So, you’d think that two big chicken breasts would be perfect for chicken tacos for 2 adults and 2 small girls but instead it ended up being too much and we were left wondering what to turn the chicken into for another meal. We also had leftover rice and beans and I was completely at a loss for what to make other than tacos again or soup, which neither sounded good. And then I thought, well if we loved the teriyaki chicken casserole so much why not make a Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe?! But let’s talk about the important stuff first. This Wednesday is my 30th birthday and much like last year I decided that the best way to celebrate would be to give rather than receive. SO! Monday through Friday this week and Monday of next week will be giveaways and I’ve asked my awesome blogging friends to help so let’s get started on day 1. OH! And if you follow me on Instagram (@ohsweetbasil) I’ve got a giveaway on there for a KitchenAid!! WOOOHOOO! Today’s giveaway on the blog is for one of my all time favorite things, a Blendtec Blender and Twister Jar!!!
Make sure you stop by all of my sweet friends’ blogs who are helping me celebrate, Something Swanky, I Heart Naptime, Centercut Cook, Favorite Family Recipes, Chef In Training, Sweet Treats and More, Inside BruCrew Life, The Recipe Critic, Rachel Cooks, Creme De La Crumb!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Actually, I’m sitting here talking about casseroles, which is quite funny considering that we used to be so against casseroles, but my mind is someplace else. I’m the type of person that would rather just talk about it, so let’s talk.
The past 7 years have been filled with so many friends passing away and true to that darn saying it does seem to happen in 3’s, or like 2 years ago, 5’s. I know we are so unaware as children, but I’m not kidding, I truly have attended more funerals these past 7 years than I have in my entire lifetime. And these aren’t older people, in fact it’s been infants up to the late 50’s. Suicides to sudden deaths, only 2 of the 26 have been expected due to illness. That’s kind of a lot of people.
(Yes, I threw some chopped Romaine and tomatoes on my serving, it needed some freshness and the family ended up following along)
So many friends losing their children or spouse and most of them so sudden that they didn’t have any opportunity to prepare, not that you could ever truly prepare. It just has us both thinking a lot about the relationships around us. I hate seeing all of the hurt, and this world seriously is getting a tad crazy (don’t even bring up the Russia thing, it only proves my point more.) and we have to think a little more about what matters most and a little less about things that will only fade away.
Or maybe we are the only ones missing people lately. You tell me what you think. Phew! That took a serious turn!
Is Rice Gluten Free?
Yes, all rice (in its natural form) is gluten-free.
This includes brown rice, white rice and wild rice.
What Can You Substitute for Rice?
There are several healthy alternatives to rice.
Quinoa, cauliflower rice, barley, brown rice and couscous are good substitutes for rice.
What Are The Health Benefits in Quinoa?
Quinoa is much higher in fiber than most grains.
It is gluten free and very high in protein.
Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole
Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 Cup Water
- 1 Old El Paso Sauce Packet or 3/4 cup, any flavor but we use the chipotle
- 1 1/2 Cups Long Grain Rice
- 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 2 Cups Shredded [Taco Meat]
- 1 Can Black Beans, 15oz, drained
- 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Optional Toppings
- Sour Cream
- Salsa
- Chopped Lettuce
- Tomatoes
Instructions
- In a rice cooker or sauce pan, add the water, sauce packet, rice and brown sugar.1 1/2 Cups Long Grain Rice, 1 Old El Paso Sauce Packet or 3/4 cup, 2 1/4 Cup Water, 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
- Bring to a boil then turn down to a simmer for about 20 minutes or until done, or follow rice cooker instructions.
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Once you've cooked the chicken using the link above, toss it with the rice and beans and cover with cheese.2 Cups Shredded [Taco Meat], 1 Can Black Beans, 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Bake for 20 minutes or until heated through.Sour Cream, Salsa, Chopped Lettuce, Tomatoes
Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Products
Cheesy Ham and Potato Bacon Casserole
The Best Real Green Bean Casserole
Sarah
YUMMY!!!!! This mexican rice came out amazing!! We make enchiladas and quesadillas weekly and this would go perfectly with them – thanks for an awesome recipe.
Sweet Basil
Thanks so much Sarah!!
Meghan
How would you make this recipe as a freezer meal?
Sweet Basil
Hi Meghan, we just partially cook it, let it cool, wrap tightly then freeze. Then when we bake it we finally add the cheese just like the recipe says
ashley
how long would you partially cook it for?
Sweet Basil
Ashley, if you’re looking to start it and finish it later in the day I’d just cook it for 3/4 the time and then finish the last quarter when you’re ready to eat.
Tara
Hi, I cannot wait to make this recipe. As a full-time working wife, it’s sometimes hard to come home and make an elaborate meal. Casseroles make it so much easier to have a meal that tastes like you have been in the kitchen for hours… I just have 1 question; did you use brown long grain rice or white? Thank you so much!
Sweet Basil
white, but you could increase the time to accommodate brown.
Jessica
Can you please check the link to the taco meat? The recipe says to click the words, but there is no link there that I can find 🙁
Sweet Basil
Jessica,
Thank you so much for letting us know that the link had broken. it’s fixed now and here’s the link just in case, https://ohsweetbasil.com/2014/04/easy-grilled-chicken-for-tacos-recipe.html
Mina
Did you use the dry taco seasoning packet? If so, was 1 enough to season the rice well?
Sweet Basil
It’s actually a sauce packet. It’s awesome but totally different than the dry seasoning.
Mina
As many times as I’ve purchased taco fixings, I never noticed the sauce in the packet until after reading this recipe and then going to the grocery store and seeing it on the shelf. One more question, what size pan did you use?
Sara
This is an awesome recipe! Tweaked it a little for what I had- I just had plain tomato sauce, so I added a ton of spices (cumin, cayenne pepper, garlic, chili pepper, salt and pepper.) I also threw in some corn and a yellow bell pepper. I only found this recipe last week, and I’ve already made it twice. This is now my go-to recipe for leftover rice!
Sweet Basil
I’m so glad you liked it and your “tweaks” sound delicious!!!
Jessica
This looks amazing! And I will probably figure out how to double it and stick half in my freezer 🙂 The only problem is that there is no link to cook the chicken. I’ve hovered and hovered and clicked and clicked and can’t find a link for how to make the taco meat.
Denny C
THANK YOU SO MUCH!! So excited to win!!
Margie Hunter
Oh, I’d love to win, but I think the odds are better that I will make this casserole! Sounds great!
Tammy O
This would be awesome.
Tammy O
I just keep thinking of what all could be made with this.
Hope Heinks
Must try this sooner than later!
Adriana Roque
Would be a great addition. And no your not the only one seeing so much loss. I personally lean on God’s never failing word that reminds us this is temporary and that we will see many trials in this world and gives us the hope of eternal life.
Mchelle
I need a new blender!
Courtney Resweber
I <3 Blendtec! I have always wanted a Blendtec and winning one would be sweet!
cathy
I’ve never had a high-speed blender so a blendtec would be awesome. I can’ barely make smoothies with the one I have.
Sweet Basil
that was us before getting this blender. Our old one was the worst!
Hannah
This looks really good. I like that this recipe does not require too many ingredients.
Diana Cote
I don’t have one but I hear great things about the brand and its product. Pretty much anyone who loves to cook or likes to eat healthy has one and loves it. I love that it makes the smoothest sauces and soups and butters.
suzanne
I love Blendtec!
michelle magdaleno
great/awesome giveaway!! i definitely will love to win this!!! my boyfriend and i will sat art to live together so this could be a great gift 😛
Colleen M
Happy Birthday! Would love to win a blendtec! Can’t wait to try your recipe!
Lauren
I love blendtec!
Karen L
I’ve wanted a good blender for forever — I’d love a Blendtec!
Kimberly C
Oh my goodness, I do LOVE Blendtec sooo much and I have been wanting one for a very long time now and would absolutely love to win one!!
Nancy
Cannot imagine winning, but I would love a Blendtec and would use it to keep my 91 year young mom in shape.
Sara J.
I would LoVe a Blendtec! It would save so much money this summer!
ellen casper
I would love to have my very own Blendtec
Tracie
I love Blendtec
Kristen
I have to get in a lot of protein during the day so protein shakes and smoothies are great ways of accomplishing this. I need a blender 3x a day so this would be great!
Kristen
I forgot to say I love Blendtec!
Brian
Wow this looks delicious!
Dawn
I’ve never had the pleasure of using a Blendtec, but I am in need of a more effective blender!
Amy G.
Blendtec would be awesome!!!
Charlene Glover
Instagram and Pinterest – Bttrflywmn
Pamela
This casserole looks so good! Can’t wait to try it! And would love to win the Blendtec!
Charlene Glover
I have wanted one of these for a long time! Thanks for the chance to win.
Jenny @ The Crave Gallery
two of my favorite things.. Mexican and casseroles!
The Style Sisters
I would love love love a blendtec!! I have thrown always multiple regular blenders …they just don’t hold up very well 🙂
Karin
Mandy K
I would love to try a Blendtec. I have a son with special needs and have been considering the “blenderizing diet” but you need a high speed blender to make it work. Instead of the chemical filled food I feed him through his G-tube
Ariel
I love blendtec, and I love the fact that you are doing a blendtec giveaway…I just want to make tons of nut butters with that incredible attachment!!!
Lena
I have been wanting a blendtec for a while now! Happy birthday and thanks for a chance to win!
Ash Johnson
Blendtec’s are awesome.
Cinthia
It’s so kind of you to be having a giveaway for your birthday! I’d love to win one of these Blendtecs! Thank you for thinking of your readers and happy birthday.
Debbie H
Oh this blender would be such a blessing and I am going to buy the ingredients to try this recipe today.
Steph
A good blender is a kitchen necessity!
Noel
I would love to win a Blendtec! I’ve been wanting one for a long time.
CJ
I love the idea of blendtec! And your bday giveaways!
Aubrey
I would love to win! Happy Birthday
Brittany R.
I would absolutely love to win a Blendtec! I could definitely use one to help make my meal prep easier.
Lori Brenig
Yay! Happy birthday and I wish wish wish for a blendtec! Thank you!
Melissa
You’re killing me with these recipes!
Dara Williams
I made this the other day and my family LOVED it!!
Sweet Basil
YAHOOO!!!! That seriously makes me so happy!!
Win Nie
Happy Birthday. May you be blessed always.
SamiC
Happy birthday!!! Would love to win!
Hailey F
I Love Blendtec
Theresa
Happy Birthday! Don’t have a Blendtec, but I know I would love it!
vicky t
I love Blendtec! Need a blender for both home and office, to keep my discipline of drinking smoothies and incorporating nutrition going!
Kelsey Heathers
I would LOVE a blendtec blender. I use my blender everyday, it’s a cheap one and is starting to wear out. A new blender would be Amazing! 🙂
teresa sulyok
I use my ninja pro prep everyday but it is starting to come apart so I really need a new safe strong blender.
Rae
This casserole looks amazing. And the blender looks pretty nifty too. And Happy Birthday!
Susie
Discovered your blog today and totally loving it! Keep it up 🙂
Sweet Basil
thank you Susie!
Karen D
BUMMER…Can’t afford a cell phone so I can’t do Instagram, because to sign up you have to have a phone & download an app 🙁
Karen D
I <3 Blendtec!!!!!
Elizabeth
I love this Blendtec Blender….I do so need a blender…this one is absolutely perfect!
Anna
Awesome giveaway! Definitely need a new blender. Mine broke from making almond milk 🙁 I’m going to make the mexican chicken and rice casserole tonight!
Anna
Also, the link for the taco meat doesn’t work…or it’s not letting me click on anything.
Stephanie
For someone like me who is a beginner at cooking (I’m super bad at it), this looks like something I can actually make! Thanks for sharing!
Linda
I love your recipes! They are easy and so flavorful. Gives me tons of new ideas instead of “the same ole thing”. Lots of great giveaways too a WIN WIN for everyone! Thanks.
Michelle
I love the blentec cuz it can blend anything!
Shawn
I love Blendtec!
Lynn R.
That casserole looks fantastic! I’d love to have a Blendtec.
Victoria H
This will be dinner tonight!
karenf
I love Blendtec
Rebecca
Would love to have a blendtec!
Ashlee
I love Blendtec’s because they’re like the super blender!
Emily Albrecht
I love Blendtec! My mom is obsessed with hers!
Devon
I would love to win because I LOVE BLENDTEC!
Jessica
My mom is obsessed with her blendtec. I’d love to win!
Helen in SC
I love Blendtec, too and sooo need a new one!
Cj
Would love a Blend tech. Heard a lot of good things about it.
Katrina L
I would love a blendtec because I love all things blended! 🙂
Kelly Hughes
I would love to win a Bentec! They are AMAZING for doing everything from making hummus to making smoothies to making peanutbutter!
Pam Gurganus
I’ve been wanting a Blendtec for the longest time! I love it’s versatility and would like to make soups and my own peanut butter in it!
Tanya M.
I’ve never tried a Blendtec. Can’t wait!
Amanda anderson
Would love a blend tech!
Shelbee Cortes
I love Blendtec!
Sharde T
I love Blendtech!
Lucy
I dream of owning my own Blendtex so hope I am the lucky one. Mexican cuisine is a favorite I. Our house so what would be better than this dish. Can’t wait to try it.
MeganRuth
I hear they are awesome!
Anne H.
I would love to win the giveaway! Happy Birthday!
Sarah Beer
I love Blendtec, is there anything it can’t do?! 😉
Courtney
Looks yummy and I LOVE Blendtec!
Darlene P
I LOVE BLENDTEC! I’m also going to try your Mexican casserole. Maybe even tonight. It lokks like a winner. Happy Birthday.
Susan Humes
This recipe looks awesome – and easy, which makes it even better!
Marielle
I would love a Blendtec!
Janelle
Ooh, I would love to win a blendtec…and I must try this casserole. looks delicious!
Tamara M.
I LOVE the Blendtec and must make this casserole ASAP. Thanks 🙂
Alia Michele
Can’t wait to try this!! <3 me some Blendtec! Have a lovely Birthday!!
Alia Michele
Can’t wait to try this!!<3 Blendtec 😉
Sarah
I just found your site through way of the The Girl Who Ate Everything and I am loving what I see. Can’t wait to make this casserole. Happy Birthday!
Alexandra Lewis
i love blendtec!
Tiffany
I love Blendtec! Can’t wait to use it!!
Larissa
I LOVE BLENDTEC