The Zesty Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe You’ll Love

Green Chile chicken and rice casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Southwestern cuisine offers incredible flavor combinations that warm both heart and stomach.

Hearty ingredients blend together in a mouthwatering symphony of textures and spices.

Home cooks adore this type of one-dish meal that satisfies hunger and creates instant smiles.

Regional culinary traditions inspire such delectable creations with bold, unexpected twists.

Robust and filling, this casserole reimagines ordinary weeknight dinners into memorable family experiences.

Layers of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and smoky green chiles promise a truly exceptional dining adventure.

Bold Flavor Meets Comfort in Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Spice Up Your Comfort Food: This green chile chicken and rice casserole delivers a flavor explosion with chili powder, cumin, and green chiles that transform an ordinary dish into a zesty southwestern-inspired meal.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum convenience define this recipe, allowing you to prepare, cook, and bake everything in a single oven-safe skillet without complicated steps or multiple pots.
• Protein-Packed Nutrition Boost: Shredded chicken and brown rice create a satisfying, balanced meal that provides substantial protein and whole grains, making it perfect for hearty lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to adapt with optional toppings like fresh tomatoes and cilantro, this casserole welcomes creativity while maintaining its delicious core flavor profile that appeals to multiple taste preferences.

What Goes Into Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that provides substantial flavor and main body of the casserole, best when already cooked and seasoned.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy ingredient that adds tangy richness and helps bind the casserole together, choose full-fat variety for best texture.

• Brown Rice: Nutritious whole grain base that adds hearty texture and complex carbohydrates, preferably pre-cooked.
• Green Chiles: Mild peppers that provide subtle heat and southwestern flavor, canned varieties work perfectly.
• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Smoky canned tomatoes that enhance overall depth of flavor and moisture.
• Corn: Sweet vegetable that adds color and balanced sweetness to the casserole.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat for sautéing and adding smooth base flavor, extra virgin recommended.
• Green Onions: Fresh aromatic that provides light onion flavor and brightness.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Dried Oregano: Spice blend creating authentic southwestern taste profile.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheese that provides rich, sharp flavor and creamy texture, sharp variety recommended.
• Green Enchilada Sauce: Liquid component that adds moisture and authentic mexican-inspired taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for balancing overall dish flavor.

• Tomatoes: Fresh topping for added brightness.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb for additional aromatic flavor.

How to Cook the Ultimate Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Kitchen Workspace

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Gather all cooking tools and ingredients. Ensure your skillet is oven-safe and clean.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• Green onions
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Dried oregano

Sauté these ingredients for 2-3 minutes until their aromas bloom and blend together.

Step 3: Combine Core Ingredients

• Shredded chicken
• Cooked brown rice
• Diced green chiles
• Fire-roasted tomatoes
• Corn
• Green enchilada sauce
• Partial cheddar cheese

Stir ingredients thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Step 4: Incorporate Creamy Element

Remove skillet from heat. Fold in Greek yogurt until smoothly blended throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole. Transfer skillet directly into preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges look bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Optional: Decorate with fresh diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro. Serve hot directly from the skillet for maximum appeal and warmth.

Tips for Perfect Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole Every Time

• Boost Chicken Tenderness: Shred chicken while it's still warm to maintain moisture and absorb flavors more effectively.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and green chiles to match your preferred heat intensity, creating a personalized flavor profile.
• Perfect Rice Preparation: Use day-old rice or slightly cooled rice to prevent mushiness and maintain a fluffy texture in the casserole.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and develop a deliciously crispy top layer.
• Flavor Enhancement Trick: Toast spices briefly before adding other ingredients to release their essential oils and deepen the overall taste complexity.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, preserving the meal for up to 2 months without losing flavor quality.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or restore the casserole's crispy top by baking in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated completely.

Pairing Tips for Your Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole Feast

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Complement the green chile chicken and rice casserole with a tangy margarita, mixing tequila, lime juice, and a touch of salt to balance the dish's spicy and creamy flavors.
• Serve with Fresh Citrus Salad: Create a light, refreshing side salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a citrusy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the casserole.
• Add Crisp Mexican Lager: Crack open a cold Mexican beer like Modelo or Dos Equis, which will cool down the spice and enhance the southwestern-style meal with its clean, crisp finish.
• Garnish with Creamy Avocado Sauce: Drizzle a homemade avocado crema over the casserole, adding a smooth, cooling element that brings extra depth to each bite.

Spin-Offs to Elevate Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Southwestern Quinoa Edition: Replace brown rice with quinoa for a protein-packed, gluten-free alternative that adds a nutty flavor and extra nutritional boost.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Swap: Substitute shredded chicken with black beans and add extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a hearty meatless version.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Incorporate diced fresh jalapeños and increase chili powder for a more intense, fiery flavor profile that heat lovers will appreciate.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Remix: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, swap enchilada sauce for marinara, and add kalamata olives to create a Mediterranean-style casserole with a unique flair.

Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Green chile chicken and rice casserole delivers southwestern comfort with a spicy kick. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and roasted chiles create a hearty meal that warms souls and satisfies hunger in one delicious scoop.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breasts
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

Grains and Vegetables:

• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 8 ounces (226 grams) diced green chiles
• 14 ounces (397 grams) fire-roasted tomatoes, drained
• ½ cup frozen corn, defrosted
• 3 green onions, sliced thin

Seasonings and Cheese:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• ¾ cup green enchilada sauce
• ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
2. Select a spacious oven-safe skillet and drizzle olive oil across its surface, heating it to medium warmth.
3. Introduce green onions, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and dried oregano into the skillet, allowing their aromatics to dance and release fragrant notes for a few moments.
4. Gently fold in tender shredded chicken, fluffy brown rice, vibrant green chiles, robust fire-roasted tomatoes, sweet corn kernels, zesty green enchilada sauce, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
5. Thoroughly blend all ingredients, ensuring each component is evenly distributed and seasoned with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and swirl in creamy Greek yogurt, creating a luscious and smooth texture throughout the mixture.
7. Generously crown the casserole with remaining cheddar cheese, creating a golden, melty landscape.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and allow the casserole to bake until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, appetizing golden blanket, approximately 15 minutes.
9. Once removed from the oven, optional garnishes of fresh diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro can elevate the dish’s visual and flavor appeal.
10. Serve immediately, inviting diners to savor the harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Notes

• Meal prep magic happens when you use pre-cooked chicken and leftover rice, cutting down total preparation time dramatically.
• Swap Greek yogurt with sour cream for a tangier flavor profile if you prefer a richer sauce consistency.
• Fire-roasted tomatoes elevate the dish’s smoky depth, but regular diced tomatoes work perfectly as a budget-friendly alternative.
• Customize heat levels by selecting mild or hot green chiles depending on your spice tolerance and family preferences.
• Mexican blend cheese can replace cheddar for a more complex and authentic southwestern taste experience.
• Maximize leftovers by storing in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to maintain moisture and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg