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Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole - featured image

A comforting and flavorful casserole combining smoky enchilada sauce, gooey cheese, tender chicken, and rice—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn (canned, frozen, or fresh)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the rice according to package instructions if not already prepared.
  3. Shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top.
  7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro if desired.
  9. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.

Notes

[‘Slightly undercooked rice works best as it absorbs flavors while baking.’, ‘Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.’, ‘Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice.’, ‘Cover with foil while baking to prevent drying out.’, ‘Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole, Mexican casserole, easy dinner recipe, family-friendly meal, comfort food