Chicken Taco Casserole with Rice is a delicious and hearty one dish meal.  This gluten free dinner recipe is loaded with flavour and textures that will delight any palate.

Green and red peppers as well as salsa, corn and grated cheese add pops of colour to this hearty casserole.

The addition of chicken, beans and rice, round out the dish.

This casserole recipe yields 6 servings.

Enjoy the texture and flavour explosion in every bite.

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!

To make this Chicken Taco Casserole with Rice I used some cooked chicken breasts.

I used a fork to shred enough chicken to measure 4 packed cups.

Then I diced up a red and green bell pepper.

Next, I washed and drained a can of black beans.  A 15 oz can is plenty but I could only get the larger can at my grocery store.

Once the beans had drained I put them in a large mixing bowl along with the shredded chicken, diced peppers, frozen corn, salsa of choice, sour cream, taco seasoning and some salt and pepper.

After partially mixing the ingredients together I incorporated some cooked rice.

Then I greased a 9″ x 13″ baking pan.

Next I spread the chicken mixture out evenly in the baking pan.

Then I covered the casserole with tinfoil.

 I put the casserole into a preheated 375F for 30 minutes.

While the casserole was cooking I shredded some cheddar cheese. You can use whatever cheese you prefer.

If you are using any optional toppings you could get them ready at this time as well.

After 30 minutes I removed the casserole from the oven.

I sprinkled the shredded cheese over the top.

Then I returned the casserole to the oven uncovered, to melt the cheese.  It took about 10 minutes.

After the cheese had melted I again removed the casserole from the oven.

Then I crushed up some tortilla chips to sprinkle over the top of the cooked casserole.

I cut the casserole into six portions.

Then I served it up nice and hot.

At this point you can dig right in or have some optional toppings for people to individualize their own servings.

We like to use some shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes.

Chicken Taco Casserole with Rice is a great dinner dish any time of the year.  

 

Enjoy every bite of this easy and delicious dinner option!

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

More Casseroles For You To Enjoy…

PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE RECIPE CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make this Chicken Taco Casserole with Rice:

• 4 cups chicken shredded (I used breasts)
• 15 – 18 oz can black beans (my store only had 540ml cans)
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green pepper
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups salsa of choice
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 2 cups cooked rice of choice
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
• 3/4 tsp salt 
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 1/2 cups crushed tortilla chips
• Optional Toppings:
• shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, extra salsa

How to Make Chicken Taco Casserole with Rice:

1. Preheat oven to 375F and grease a 9″ x 13″ baking pan.  
2. Shred the cooked chicken.  Enough to measure 4 packed cups.
3. Drain and rinse the black beans.
4. Dice the red and green pepper.
5. Add the shredded chicken, black beans, diced peppers, corn, salsa, sour cream, taco seasoning, salt and pepper to a large mixing bowl.  Start to combine.
6. Add the cooked rice and continue to combine.
7. Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking pan.
8. Cover the baking pan with tin foil and bake for 30 minutes in the preheated 375F oven.
9. While casserole is cooking grate the cheddar cheese and prepare any of the optional toppings you want to use.
10. After 30 minutes remove casserole from oven and sprinkle the grated cheese over the top.
11. Return to the oven uncovered for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted to your liking.
12. Remove from oven.
13. Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips on top of the casserole.
14. Serve with optional toppings if desired.
15. Enjoy!

FAQS:

What should I serve with chicken taco casserole with rice?

A chicken taco casserole with rice is a delicious and filling dish that can be complemented with a variety of side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are some options to consider serving with your casserole:

1. Mexican Salsa: A fresh and vibrant salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice is a classic choice. You can make a pico de gallo or a spicy salsa to add a zesty kick to your casserole.
2. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole made from ripe avocados, lime juice, onions, and cilantro is a fantastic accompaniment. It adds a cool and creamy contrast to the casserole’s flavors.
3. Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can provide a tangy and cooling element that pairs well with the spicy and flavorful chicken taco casserole.
4. Shredded Lettuce: Crisp and fresh lettuce, shredded or in whole leaves, can add a refreshing crunch to your meal. It also balances the richness of the casserole.
5. Black Beans or Refried Beans: A side of beans, whether black beans or refried beans, is a great source of protein and fiber. They fit well with the Mexican theme.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a great side dish, providing a touch of sweetness and a different texture.
7. Mexican Rice: If your casserole doesn’t already contain rice, you can serve Mexican-style rice on the side. It’s typically flavored with spices and sometimes mixed with vegetables.
8. Tortilla Chips or Soft Tortillas: You can serve your casserole with tortilla chips for added crunch or soft tortillas to make mini tacos. Both options are great for scooping up the casserole.
9. Cheese: Some grated cheese, such as cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend, can be used as a side for those who want to add extra cheese.
10. Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves can be used as a garnish to add a burst of flavor and freshness to your dish.
11. Lime Wedges: Provide lime wedges for people to squeeze over their casserole to enhance the citrusy flavors.
12. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): If you want to get a bit more adventurous, you can prepare Mexican street corn, known as elote. It’s corn on the cob slathered with a creamy and spicy mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime.

Feel free to mix and match these sides to suit your preferences and those of your guests. The key is to create a balanced and satisfying meal that complements the flavors of your chicken taco casserole with rice.

How do I store chicken taco casserole with rice?

Storing chicken taco casserole with rice is relatively simple, and it’s essential to follow proper food safety guidelines to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat. Here’s how to store it:

1. Allow it to cool: Before storing, let the casserole cool down to room temperature. Placing hot food in the refrigerator can raise its internal temperature and potentially lead to bacterial growth.
2. Portion it out: If you have a large casserole, consider dividing it into smaller, meal-sized portions. This makes it easier to reheat only what you need, reducing the risk of repeated reheating and improving overall food quality.
3. Use airtight containers: Transfer the casserole to airtight containers. You can use glass or plastic containers with well-fitting lids. Make sure the containers are clean and dry before storing the food.
4. Label and date: It’s a good practice to label the containers with the date when you prepared the casserole. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored in the refrigerator.
5. Refrigerate promptly: Place the containers in the refrigerator as soon as possible, preferably within two hours of cooking. The ideal temperature for storing cooked food is below 40°F (4°C).
6. Use within 3-4 days: Chicken taco casserole with rice can typically be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. After that time, the quality and safety of the food may begin to deteriorate.
7. Reheat properly: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover casserole, reheat it thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any potential bacteria. You can reheat it in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. If it appears dry after reheating, you can add a little moisture, such as chicken broth, to restore some moisture.

By following these steps, you can safely store and enjoy your chicken taco casserole with rice while minimizing the risk of foodborne illness and maintaining its quality.

Can I freeze chicken taco casserole with rice?

Yes, you can freeze chicken taco casserole with rice. Freezing casseroles is a convenient way to prepare meals in advance. Here are some steps to help you freeze chicken taco casserole with rice:

1. Cool the Casserole: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before freezing. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming inside the dish, which can affect the texture of the food.
2. Portion Control: Consider dividing the casserole into individual serving-sized portions before freezing. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only what you need.
3. Wrap and Containerize: Use airtight containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil to wrap the portions of the casserole. Make sure to seal the containers or wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
4. Label and Date: Don’t forget to label the containers with the contents and the date of freezing. This will help you keep track of what’s in your freezer and how long it has been stored.
5. Freeze: Place the wrapped casserole portions in the freezer. If you’re using containers, leave a little space at the top for any expansion that might occur during freezing.
6. Thawing and Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the casserole, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or reheat it directly from frozen in the oven. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if reheating from frozen, as it may take longer.

Keep in mind that while freezing casserole dishes like chicken taco casserole is a convenient way to have ready-made meals on hand, the texture of certain ingredients like rice may change slightly after freezing and reheating. Despite any potential texture changes, the casserole should still be safe to eat and flavorful.