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Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole Recipe

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3.9 from 80 reviews

  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with taco spices are combined with creamy queso, half and half, green chiles, and tender rice, then topped with shredded Mexican cheese and baked to a bubbly golden finish. Ready in under an hour, this casserole combines convenience with the warmth of home-cooked flavors.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 pound chicken breast, diced into bite-size pieces
  • 1 oz taco seasoning

Rice Mixture

  • 2 cups instant white rice
  • 15 oz queso
  • 3/4 cup half and half
  • 4.5 oz chopped green chiles
  • 3/4 cup finely minced onion

Topping

  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare casserole dish: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 3-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook thoroughly until no longer pink inside, approximately 7-10 minutes. Once cooked, season the chicken evenly with 1 ounce of taco seasoning, stirring well to coat.
  3. Prepare the rice mixture: Cook 2 cups of instant white rice according to the package instructions. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with 15 ounces of queso, 3/4 cup half and half, 4.5 ounces chopped green chiles, and 3/4 cup finely minced onion. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
  4. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Layer the cooked seasoned chicken over the rice mixture, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend on top.
  5. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and the casserole is heated throughout.
  6. Serve: Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, then serve warm. Optionally garnish with fresh diced cilantro for added freshness and color.

Notes

  • You can save prep time by using pre-cooked chicken such as shredded rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts.
  • Instant rice is used here for convenience, but you may substitute with any rice variety you prefer, just ensure it is cooked according to the package directions before mixing.
  • For a spicier kick, add extra chopped green chiles or a dash of hot sauce to the rice mixture.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Find it online: https://sophiasrecipe.com/chicken-and-rice-queso-casserole-recipe/