Cheesy Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole

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Cheesy Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserol 🌶️🧀

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Total time: ~45 minutes

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups cooked white rice (prepared according to package directions)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (Rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15.25 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained (or 1 cup frozen corn)
  • 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies), undrained, or 1 cup salsa
  • 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies, drained (optional for extra heat)
  • 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for flavor)
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese (or Cheddar/Colby Jack), divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, black beans, corn, Rotel/salsa, green chilies (if using), sour cream, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and cilantro. Stir until all ingredients are well-mixed.
  3. Add Cheese: Stir 1 cup of the shredded cheese into the mixture. Mix just until combined.
  4. Assemble Casserole: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  5. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  6. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
💡 Pro-Tip: For a crunchier topping (like in the photo), you can sprinkle about 1/2 cup of crushed tortilla chips or Doritos over the top of the cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.

 

 

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