Smothered Chicken Queso Casserole

I'm always looking for something different to make for my boys. We have a lot of recipes that are similar, and I tend to be afraid to jump out of my box (very far, at least) for dinner. However, this combines things that Nate & the boys all like-- chicken, taco seasoning, salsa, rice... Salsa in a main dish, however, is why this is out of my box. I am not a big salsa fan, but the boys loved this!

(However, this does make a lot-- too much for my boys, they tired of it quickly. I will definitely only make a 1/2 batch next time!)

The picture is questionable, but it is much tastier than it looks! I'm just not much of a photographer. ;)

Remember, comments are loved! What's your favorite out-of-the-box dish?

Printable Recipe

Smothered Chicken Queso Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil 
• 1-2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise 
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, divided
• 15 ounces salsa 
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 medium red/orange/green bell pepper, seeded, chopped 
• 2 ½ cups cooked white rice
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend 
• Chopped tomatoes and chopped fresh cilantro, if desired

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Spray 13”x9” baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Sprinkle ½ tablespoon taco seasoning over chicken, then cook for 6-8 minutes. Turn once, cooking til golden brown on both sides.
3. In large bowl, stir together salsa, whipping cream, milk, and pepper. Reserve approximately ¾ cup of the sauce mixture; set aside. Stir rice into remaining sauce mixture.
4. Place rice mixture in casserole; top with chicken. Top with reserved sauce mixture, then shredded cheese. 
5. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes; uncover and bake 10 to 15 minutes longer or until sauce bubbles and juice of chicken is clear when cut.
6. Cool for 10 minutes, then garnish as desired.

Yield/Time

6 servings

1 hour

Nutrition Facts *I calculate nutrition facts for reference only, this is not done scientifically

323-371, depending on amount of chicken

Source (for original): Betty Crocker