Zesty Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Tucking into a hearty chicken enchilada rice casserole brings pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Warm layers of savory ingredients promise a delightful meal that satisfies deeply.

Melted cheese and tender chicken create a delectable combination everyone loves.

Mexican-inspired flavors dance across each spoonful, blending perfectly with fluffy rice.

Spices weave their magic through this simple yet incredible dish.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together with minimal effort.

Bold and creamy, this casserole will become your go-to dinner that sparks smiles around the table.

Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with ground beef, shredded turkey, or even pulled pork for a different flavor profile.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with additional beans, tofu, or plant-based protein alternatives like jackfruit or meat substitutes.

• How can I add more heat to the casserole?

Add diced jalapeños, use hot enchilada sauce, or sprinkle red pepper flakes to increase the spice level according to your preference.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

Why Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole Is Filling

• Packed with hearty chicken, beans, rice, and cheese, this dish satisfies multiple taste preferences and guarantees clean plates at the dinner table.
• Minimal cleanup required with this simple casserole that combines everything in a single dish, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after meal preparation.
• Easily swap ingredients like using different proteins, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match your family's unique flavor preferences.

Ingredient List for Enchilada Rice Casserole

• Chicken: Tender protein that provides substance and flavor to the casserole.
• Rice: Fluffy base that creates a hearty foundation for the dish.
• Black Beans: Protein-rich legume that adds texture and nutrition.

• Corn: Sweet vegetable that brings color and freshness to the casserole.
• Green Chilies: Mild peppers that provide a subtle kick and depth of flavor.
• Enchilada Sauce: Spicy and tangy sauce that gives the dish its signature Mexican-inspired taste.

• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that creates a golden, crispy layer.
• Sour Cream: Optional creamy ingredient that adds richness and smoothness.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides a bright, final garnish.

• Seasonings: Blend of spices that enhances the overall flavor profile of the casserole.

How to Put Together a Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Dish

Warm up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large casserole dish and coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Mixture

• Shredded cooked chicken
• Fluffy rice
• Black beans
• Sweet corn kernels
• Zesty diced green chilies
• Generous handful of shredded cheese

Step 3: Add Creamy Sauce

Pour in enchilada sauce, sprinkle your favorite seasonings, and mix in sour cream. Stir everything until ingredients are thoroughly blended and coated.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, creating a smooth, inviting layer.

Step 5: Cheese Topping

Shower the top with remaining shredded cheese, creating a golden, melty blanket.

Step 6: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes to let flavors meld together.

Step 7: Final Browning

Remove the foil and return to the oven. Bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese turns bubbly and develops a beautiful golden color.

Step 8: Rest and Garnish

Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips for Baking the Perfect Enchilada Rice Dish

• Customize Chicken Protein: Swap chicken with rotisserie, shredded turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for versatile meal options.
• Prevent Dry Casserole: Mix in extra enchilada sauce or a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and enhance overall flavor profile.
• Spice Control: Adjust green chili and seasoning levels to match your heat preference, using mild or hot variations for personalized taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, saving time during busy weeknight dinners.
• Dietary Adaptation: Replace regular cheese with dairy-free alternatives and use gluten-free enchilada sauce to accommodate specific dietary needs.

Storing and Reheating Casserole Without Drying Out

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add extra cheese on top for extra flavor.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm throughout, stirring between intervals.

What Works with Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Complement the spicy, rich flavors of the chicken enchilada rice casserole with a classic margarita made with fresh lime juice and tequila, cutting through the dish's creamy texture.
• Whip up a bright, tangy pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños to add a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the hearty casserole.
• Prepare a creamy, tangy elote-style corn salad with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice to enhance the corn and bean elements in the casserole.
• Select a crisp, light Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona to refresh the palate and balance the casserole's rich, spicy profile.

Casserole Twists You Should Try

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like black beans, tofu, or quinoa for a hearty meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free enchilada sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to increase heat and create a more intense flavor profile for spice lovers.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or riced zucchini to reduce carbohydrate content and make the dish suitable for ketogenic or low-carb diets.

Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets flavor in this chicken enchilada rice casserole, a hearty Mexican-inspired dish packed with zesty spices and creamy textures. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly seasoned rice create a delicious meal that invites you to savor each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein & Protein Alternatives:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed

Base & Grains:

• 2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice)
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)

Sauces, Spices & Cheese:

• 1.5 cups enchilada sauce (red or green)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)

Garnish & Optional Toppings:

• 2 green onions, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sour cream
• Sliced avocado
• Jalapeno slices

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Instructions

1. Arrange the oven rack in the middle position and heat to 375F (190C), then lightly coat a large baking vessel with cooking spray.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate the tender pulled chicken, fluffy rice, hearty black beans, sweet corn kernels, zesty green chilies, and a generous portion of shredded cheese.
3. Drizzle the robust enchilada sauce over the mixture, incorporating your preferred seasonings and a dollop of creamy sour cream, stirring until all components are thoroughly intermingled.
4. Carefully distribute the amalgamated mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer across the surface.
5. Lavishly scatter the remaining cheese over the top, creating a tempting golden blanket.
6. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for approximately 20 minutes.
7. Unveil the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, watching for the cheese to transform into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece.
8. After removing from the oven, permit the casserole to rest and settle for a brief 5-minute interval before adorning with freshly chopped cilantro and serving to eager diners.

Notes

• Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the dish.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving hack that adds extra flavor and reduces cooking steps.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting green chili amounts or adding jalapeños for spice enthusiasts who want more kick.
• Make this casserole vegetarian by replacing chicken with extra beans, tofu, or plant-based protein alternatives for a satisfying meatless meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 473
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 862 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 82 mg