A One-Pan Dinner Families Will Love

Busy evenings call for meals that don’t require multiple pots and pans. This Southwest Chicken Casserole, adapted from The Clean Eating Couple, checks every box—it’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together in a single dish. With rice, chicken, beans, corn, salsa, and cheese baked to perfection, it’s the kind of recipe that makes dinner easy while still keeping the whole family satisfied.

Why You’ll Love This Southwest Chicken Casserole

• One pan, zero stress: Everything cooks together in the casserole dish.
• Family-friendly: Simple flavors kids and adults both enjoy.
• Balanced meal: Protein, veggies, and grains in one dish.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep it earlier and bake when ready.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust spice level, toppings, or cheese variety.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup black beans, cooked, rinsed & drained
• 1 cup frozen corn, defrosted
• 16 oz jarred salsa
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a 12×9 casserole dish, combine rice, garlic, onion, and chicken broth. Stir to mix.
3. Add cubed chicken, black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, and paprika on top. Keep the rice at the bottom so it cooks evenly.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
5. Cover with foil or a lid and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for Making This Recipe Even Better

• Rice swap: Use brown rice for extra fiber (increase liquid + bake time).
• Spice it up: Add cayenne or hot sauce for heat.
• Veggie boost: Stir in diced bell pepper or zucchini.
• Cheese variety: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Mexican blend.
• Toppings to serve: Fresh cilantro, avocado slices, lime juice, or sour cream.

Why This Southwest Chicken Casserole Belongs on Your Menu

This casserole is a weeknight hero—minimal prep, no piles of dishes, and all the flavors of a Mexican-inspired dinner baked into one dish. It’s cozy, filling, and customizable to your family’s tastes. Recipes like this make it easy to gather around the table without the stress.

Be sure to come back soon for more family-friendly recipes that make dinner time simpler and more enjoyable!