Tequila-Lime Mexican Chicken Casserole
Tequila-Lime Mexican Chicken Casserole is a zesty, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s bursting with bold flavors. With tender chicken marinated in tequila and lime, mixed with cheesy rice, Rotel, and topped with melty Mexican cheese, this casserole brings all the flavors of a Mexican fiesta to your dinner table.
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It’s a one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. Add a dollop of your favorite queso on top, and you’ve got a meal the whole family will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of tequila, lime, and Mexican spices creates a vibrant, tangy flavor.
- Easy to Prepare: Uses boxed rice and pre-marinated chicken, making it simple to put together.
- Cheesy Goodness: Topped with a blend of Mexican cheese and queso for extra creaminess.
- One-Dish Wonder: Everything cooks in one casserole dish for a convenient, no-fuss meal.
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Ingredients Needed to Make Tequila-Lime Mexican Chicken Casserole
- El Paso Mexican cheesy rice (2 boxes)
- Chicken broth
- Chicken tenders
- Rotel (canned diced tomatoes and green chilies)
- Lime (zested and juiced)
- Kinders Avocado Lime seasoning
- Fajita Magic seasoning
- Black pepper
- Tequila (preferably Reposado)
- White onion, sliced
- Mexican cheese blend
- Favorite queso
Directions to Make Tequila-Lime Mexican Chicken Casserole
- Prepare the Base: In a casserole dish, add the rice and seasoning packets from the El Paso Mexican cheesy rice boxes. Pour in the chicken broth and the can of Rotel. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a separate bowl, marinate the chicken tenders with the lime zest, lime juice, Kinders Avocado Lime seasoning, Fajita Magic seasoning, black pepper, and tequila. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Add the marinated chicken into the casserole dish, mixing it into the rice mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Top the casserole with the sliced white onion. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 40-45 minutes.
- Add the Cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven, uncover, and sprinkle half a bag of Mexican cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish with Queso: Take the casserole out of the oven and drizzle your favorite queso on top. Serve hot and enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Is there a substitute for tequila?
If you prefer to skip the alcohol, you can substitute the tequila with additional lime juice and a splash of chicken broth for flavor.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely! You can mix in bell peppers, corn, or black beans for added texture and nutrients.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from a chilled state.
Tequila-Lime Mexican Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 boxes El Paso Mexican cheesy rice
- 1 box Chicken Broth
- 1 packet of chicken tenders
- 1 can of Rotel
- 1 lime – zested and juiced
- 2 tbsp Kinders Avaocado Lime
- 2 tbsp of Fajita Magic
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- ½ oz Tequila I prefer Reposado
- ½ white onion sliced
- 1 bag of Mexican cheese
- Favorite queso
Instructions
- In a casserole dish add in your rice and seasoning packets. Then add in your chicken broth and rotel. Mix all together
- Marinate your chicken with the zest of the lime, lime juice, seasonings, and tequila. Add into casserole dish.
- Top with onions and cover. Bake on 375 for 40-45minutes. Take out, add ½ bag of Mexican cheese and bake again, uncovered, for another 15-20minutes.
- Top with your favorite queso and enjoy!!!
