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In the world of comfort food, few dishes can rival the rich, hearty flavors of a well-made casserole. The Salsa Chicken Rice Bake is a delightful combination of tender chicken, zesty salsa, and wholesome ingredients, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep. This dish not only promises to satisfy your taste buds but also brings a vibrant mix of colors and textures to your table. With its ease of preparation and the ability to feed a crowd, it has quickly become a staple for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.

Salsa Chicken Rice Bake

Discover the deliciousness of Salsa Chicken Rice Bake, a comforting casserole that combines tender chicken, zesty salsa, and wholesome ingredients for a perfect family meal. This easy-to-make dish is packed with flavor, featuring uncooked rice that absorbs the savory juices, along with black beans and corn for added nutrition. Top it off with melted cheese for a creamy finish that ties everything together. Ideal for busy weeknights and casual gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup uncooked white rice

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

1 jar (16 oz) salsa (choose mild or spicy according to your preference)

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)

Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Cook the chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it achieves a golden brown color and is just cooked through. Once cooked, remove it from the skillet and allow it to cool slightly before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces.

      Mix the Base Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, black beans, corn, salsa, and chicken broth. Stir the mixture well and taste, then adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed.

        Incorporate the Chicken: Fold the shredded chicken into the rice mixture, stirring until all ingredients are evenly combined.

          Assemble the Bake: Transfer the chicken and rice mixture into a greased 9x13-inch (3-liter) baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to ensure the bake stays moist while cooking.

            Bake to Perfection: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and reached a tender consistency.

              Add the Cheese: Carefully take the baking dish out of the oven, uncover it, and generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven without the foil, baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly and lightly golden.

                Garnish and Serve: Once done, let the bake rest for a few minutes outside the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for added flavor and color. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 55 mins | Serves 6