Spicy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Name: Spicy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed; 1 onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)

Highlighted under: Comfort Cravings Kitchen

I love making this Spicy Chicken and Rice Casserole when I want to whip up something that's both comforting and full of flavor. This dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a wonderful kick of spice that warms me up from the inside out. The best part? It’s all baked together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfy a hungry crowd.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-01-30T17:02:27.054Z

When I first experimented with this recipe, I wanted to create a dish that was spicy but not overwhelming. I found that by using a blend of spices, I could build layers of flavor without scaring off those who might not enjoy heat. The result was a casserole that balanced warmth and heartiness beautifully.

I also discovered that using jasmine rice instead of regular long-grain rice adds an aromatic quality that elevates the entire meal. Pairing the rice with tender, smoky chicken and a medley of vegetables makes this comfort food a crowd-pleaser, every time!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
A perfect balance of spices that warms your soul
One-pan convenience means less cleanup
Kid-friendly with just the right amount of heat

Maximizing Flavor with Marination

To truly enhance the flavor of the chicken in your Spicy Chicken and Rice Casserole, consider marinating the cubed chicken before cooking. A simple mixture of olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and a splash of lime juice can elevate the dish. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. This step allows the spices to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful base for your casserole.

Using fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, can also add an aromatic element to the dish. Sprinkle some chopped herbs into the mix right before baking, or use them as a garnish just before serving. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color that makes your casserole visually appealing.

Rice Considerations

Choosing the right type of rice is crucial for the texture of your casserole. Jasmine rice is ideal because it holds up well during baking and absorbs flavors beautifully. However, if you prefer a different type, short-grain rice can also work, but you might need to adjust the liquid ratio slightly as it may absorb more water. Be cautious with brown rice, as it requires a longer cooking time, which might lead to undercooked grains in this recipe.

If you're looking to cut back on carbohydrates, consider substituting half of the jasmine rice with cauliflower rice. This provides a lighter option while still allowing the flavors of the chicken and spices to shine through. When doing this, make sure to reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly to compensate for the moisture in the cauliflower.

Tips for Serving and Storing

After baking, let your casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps the dish set and makes for neater servings. For a creative twist, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the spice of the casserole. Incorporating some avocado or your favorite hot sauce can also elevate your meal, providing a creamy contrast to the spice.

Should you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you're looking to enjoy this dish later, consider freezing it. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Prep the Chicken and Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing until soft—about 5 minutes. Add the cubed chicken and season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides.

Combine the Ingredients

In a large baking dish, combine the rinsed rice, chicken broth, drained diced tomatoes, and black beans. Stir in the sautéed chicken and vegetables until well mixed.

Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top if desired, and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or sour cream for extra flavor. Enjoy this comforting dish with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce to the mix. You can also substitute chicken for ground turkey or beef for a variation.

Common Troubleshooting

If you find the rice undercooked after baking, it could be due to insufficient liquid or not rinsing the rice thoroughly. Make sure to measure your broth accurately and rinse rice to remove excess starch, which can impact cooking. If this happens, feel free to add a splash of broth to the casserole and return it to the oven, covered, for an additional 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.

Another common issue is the casserole being too dry. This can happen if it's overbaked or if not enough liquid was used. To combat this for future attempts, check the casserole towards the end of the cooking time—when the rice has absorbed most of the broth, you can add a little more liquid before removing the foil.

Variations for Every Taste

Feel free to customize your Spicy Chicken and Rice Casserole to suit your taste preferences. For an even bolder flavor, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture during cooking. If you love vegetables, consider throwing in some corn or chopped spinach; they complement the dish's flavors and add some extra nutrition.

If you're cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, you can easily swap the chicken for a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly; both tofu and tempeh need less time to brown but will soak up the spices beautifully.

Scaling the Recipe

This casserole is great for feeding a crowd, but scaling it up is simple. For every additional pound of chicken, increase the rice by one cup and the chicken broth by an equal amount. If you're making it for a large gathering, consider using a larger 9x13-inch baking dish to accommodate the increased ingredients and ensure even cooking throughout.

For smaller portions, this recipe can be halved easily. Just remember that baking time might need slight adjustments for smaller quantities—start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier to avoid overcooking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

→ What can I use instead of jasmine rice?

You can use basmati rice or long-grain white rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio as necessary.

→ Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C).

→ Can this dish be made vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with mixed vegetables or your favorite plant-based protein, like tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.