Picante Chicken Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13‑inch baking dish. Drain one can of fire‑roasted diced tomatoes, making sure to reserve all of the liquid. Prepare the rice according to the package directions, but substitute the reserved tomato liquid for part of the water, adding enough extra water to reach the required amount. This allows the rice to soak up the smoky flavor of the fire‑roasted tomatoes right from the start, giving the casserole a richer, more savory taste.

Dice 1 large yellow or white onion. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to a medium skillet on medium heat. Add the onion to the skillet, sautéing until softened.

Once the onion has softened, add 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 3 minced garlic cloves, stirring and sautéing for 1 to 2 minutes, just until they become fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a very large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken with 1 can of drained corn, 1 can of drained and rinsed pinto beans (or another bean of your choice), and 1 can of diced green chiles. Add the sautéed onions, 2 cups of cooked rice, 1 can of drained fire‑roasted tomatoes, and 1 cup of your favorite salsa. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed and coated with the salsa, creating a colorful, flavorful base for the casserole.

Spread the mixture into the prepared casserole baking dish.

Top the casserole evenly with 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese, or substitute with your preferred cheese blend. This creates a rich, gooey layer that melts into the rice and chicken mixture, adding both flavor and a golden finish.

Bake the casserole for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the dish is heated all the way through. Once baked, serve it alongside a crisp chopped lettuce salad topped with sour cream and sliced jalapeños. Add tortilla chips on the side for crunch, and finish with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Enjoy!