Description
This Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole is a flavorful and comforting one-dish meal combining shredded chicken, rice, black beans, tomatoes with green chilies, and classic enchilada sauce, all baked with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare, versatile, and packed with Tex-Mex inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Rice Mixture
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce, divided
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, and half of the enchilada sauce until well incorporated.
- Layer First Half: Spread half of the combined mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish to form the first layer.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle half of each shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack) evenly over the first layer.
- Top with Remaining Mixture: Add the remaining chicken and rice mixture on top of the cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
- Add Sauce and Final Toppings: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over all the ingredients, then top with the rest of the shredded cheese, sliced black olives if using, and green onions.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before sprinkling fresh chopped cilantro over the top to garnish and serve.
Notes
- For an extra kick of heat, add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking.
- Try making your own enchilada sauce for a homemade flavor boost; it’s easier than it seems and can be tailored to your taste.
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.
- This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
