Description
This Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-dish meal combining shredded chicken, rice, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, all baked in rich enchilada sauce and topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. It’s easy to prepare and makes a perfect comforting dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, and half of the enchilada sauce. Stir everything together until evenly incorporated.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the chicken and rice mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish to form the first layer.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the first layer of the mixture.
- Second Layer: Add the remaining chicken and rice mixture on top of the cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
- Add Sauce: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top layer.
- Top with Cheese and Garnishes: Sprinkle the remaining cheeses over the sauce, then add sliced black olives and thinly sliced green onions evenly across the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes to set and make serving easier.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the fresh chopped cilantro over the top just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken with any cooked shredded chicken or turkey.
- For a spicier version, use a spicy enchilada sauce or add chopped jalapeños to the mix.
- Brown rice can be used instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
- If you prefer a lower sodium dish, rinse canned beans and corn thoroughly and choose low-sodium enchilada sauce.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
