Mexican Chicken Rice Bake (Printable Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 -
680 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
→ Grains
02 -
190 g (1 cup) uncooked long-grain white rice
→ Vegetables and Aromatics
03 -
1 medium onion, diced
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
411 g (1 can, 14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
06 -
113 g (1 can, 4 oz) diced green chilies, optional
07 -
Fresh cilantro for garnish, optional
→ Dairy
08 -
113 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
09 -
113 g (1 cup) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
→ Liquids
10 -
240 ml (1 cup) chicken broth
11 -
2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
12 -
1 teaspoon lime juice, optional
→ Spices
13 -
1 tablespoon chili powder
14 -
1 teaspoon ground cumin
15 -
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
16 -
½ teaspoon ground coriander
17 -
½ teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
18 -
¼ teaspoon black pepper
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add chicken cubes, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
02 -
In the same pan, cook diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 -
In a large oven-safe baking dish, mix uncooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, diced tomatoes, green chilies if using, chicken broth, and all spices. Stir to distribute evenly.
04 -
Add the cooked chicken to the rice mixture and stir to blend thoroughly, ensuring a balanced distribution of proteins and flavors.
05 -
Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the surface of the mixture in the baking dish.
06 -
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C for 30 minutes to allow the rice to absorb flavors and cook through.
07 -
Remove foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned, and the rice is tender.
08 -
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes out of the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired before serving.
# Helpful Notes:
01 -
Use fresh chicken breasts for optimal tenderness. Long-grain rice ensures even cooking and proper texture. Adjust chili quantity to control spiciness. Check rice doneness before removing from oven; extend baking time if necessary.