Southwest Chicken With Salsa
A flavorful Southwest chicken casserole featuring tender chicken, spicy salsa, rice, peas, and melted cheese, perfect for a hearty, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Put the uncooked rice in the bottom of a greased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Combine the chicken broth and 1 cup of salsa in a bowl.
- Pour all but 1 cup of this mixture over the rice and stir to combine.
- Arrange the chicken breasts evenly over the rice mixture.
- Pour the remaining salsa mixture over the chicken.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and lift the chicken off the rice.
- Stir the frozen peas into the rice.
- Return the chicken to the dish, top with the remaining salsa and shredded cheese.
- Cover again and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, consider using pre-cooked rice. You can substitute brown rice for white for added nutrition, but adjust cooking time as needed. If you want more heat, add diced jalapeños to the salsa mixture. Feel free to use any jarred salsa you enjoy, or even make your own for a fresh twist. This dish also pairs beautifully with Arroz Mexicano.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you can serve it with a side of Mexican-style corn or a fresh green salad. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top adds a nice touch. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Southern Living's Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas for a delightful Mexican feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or cover the entire dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If the rice seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwest Chicken With Salsa contains roughly 245 calories, with 10g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 995mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the baking time to ensure they cook thoroughly. Make sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety. It may also be helpful to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for even cooking.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, you can use a spicier salsa or mix in some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. Additionally, incorporating cayenne pepper or chili powder into the rice mixture can enhance the spice level. Adjust according to your taste preference for a bolder flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with a mix of hearty vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and black beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and top with cheese or a vegan alternative. This makes for a delicious vegetarian version while keeping the flavors intact.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).