Imagine a mouthwatering meal that combines the bold, zesty flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with the convenience of a one-pot wonder! This One Pot Tex Mex Chicken Casserole is about to become your new weeknight superhero, delivering a delicious, hearty dinner that'll have your family begging for seconds. With just 45 minutes from start to finish, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed feast that's both easy to make and impossible to resist.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup corn
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until it's fully browned and no pink remains, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the chicken if necessary, then return the skillet to the stovetop.
- Add the taco seasoning packet to the browned chicken, stirring to coat the meat evenly and release the spices' aromatics.
- Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), drained black beans, rice, and corn. Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent rice from sticking.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly across the top of the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced green onions if desired.
Tips
- Use fresh ground chicken for the best flavor and texture. If possible, choose lean ground chicken to keep the dish lighter.
- Don't skip draining excess fat after browning the chicken - this helps prevent a greasy final dish.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting the rice briefly in the pan before adding liquids. This adds a nutty depth to the casserole.
- If you like it spicy, add a diced jalapeño when browning the chicken or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the mix.
- For a crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to give the cheese a golden, slightly crispy finish.
- Customize your toppings! Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream can take this casserole to the next level.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great meal prep option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
