Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler

Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler

There’s something truly magical about the combination of flavors in a Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler. As I stood in my kitchen last week, the rich aromas of spices and cooked chicken filled the air, reminding me of the many family gatherings where this dish has stolen the spotlight. My friends always rave about how comforting this dish is, making it a staple in my home. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, the Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler is the perfect centerpiece. It’s a wonderful blend of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a deliciously golden biscuit topping that seems to hug every bite. I love how it brings everyone together, sharing stories and laughter over a home-cooked meal.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
50 mins
Difficulty:
Medium
Calories:
440 kcal
Protein:
36 g
Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
Fat:
17 g
Tools Used:
9-inch Square Baking Dish

What We Adore About This Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler

Comforting and Satisfying

One of the key reasons I cherish the Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler is its ability to warm you from the inside out. The combination of chicken and rice creates a satisfying dish that is both filling and comforting. After a long day, there’s nothing quite like sitting down to a plate of this deliciousness.

Versatile Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can use whatever chicken you have on hand, whether it’s leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken from the store. The use of Mexican or Spanish rice also allows for flexibility, and you can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite veggies or spices.

Easy to Prepare

Even on the busiest of weeknights, preparing the Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler is a breeze. With simple steps and accessible ingredients, anyone can whip this up with minimal effort. You won’t need to be a culinary expert to impress your family or guests with this dish.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This dish is not only perfect for family dinners; it’s also ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or even meal prep for the week. The Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler is a crowd-pleaser that brings joy to any occasion.

Leftovers are Gold

Another reason to love this dish is the leftovers! The flavors intensify overnight, making the next day just as delightful. A quick reheating and you’re ready to enjoy this comfort food again.

Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler Ingredients

Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler

When it comes to the ingredients for the Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler, each one plays a crucial role in delivering a flavor-packed experience. The combination of chicken and rice serves as a delicious base, complemented by the rich and buttery biscuit topping. Let’s dive into the individual elements that make this dish so special.

  • Butter: 4 Tbsp – Adds richness and moisture, creating the perfect base for the biscuit topping.
  • All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup – Forms the structure of the biscuit topping, ensuring it’s fluffy and holds its shape.
  • Baking Powder: 2 tsp – Essential for the leavening of the biscuit, giving it a light and airy texture.
  • Salt: 1 tsp – Enhances the overall flavors, balancing the richness of the butter.
  • Milk: 1 cup – Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together for the biscuit topping.
  • Taco Seasoning: 1½ tsp – Infuses the dish with a burst of savory spices characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
  • Chopped Cooked Chicken: 2 cups – The star of the dish, providing protein and heartiness.
  • Cooked Mexican or Spanish Rice: 2 cups – Serves as a comforting base that complements the chicken.
  • Chicken Broth: 2 cups – Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the entire dish.
  • Black Pepper: to taste – Finishes the dish with a subtle kick.

Recipe Directions for Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler

Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler

Creating the Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler is as rewarding as it is simple. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time!

  1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. This step is crucial as it prepares the oven to cook your cobbler evenly.
  2. Place the butter in a 9Ă—9-inch baking dish and set it in the preheated oven. Allow it to melt completely, creating a rich base for the biscuit.
  3. Once the butter is melted, carefully remove the dish from the oven. It will be hot, so use oven mitts!
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and taco seasoning until fully combined. You’re looking for a smooth batter that’s well mixed.
  5. Pour this batter over the melted butter in the baking dish. Don’t stir! The batter will rise around the filling.
  6. In a separate bowl, combine the chopped chicken, cooked Mexican rice, chicken broth, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the flavors meld together.
  7. Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of the batter, letting it settle as the batter forms a ring around the edge. This will create a gorgeous layered effect.
  8. Carefully place the baking dish back into the oven. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and set.
  9. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it stand for five minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to settle.
  10. Serve the Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler warm and enjoy every bite!

Things Worth Knowing

  • Always preheat the oven thoroughly; this ensures even cooking.
  • Let the cobbler rest after baking to enhance flavors.
  • Feel free to experiment with veggies in the chicken mixture for added nutrition.
  • Double the recipe for larger gatherings and adjust cooking time as necessary.

Tips for Success

Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler

Before diving into the deliciousness of the Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler, here are some tips to help you achieve the best results!

  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked cobbler for up to a month. Just bake it straight from the freezer, increasing the cooking time.
  • Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or fresh guacamole for a complete meal.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the taco seasoning according to your spice preference for a milder or spicier dish.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with beans or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version.
  • Cookware: Ensure the baking dish is well greased to prevent sticking.

What to Pair With Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler

When serving the Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler, consider these delightful pairing options:

  • Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the warm cobbler.
  • Guacamole: Homemade guacamole adds a creamy texture and fresh flavor that balances the richness.
  • Rice Dishes: Serve with additional Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice for a hearty meal.
  • Occasions: This dish is great for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.
  • Seasonal Pairing: In the cooler months, pair with roasted vegetables or corn on the cob for a cozy meal.

FAQ

Absolutely! Leftover chicken is a fantastic way to make this Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler even easier. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and mix it in with the other ingredients. It enhances the flavor and saves time, making it a great option for weeknight dinners.

Yes! You can easily make a vegetarian version of the Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler by substituting the chicken with your choice of beans or tofu. This way, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors and satisfying texture of the dish while keeping it meat-free!

The Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about three days. The flavors continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

Definitely! If you’re expecting more guests, you can double the recipe and prepare it in a larger baking dish. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may need a few extra minutes to cook through properly.

Conclusion

The Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler is truly a delightful dish that brings together a variety of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for many. Its comforting qualities and ease of preparation make it a perfect choice for any home cook. I encourage you to try it out and share it with your loved ones. There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table to enjoy a warm, hearty meal!

Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler

Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler

The ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a golden biscuit topping. This Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler is an easy, satisfying weeknight dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 servings
Calories 440 kcal

Equipment

  • 9-inch Square Baking Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Tbsp Butter
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 1.5 tsp Taco Seasoning
  • 2 cups Chopped Cooked Chicken
  • 2 cups Cooked Mexican or Spanish Rice
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth
  • to taste Black Pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350ºF. This step is crucial as it prepares the oven to cook your cobbler evenly.
  • Place the butter in a 9Ă—9-inch baking dish and set it in the preheated oven. Allow it to melt completely, creating a rich base for the biscuit.
  • Once the butter is melted, carefully remove the dish from the oven. It will be hot, so use oven mitts!
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and taco seasoning until fully combined. You’re looking for a smooth batter that’s well mixed.
  • Pour this batter over the melted butter in the baking dish. Don’t stir! The batter will rise around the filling.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the chopped chicken, cooked Mexican rice, chicken broth, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the flavors meld together.
  • Spoon the chicken mixture into the center of the batter, letting it settle as the batter forms a ring around the edge. This will create a gorgeous layered effect.
  • Carefully place the baking dish back into the oven. Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and set.
  • Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it stand for five minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to settle.
  • Serve the Mexican Chicken Rice Cobbler warm and enjoy every bite!

Notes

Can substitute turkey for cooked chopped chicken. I usually use a rotisserie chicken in this recipe. You can use Mexican or Spanish rice. Knorr, Rice-A-Roni, Ben’s Original, and Old El Paso are all good. I like to use Ben’s Original, Knorr’s, or Great Value microwavable ready rice pouches. Each pouch is two cups of rice. Feel free to toss some vegetables into the chicken mixture. Onions, peppers, black beans, corn, green chiles, jalapeños, and diced tomatoes are all good. Can double the recipe in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time.
Keyword comfort food recipes, easy chicken dinner, Mexican Chicken Cobbler, Mexican Rice Dishes

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