Description
This Chipotle Honey Chicken and Rice Bake is a flavorful, easy-to-make Tex-Mex inspired casserole featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a smoky honey-chipotle sauce, baked alongside aromatic rice, peppers, and onions. Finished with melted cheese and fresh cilantro, it’s a perfect comforting main course for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 to 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make chipotle honey sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced chipotle peppers, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Coat the chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish and pour half of the honey-chipotle mixture over them, tossing well to coat evenly.
- Prepare rice mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the rice, chicken broth, diced onion, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Spread this mixture evenly around and under the coated chicken in the baking dish.
- Add remaining sauce: Pour the remaining honey-chipotle sauce over the rice layer to ensure even flavor.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey-chipotle sauce for 30 minutes before baking.
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but increase baking time and liquid slightly to ensure proper cooking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
