Name: Southwest Chicken Rice Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680 g); 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked); 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) corn, drained; 1 can (14.5 oz or 410 g) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 bell pepper (any color), diced; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 packet (1 oz or 28 g) taco seasoning; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish); 2 cups chicken broth (or water); Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil (for cooking)

Description

A delightful dish that combines bold flavors and comforting textures with tender chicken, zesty spices, and fluffy rice.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680 g)
1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
1 can (15 oz or 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz or 425 g) corn, drained
1 can (14.5 oz or 410 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 bell pepper (any color), diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 packet (1 oz or 28 g) taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
2 cups chicken broth (or water)
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the taco seasoning. Sear in a skillet with olive oil for 4-5 minutes on each side.
Sauté diced onion and bell pepper in the same skillet for 3-4 minutes. Stir in remaining taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes; cook for another 2 minutes.
In a large baking dish, spread uncooked rice evenly, then pour the vegetable mixture over it, followed by chicken broth.
Place seared chicken breasts on top, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted.
Let sit for a few minutes, garnish with cilantro, and serve.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, use the microwave or oven until warmed through.
For freezing, cover tightly and it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southwestern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of the dish
Calories: 450
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Southwest Chicken Rice Bake, Chicken Bake, Southwestern Cuisine, Comfort Food