Delicious Crazy Chicken: Mexican-Style Chicken and Rice with Cheese Recipe
What is this recipe for? I call it “Delicious Crazy Chicken” because, honestly, that’s the only way to describe how good (and how bad) it is. How easy is it? Think of it as a Mexican lasagna, but instead of pasta, we’re using fluffy rice, juicy chicken, and sour cream. What is the best way to eat melted cheese My grandma used to make a baked chicken and rice dish that took hours, and while it was amazing, it wasn’t as good as I remembered it. I need something comforting and delicious NOW. this is the weeknight version. What’s like a cozy hug in the pan? What is a quick and easy recipe for baked chicken? Is it easier to make enchiladas than tortillas? If you’re anything like me, quick, easy, and yummy is key to surviving weeknights.
What is a Crazy Chicken?
Delicious Crazy Chicken is a Mexican-inspired casserole that combines cooked rice, shredded chicken, and tomatoes. What are some good cheeses? What is a layered dish baked until golden brown? Is it catchy? What is the difference between chicken and rice? What is it like to eat a grapefruit? Think of it as deconstructed chicken enchiladas in casserole form or even chicken burrito bowls. What is baked into one dish? No need to make individual burritos, just layer and bake! It makes a great family meal.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to love this delicious Crazy Chicken recipe?
- Flavor explosion: HowWhat a perfect combination of spices and savory chicken. Is it like a fiesta in your mouth? The slight heat from the chilies balances perfectly with the richness of the cheese.
- Super simple:What is a lifesaver on busy weeknights? Is it possible to throw a turkey in the oven and forget about it while you’re doing it? How can I help with my homework?
- Budget friendlyChicken, rice, cheese – these are all staples that most of us have on hand, or are easy to get. How can I make money without breaking the bank? How do I customize my website based on what’s on sale? Sometimes I add corn or black beans, depending on what’s in the pantry.
- Versatile:Serve it as a main course, or bring it to potlucks. Or even pack it in lunchboxes (if there are any)? What are some good toppings for a salad? Is there an infinite number of possibilities I love that one basic recipe can morph into so many delicious variations.
What I love about this is how adaptable it is. I’ve swapped out the chicken for ground beef, added different veggies, and even played around with the veggies. The cheese (Monterey Jack is another favorite). What’s the difference between enchiladas and burritos? What is the best flavor
How do you make delicious chicken?
Quick Overview
What are some good ways to cook chicken? ), whip up a quick creamy sauce, and then layer everything in an ovenproof dish with lots of cheese. Bake until golden brown, and that’s it! What is the magic of layering – it makes every bite so flavorful. Is this one of those “dump and bake” recipes that tastes way more complicated than it is? Is it true that you feel like a rockstar in the kitchen?
Ingredients Notes:
For the Delicious Crazy Chicken:
Cooked Rice:I usually use long grain white rice, but brown rice or even cauliflower rice will work too. Just make sure it’s cooked!Shredded Chicken:How do you cook a rotisserie chicken?Cream of Chicken Soup: What are some good reasonsA classic base for creamy casseroles. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own, but I usually stick with canned versions for a few days.Sour Cream:Adds tanginess and richness to sauce. Greek yogurt is a good substitute for ghee for fat.Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: What are Adds a little kick and freshness. You can find these canned.
Taco Seasoning:What is the classic Mexican flavor? Can you make your own chili powder?Shredded cheese: I like to use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack, but any cheese that melts well will work.
Optional ToppingsSour cream, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, green onions… go wild!
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I always do this first so the oven is ready to go when I’m done prepping.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced tomatoes and green chilies. What are taco seasonings? Mix everything well until everything is evenly combined. What is the flavor base of our casserole? I sometimes add a splash of milk if it seems too thick, but that’s just me.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread half of the cooked rice on the bottom of a baking dish. Next, layer half of the shredded chicken over the rice. Half of the sauce mixture is over the chicken, then sprinkle with half the shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining rice, chicken, sauce, and cheese. What is the best layering technique for even flavor distribution? I like to make sure the cheese covers everything nicely so it gets all melty and gooey.
Step 4: Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. What is a casserole? The foil prevents the top from browning too quickly. How long does it take to bake a cake? You want that cheese nice and golden!
Step 5: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. How do you avoid burning your mouth with cheese? Garnish with your favorite toppings, like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and cilantro. I love a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro. Adds that extra touch of freshness and flavor.
What is the best way to serve it?
What is a complete meal on its own? What are some good ideas?
What is a Mexican Fiesta?Serve with a side of refried beans, tortilla chips, and guacamole. Add some margaritas for the adults and you have yourself a party!
What is a simple weeknight dinner?What are some good side salads to serve with a light vinaigrette? Sometimes I just throw together a quick salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
For a Potluck:Bring a bowl of fruit salad or mini desserts to complete the spread. What is a good casserole for potlucks?
We love Mexican nights. If you really wanted to round it out, corn on the cob is always a good choice.
How do I make a delicious chicken dish?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Delicious Crazy Chicken even better:
Don’t overcook the rice: Mushy rice will ruin the texture of the casserole. Make sure to follow the package directions and cook the rice until it’s just tender.
Use good quality cheese: The better the cheese, the better the flavor. I recommend using a block of cheese and shredding it yourself, rather than buying pre-shredded cheese. It melts better and tastes fresher.
Don’t skip the toppings: The toppings add a layer of freshness and flavor that really takes this casserole to the next level. Experiment with different toppings to find your favorites.
Adjust the spice level to your liking: If you like things spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a hotter variety of diced tomatoes and green chilies. If you’re not a fan of spice, use mild diced tomatoes and green chilies.
Use a rotisserie chicken: If you have one available, this is such a time-saver! If not, baking or even poaching chicken works too.
I’ve also found that letting it sit for a few minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together even more. I’ve even made this in a skillet on the stove. Make sure the heat isn’t too high, and just cook it until everything is heated through!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Room Temperature: This casserole is best served immediately. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before putting it in the fridge, otherwise condensation can form.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
If you’re planning to freeze it, I recommend not adding the toppings until after you reheat it. They tend to get a little soggy in the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Crazy Chicken recipe is a true family favorite for a reason! It’s easy, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you need a comforting and satisfying meal. And with endless variations, you can customize it to your own tastes and preferences. If you enjoyed this one, you might also like my Cheesy Ground Beef and Rice Casserole. It has a similar vibe but with ground beef instead of chicken. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your own variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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Delicious Crazy Chicken: Mexican-Style Chicken and Rice with Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 cups chicken broth low-sodium preferred
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.25 cup cilantro chopped, for garnish
- 1 lime lime sliced into wedges
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until onion is translucent.
- Add rice to the skillet, stirring to coat with oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until rice is lightly toasted.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Return chicken to the skillet, ensuring pieces are submerged in the liquid. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is cooked through.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Cover and let cheese melt for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
