The ultimate zero-stress weeknight dinner! Everything bakes together effortlessly in just one pan—no pre-cooking or boiling the rice required.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 people
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 packages (approx. 5.5 oz each): Knorr Taco Rice (or any brand of instant, pre-seasoned Mexican-style or Spanish rice)
- 3 cups: Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 can (10 oz): Ro*Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained (keep the flavorful juices!)
- 1 can (15 oz): Black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each): Chicken broth (Note: You can substitute this with canned condensed cream of chicken soup mixed with water if you prefer an extra creamy casserole flavor)
- 2 cups: Shredded Mexican-blend or Cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings for Serving:
- Sour cream
- Fresh chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Crushed tortilla chips or Doritos for a crunchy finish
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a standard 9×13-inch glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Layer the Base: Pour the two packages of uncooked dry seasoned taco rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared glass baking dish.
- Add the Proteins & Veggies: Scatter the shredded rotisserie chicken evenly on top of the dry rice layer. Next, spread the undrained can of Ro*Tel diced tomatoes and the drained black beans evenly over the chicken.
- Pour the Liquids: Pour the two 10.5-ounce cans of chicken broth evenly over the entire dish. Make sure all the dry rice is well-saturated so it absorbs the moisture and cooks perfectly in the oven.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with a sheet of aluminum foil (this traps the hot steam needed to fully cook the dry rice). Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove the aluminum foil from the dish. Evenly sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded Mexican-blend cheese across the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, hot, and bubbling.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set, garnish with your choice of optional toppings (like sour cream or fresh cilantro), and serve immediately!