Queso Chicken and Rice Bake

Name: Queso Chicken and Rice Bake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 bags Mexican rice mix; 1 packet taco seasoning; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 (16 oz) jar salsa; 2 cups cooked chicken, diced; 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese; 1 (16 oz) container queso dip; Tortilla chips, for serving; Hot sauce, to taste

This queso chicken and rice bake is a one-dish Tex-Mex casserole combining Mexican rice, shredded chicken, and salsa, baked until tender and topped with creamy queso cheese sauce. It's a straightforward dump-and-bake meal requiring minimal prep.

🌍Tex-Mex 🏷️Casserole 🏷️Chicken and rice 🏷️Queso 🏷️Dump and bake Easy dinner

🏷️

🏷️Weeknight meal

-0:00

caitlynskitchenonTikTok

Total

50 min

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$19–$31

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by caitlynskitchen

-0:00

caitlynskitchenonTikTok

Ingredients

2 bags Mexican rice mix
1 packet taco seasoning
4 cups chicken broth
1 (16 oz) jar salsa
2 cups cooked chicken, diced
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
1 (16 oz) container queso dip
Tortilla chips, for servingoptional
Hot sauce, to tasteoptional

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Instructions

1
In a 9x13 inch casserole dish, add the Mexican rice mix, taco seasoning, chicken broth, and salsa.
2
Add the diced cooked chicken to the dish.
3
Stir everything together until well combined and the rice is fully covered by the liquid.
4
Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top.
5
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
6
Bake for 45 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked.
7
Remove the casserole from the oven and carefully remove the foil.
8
Pour the queso dip over the hot casserole and spread evenly.
9
Serve immediately with tortilla chips and hot sauce, if desired.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Stir the rice and chicken mixture halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and prevent the bottom from sticking.
Warm the queso dip slightly before adding to the casserole so it distributes evenly and doesn't cool down the dish.
Use a 9×13-inch casserole dish to ensure even heat distribution and prevent overcrowding.
Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after removing from the oven before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Substitutions

Mexican rice mix → long-grain white rice + cumin, chili powder, and chicken broth (replaces the seasoned mix)
Colby Jack cheese → Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar (similar melting point and flavor)
Queso dip → 1 cup melted American cheese or cheese sauce (use full-fat for best texture)
Salsa → Pico de gallo or fresh tomato sauce (reduces liquid; use same amount)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.

Common Questions

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, use 2 lbs raw chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces and increase baking time to 45–50 minutes, stirring halfway through, until chicken reaches 165°F internally.