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Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 128 reviews

This Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole is a comforting and creamy baked dish combining tender seasoned chicken, cheesy queso, green chiles, and fluffy rice for a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

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

Casserole Mixture

  • 15 oz queso
  • 3/4 cup half and half
  • 4.5 oz chopped green chiles
  • 3/4 cup finely minced onion
  • 2 cups instant white rice, cooked according to package directions

Topping

  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 3-quart casserole dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the diced chicken breast, and cook until fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Season the chicken with the taco seasoning evenly and stir to coat.
  3. Prepare Rice Mixture: Cook the instant white rice according to the package directions. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with queso, half and half, chopped green chiles, and finely minced onion. Mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
  4. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly top the rice with the cooked, seasoned chicken, then sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top.
  5. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is warmed through completely.
  6. Serve: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and serve immediately. Optionally garnish with fresh diced cilantro for added freshness and flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute the half and half with whole milk or cream depending on desired richness.
  • For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Instant rice is used for convenience; you can use regular rice but adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • Adding fresh cilantro as a garnish adds brightness and complements the flavors well.

Keywords: Chicken casserole, queso casserole, baked chicken and rice, Mexican casserole, comforting dinner, cheesy chicken casserole

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