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Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake

Irresistible Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake Your Family Will Love

A delicious Mexican Chicken and Rice Bake that's perfect for family dinners, combining comfort and flavor in one gluten-free dish.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 400 grams Crushed Tomatoes Base for sauce; can substitute with passata plus 1 tablespoon tomato paste.
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock Use gluten-free stock for dietary needs.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1 medium Onion Finely chopped.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Crushed for best results.
  • 1 tablespoon Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup or Honey Can substitute with sugar.
For the Bake
  • 1 cup Long Grain Rice Best quality recommended.
  • 1 can Canned Kidney Beans Drain and rinse before use.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Coriander (Cilantro) Optional garnish.
  • 4 pieces Chicken Breasts Opt for cutlets for even cooking.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese For a rich topping.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese For a rich topping.

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Medium pot
  • Skillet
  • Oven-proof Dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a small saucepan, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onion and crushed garlic until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
  2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken stock, paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne, cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Allow the mixture to simmer for 15 minutes, then blend until smooth.
  3. Rinse long grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of chicken stock to a boil, then add the rinsed rice. Cover the pot and reduce the heat, simmering the rice for 15–20 minutes until the liquid is almost absorbed. Let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
  4. As the rice cooks, preheat your oven to 180°C (fan 160°C, 350°F, gas mark 4).
  5. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken until lightly browned, about 5 minutes per side. Once browned, coat the chicken with the prepared enchilada sauce.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with drained kidney beans and chopped fresh coriander. Spread this mixture evenly in an oven-proof dish. Layer the sautéed chicken, now covered in sauce, on top of the rice, and generously sprinkle with mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
  7. Cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent over-browning and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20–30 minutes or until fully cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Garnish with additional fresh coriander before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a quick meal. Consider adding colorful veggies for extra nutrition.

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