I love a great meal that can be put together in one dish. Try this recipe the next time you want something tasty without worrying about the cleanup.

Cheesy Salsa Chicken and Rice

After the chicken has been fully cooked, top with the Mexican cheese blend and return to the warm oven until the cheese has melted. (Stacey Little / Southern Bite)

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour

Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 1/4 lbs.)
• 1 (10 ounce) package yellow rice mix
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• salt
• pepper
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and lightly spray a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the dish and pour the rice mix around them.
3. Pour the water over the rice.
4. Season the chicken with the garlic powder, salt and pepper.
5. Pour the salsa over the chicken.
6. Tightly wrap the baking dish with foil and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken juices run clear (about 165 degrees when tested with a meat thermometer).
7. Remove from the oven and remove the foil.
8. Top with the cheese and return to the warm oven just long enough to melt the cheese.

Notes

Actual cook times may vary based on the size of your chicken breasts.

This recipe originally appeared on SouthernBite.com. For more great recipes, visit the website or check out ”The Southern Bite Cookbook.”