When you mix juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and queso into one bubbling, cheesy bake—you’ve got yourself a dish that’s downright impossible to resist. This Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole is a weeknight hero, potluck favorite, and make-ahead marvel all rolled into one.
It reminds me of the kind of cozy casserole my grandma used to make, but with a modern Tex-Mex twist. The creamy queso sauce hugs every bite, and with just the right kick of spice, it’s perfect for both kids and spice-lovers.
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Queso Casserole
- One dish, all the flavor: Chicken, rice, veggies, and cheese—all in one comforting bite.
- Cheesy goodness: That queso sauce is the secret weapon.
- Family-approved: Mild enough for kids, customizable for spice lovers.
- Perfect for leftovers: Even better the next day.
Table of Contents
🧀 Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (or 3 cups cooked)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups prepared queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional)
🔥 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice (If Needed)
- Cook rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onions and peppers. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Combine the Casserole Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, chicken, sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and queso dip.
- Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Serve It Up!
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with cilantro and jalapeños, if desired.
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Protein swaps: Use ground beef or turkey instead of chicken.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and double the veggies or use black beans.
- Spice it up: Add chipotle peppers or hot sauce to the queso mix.
- Low-carb version: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in oven.
- Reheat: Microwave in portions or reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warm.
🍴 Perfect Pairings
- Serve with: A side salad, tortilla chips, or avocado slices.
- Beverages: A chilled margarita, sparkling water with lime, or a light beer.
- Toppings: Dollop of guac, drizzle of hot sauce, or a spoonful of pico de gallo.
Queso Casserole
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole, Comfort Food
- Method: Oven-Baked, One-Dish
- Cuisine: ex-Mex, American Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This cheesy Queso Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—loaded with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for family dinners or game day!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (or 3 cups cooked)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups prepared queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice (If Needed)
- Cook rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onions and peppers. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Combine the Casserole Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, chicken, sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and queso dip.
- Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Serve It Up!
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with cilantro and jalapeños, if desired.
Notes
- Protein swaps: Use ground beef or turkey instead of chicken.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and double the veggies or use black beans.
- Spice it up: Add chipotle peppers or hot sauce to the queso mix.
- Low-carb version: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice.
Keywords: queso casserole, chicken rice bake, cheesy casserole recipe, Tex-Mex comfort food, chicken queso recipe, family dinner idea, easy casserole, weeknight dinner, meal prep casserole, make-ahead dinner
❓ FAQ: Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It’s a great shortcut and adds tons of flavor.
What queso is best?
Any prepared queso dip works well. I love using a spicy white queso for an extra kick.
Can I prep this ahead?
Yes—assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use brown rice or quinoa?
Definitely! Just adjust cooking time as needed and use pre-cooked grains.
🧡 Comfort Food With a Cheesy Twist
This Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole is everything you want in a comfort meal: creamy, hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. It’s great for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd—and trust me, there won’t be leftovers for long!
