Hearty Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole Recipe – Family Favorite

Comfort comes alive in this mouthwatering chicken enchilada rice casserole that blends Mexican-inspired flavors with hearty home cooking.

Layers of tender chicken, zesty spices, and melted cheese create a delicious one-pan meal everyone will adore.

Creamy rice soaks up rich enchilada sauce while perfectly seasoned ingredients mingle beneath a golden, bubbling surface.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to scoop up every delectable bite.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every comforting, cheesy morsel of this incredible casserole.

Why Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole Is So Comforting

• Quick Family Feast: This hearty casserole delivers a complete meal in one dish, packed with protein, grains, and veggies that kids and adults will love devouring together.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Combine ingredients in a single bowl, mix, transfer to a baking dish, and let the oven do the work – no complicated cooking techniques required for delicious results.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on what's in your pantry or preferences, making this recipe super flexible for different tastes and dietary needs without losing its core flavor profile.
• One-Pan Wonder: Simplifies mealtime by reducing dishes and cleanup, perfect for busy families or anyone wanting a satisfying dinner without extensive kitchen work.

Must-Have Ingredients for Enchilada Rice Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: A tender and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.

• Cooked Rice, Black Beans: A hearty combination that adds texture and substance to the dish.

• Sour Cream, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Creamy ingredients that bring richness and a tangy flavor to the casserole.

• Corn, Enchilada Sauce: Adds sweetness and a classic Mexican-inspired flavor profile to the dish.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that creates a robust and well-balanced flavor throughout the casserole.

• Fresh Cilantro: A bright, herbaceous topping that adds a fresh finish to the dish.

Instructions for Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C), getting ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Create The Flavor Explosion

• Shredded chicken
• Enchilada sauce
• Cooked rice
• Black beans
• Corn
• Sour cream
• Cheddar cheese

Mix everything together until they become best friends.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until the mixture looks perfectly combined and smells amazing.

Step 4: Prepare The Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the mixture in, spreading it evenly like a smooth blanket.

Step 5: Cheese Shower

Rain down the remaining cheddar cheese on top, creating a golden, melty landscape.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it dance for 20-30 minutes until the cheese bubbles with excitement.

Step 7: Finishing Touch

Pull the casserole out of the oven and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the flavor fiesta!

Helpful Tips for Enchilada Rice Casserole Success

• Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition and fiber boost.
• Opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories and increase protein content.
• Make this dish vegetarian by replacing chicken with black beans or tofu for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding jalapeños for extra heat or reducing for milder flavor.
• Prep the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Variations to Make Enchilada Casserole Your Own

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or black beans, use vegetable enchilada sauce for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, include diced green chiles for extra heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free enchilada sauce, ensure rice and other ingredients are certified gluten-free, substitute regular cheese with dairy-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace rice with cauliflower rice, reduce corn quantity, increase protein content with additional chicken or turkey.

Great Pairings for Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Pair Zesty Mexican Margaritas: Complement the casserole's spicy flavors with a classic lime margarita, balancing the dish's rich and bold taste.
• Serve Crisp Cerveza Companions: Select a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to cut through the creamy cheese and enhance the enchilada's warmth.
• Craft Refreshing Agua Fresca: Blend watermelon or pineapple agua fresca to provide a cool, sweet contrast against the casserole's spicy and savory profile.
• Recommend Fresh Citrus Salad: Prepare a simple lime-dressed mixed green salad with oranges and avocado to add brightness and freshness alongside the hearty main dish.

How to Store Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date.

Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of water to prevent drying.

Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy cheese top.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great! It’s a quick and convenient way to add pre-cooked, flavorful chicken to the casserole.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has mild spice from chili powder and cumin. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less of these spices, or include hot sauce if you want extra kick.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if you’re baking it straight from the refrigerator.

Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican comfort meets convenience in this chicken enchilada rice casserole, blending zesty spices with creamy textures. Hearty layers of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Base:

• 1 pound (1 lb) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained

Dairy and Sauce:

• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Spices and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Blend shredded chicken with enchilada sauce, creating a rich, tangy base for the casserole.
3. Fold in cooked rice, ensuring each grain absorbs the savory sauce thoroughly.
4. Incorporate black beans and corn, adding layers of texture and complementary flavors.
5. Mix in sour cream to create a creamy, luxurious consistency throughout the dish.
6. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to enhance the overall seasoning profile.
7. Gently stir all ingredients until evenly distributed and well-combined.
8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to ensure consistent cooking.
9. Generously top with shredded cheddar cheese, creating a golden, melty surface.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese turns bubbly and slightly golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a bright, fresh finish before serving.

Notes

• Shred chicken ahead of time or use rotisserie chicken to save precious cooking minutes and simplify your preparation process.
• Adjust chili powder and cumin levels to match personal heat preferences, making the dish mild or zesty according to your taste.
• Swap chicken with black beans, tofu, or turkey for a versatile vegetarian or alternative protein option that keeps the dish exciting.
• Choose long-grain rice for better consistency and prevent the casserole from becoming too mushy during baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg