best?

Choose a salsa that suits your heat preference—mild for subtle flavor, medium for a little kick, or hot if you love spice. Homemade or store-bought both work wonderfully.

Can I use fresh corn instead of canned or frozen?

Yes! Fresh corn cut off the cob adds a lovely sweetness and texture. Just make sure to lightly cook or blanch it beforehand for the best bite.

Is it necessary to cover the dish with foil during baking?

Covering the dish keeps the cheese from browning too quickly and traps moisture so the rice and chicken stay tender. Removing the foil near the end lets the cheese crisp up beautifully.

Can I prepare this in advance and bake later?

For sure! You can mix everything and place it in the lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it super convenient for busy days.

Final Thoughts

This cheesy salsa chicken and rice bake is one of those reliable, flavor-packed meals you’ll want to turn to time and time again. Remembering to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil is a simple but game-changing step that keeps everything perfectly juicy and easy to serve. I encourage you to try it soon—you’ll love how effortlessly it brings comfort and vibrant tastes together in one satisfying dish. Happy baking!

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Cheesy Salsa Chicken and Rice Bake is a hearty, flavorful one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender shredded chicken, cooked rice, and a zesty blend of salsa and spices, this casserole is topped with melted cheddar cheese for a comforting, delicious dish. With easy prep and baking steps, it’s ideal for busy cooks seeking a tasty and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, salsa, corn, black beans, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Transfer to Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the rice and chicken mixture for a rich, cheesy crust.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting meal.

Notes

You can use either white or brown rice based on your preference.
Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe.
Adjust the salsa heat level to suit your taste—mild, medium, or hot.
For a thicker casserole, drain excess liquid from canned corn and beans thoroughly.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired