As I stood in the kitchen, the aroma of sizzling chicken mingled with spices wafted through the air, creating an irresistible invitation to gather around the table. This Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole quickly became a go-to weeknight dinner for my family, uniting creamy queso with hearty chicken in a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Not only does it come together in under an hour, but it’s also a delightful crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist. Imagine the joy of effortlessly serving a meal that warms their hearts and bellies while sparing you the hassle of a lengthy cooking session! What special twist will you add to make this comfort classic your own? Why is this casserole a family favorite? Quick, Flavorful Meal: This Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole is a genius way to whip up a delicious dinner in less than an hour. Cheesy Sensation: The combination of creamy queso and melted cheese makes every bite irresistibly satisfying. Adaptable Ingredients: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or switch up the proteins as you like. Perfect for Weeknights: Ideal for busy evenings, it fills bellies without a fuss. Pair it with a fresh side salad, and you’ve got a complete meal that everyone will adore! Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole Ingredients For the Casserole Oil – Use any neutral oil like canola or olive oil for cooking the chicken. Chicken Breast – The main protein source; swapping with rotisserie chicken can cut prep time. Taco Seasoning – Adds a great flavor boost; feel free to use store-bought or make your own blend. Queso – This creamy element brings the dish to life; you can opt for store-bought queso or your homemade version. Half and Half – Provides richness; milk or cream can substitute based on what you have handy. Chopped Green Chiles – Adds a mild heat and flavor; leave them out if you’d prefer a milder dish! Minced Onion – Enhances flavor; onion powder works well if you’re in a pinch. Instant White Rice – The casserole’s base; you can use regular rice, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend – Delivers melty perfection on top; substituting with cheddar or Monterey Jack is a great option. Optional Garnish Fresh Diced Cilantro – Adds a pop of color and freshness; perfect when sprinkled on top before serving. This Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole is sure to please your family with its comforting flavors and cheesy goodness! Enjoy this delightful, easy-to-make recipe that brings warmth to your table. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Dish Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grab a 3-quart casserole dish and give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy serving of your Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole later on. Step 2: Cook the Chicken Next, dice 1 pound of chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Sprinkle in 1 oz of taco seasoning to enhance your chicken’s flavor. Step 3: Prepare the Rice Now, it’s time to focus on the rice. Cook 2 cups of instant white rice according to the package directions, which usually takes about 5–10 minutes. The rice should be fluffy and tender, ready to blend seamlessly into the cheesy casserole. Step 4: Mix the Casserole Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with 15 oz of queso, ¾ cup of half and half, 4.5 oz of chopped green chiles, and ¾ cup of finely minced onion. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a creamy mixture that will form the base of your Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole. Step 5: Assemble the Casserole Pour the rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Then, layer the cooked chicken on top of the rice mixture. Finally, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend over everything to create a gooey layer that will melt beautifully during baking. Step 6: Bake the Casserole Place the assembled Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the cheese should bubble and turn a delightful golden color, while the casserole warms through and fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma. Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh diced cilantro for a burst of flavor and color. This Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole is now ready to be enjoyed by your grateful family! What to Serve with Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole Create a delightful meal around the comforting goodness of this cheesy casserole that everyone will love. Crisp Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette contrasts beautifully against the rich flavors of the casserole. Tortilla Chips with Salsa: The crunchiness of chips paired with zesty salsa provides a fun and interactive side, perfect for scooping up extra cheesy goodness. Roasted Veggies: Colorful roasted bell peppers and zucchini add a caramelized sweetness that complements the savory casserole perfectly. Creamy Guacamole: This velvety dip adds a refreshing element, balancing the cheese and spices with its smooth texture and cool flavor. Savory Mexican Cornbread: A slice of sweet and savory cornbread makes a fantastic pairing, soaking up any leftover queso from your plate. Pineapple Agua Fresca: This sweet and tangy drink elevates the meal, providing a light and fruity contrast to the creamy casserole. Cilantro Lime Rice: A side of zesty rice enhances the Tex-Mex flair of the casserole, infusing every bite with a burst of freshness. Chocolate Brownies: For dessert, these fudgy brownies bring a rich, sweet ending to the meal, leaving everyone satisfied and happy. Expert Tips for Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick dinner, using precooked rotisserie chicken will save you valuable time without sacrificing flavor. Watch the Rice: If you opt for regular rice instead of instant, make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing into the casserole to ensure even cooking. Customize It: Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or corn to add color and nutrition to your Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole. Cooling Time: Letting the casserole sit for about 5 minutes after baking allows it to set and makes serving easier. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick, or keeping it classic with Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. Make Ahead Options This Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole is perfect for meal prep lovers! You can prepare the casserole ingredients (steps 1-4) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the instructions to mix the rice, queso, half and half, green chiles, and onions, then layer everything in your casserole dish with the cooked chicken. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious casserole, simply remove it from the fridge, uncover, and bake it (step 6) as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to ensure it heats all the way through. This way, you can relish in a cheesy, comforting meal with minimal effort on busy weeknights! Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole Variations Feel free to get creative with this recipe, customizing it to fit your family’s taste preferences and dietary needs! Protein Swap: Replace chicken with ground turkey or beef for a different flavor profile; both options cook up beautifully and make for a hearty, satisfying meal. Vegetable Boost: Add in sweet corn, colorful bell peppers, or fresh spinach. Not only do they enhance nutrition, but they also provide a delightful texture and brightness to the dish. Cheese Change: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar for a tangy kick, or pepper jack if you desire some heat. Each cheese brings a unique personality to the casserole. Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of half and half to create a dairy-free version that still retains creaminess, ensuring everyone at the table can join in the feast. Gluten-Free: If you prefer a gluten-free option, serve the casserole without any additional sauces or seasonings that contain gluten, keeping it delicious without compromising taste. Spicy Twist: Incorporate diced jalapeños into the mix for an extra layer of heat, or use a spicy taco seasoning blend that gives this classic dish a fiery flair your family will adore. More Flavor: Toss in a teaspoon of garlic powder or a tablespoon of lime juice to the mix. This adds a refreshing zing that’ll brighten every bite of your casserole. Creamy Alternative: If you want an even creamier texture, substitute queso with a white cheese sauce made from scratch. It’s a little more effort, but the homemade love is worth it! Don’t forget to check out some other family favorites like my Cheesy Chicken Spinach or the cozy Chicken Fried Rice for more delicious comfort food inspiration! Happy cooking! Storage Tips for Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the casserole is completely cooled before refrigerating to maintain its texture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, followed by a layer of freezer-safe bag. Reheating: Thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through, ensuring it remains creamy and delicious. Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole a day prior. Assemble up to step four, cover with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole Recipe FAQs What type of chicken should I use? Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or for a quicker option, precooked rotisserie chicken works wonderfully. Simply shred or dice it before mixing it into the casserole. How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the casserole has cooled completely before refrigeration to maintain its lovely texture. Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can! To freeze the Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. This will keep it fresh for up to 3 months. How do I reheat the frozen casserole? First, thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then bake it for 20-25 minutes or until it’s heated through. This will help keep the queso creamy and delicious. What if I have dietary restrictions? If you’re entertaining friends or family with dietary restrictions, consider swapping the chicken for ground turkey or beef. You can also use gluten-free taco seasoning and rice to accommodate those with gluten sensitivities. What should I do if my casserole is too dry? If your casserole ends up being too dry, don’t worry! The next time you make it, try increasing the amount of half and half or queso just a tad. You could also add a splash of chicken broth when mixing to keep it moist during baking. Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole Your Family Will Adore Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole is a quick, comforting dish that unites creamy queso with hearty chicken, perfect for family meals. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: CasseroleCuisine: MexicanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Casserole1 tablespoon oil neutral oil like canola or olive oil1 pound chicken breast or rotisserie chicken1 ounce taco seasoning store-bought or homemade15 ounces queso store-bought or homemade¾ cup half and half milk or cream can substitute4.5 ounces chopped green chiles optional¾ cup minced onion or onion powder2 cups instant white rice adjust cooking time for regular rice1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend or substitute with cheddar or Monterey JackOptional Garnishfresh diced cilantro for garnish Equipment 3-quart casserole dishskilletmixing bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 3-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked. Sprinkle in taco seasoning.Cook the instant white rice according to package directions (about 5-10 minutes) until fluffy and tender.In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, queso, half and half, chopped green chiles, and minced onion. Stir until fully incorporated.Pour the rice mixture into the casserole dish, spread evenly, and layer the cooked chicken on top. Sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese blend over everything.Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes, then serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh diced cilantro. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg NotesThis casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
