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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
- Select a spacious oven-safe skillet and drizzle olive oil across its surface, heating it to medium warmth.
- 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.
- 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.
- Thoroughly blend all ingredients, ensuring each component is evenly distributed and seasoned with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Remove the skillet from heat and swirl in creamy Greek yogurt, creating a luscious and smooth texture throughout the mixture.
- Generously crown the casserole with remaining cheddar cheese, creating a golden, melty landscape.
- 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.
- Once removed from the oven, optional garnishes of fresh diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro can elevate the dish’s visual and flavor appeal.
- 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