Zesty Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole Recipe for Dinner Joy

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering chicken enchilada rice casserole that combines zesty Mexican flavors and creamy textures.

Melted cheese blankets tender rice and succulent chicken in a dish that promises pure satisfaction.

Robust spices dance through each bite, creating a symphony of taste that will leave you wanting more.

Home cooks adore this one-pan wonder for its simplicity and incredible depth of flavor.

Every forkful delivers a perfect balance of hearty protein, fluffy rice, and rich sauce that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

The recipe comes together effortlessly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution.

Dive into this irresistible meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 7

Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole – Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken: Tender, pre-cooked shredded meat adds hearty protein and rich savory foundation for the casserole.
• Refried Beans: Creamy, smooth texture enhances dish's heartiness and provides additional protein boost.

• Enchilada Sauce: Zesty, spicy liquid that binds ingredients and delivers authentic Mexican flavor profile.
• Corn: Sweet kernels introduce delightful crunch and bright color to the casserole.

• Monterey Jack Cheese, White Cheddar Cheese: Melty, tangy cheeses create golden, irresistible top layer with complex flavor depth.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb garnish adds vibrant color and bright, citrusy finishing note.

• Rice: Fluffy, absorbent grain serves as perfect base for capturing all delicious sauce and ingredient combinations.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate overall dish taste.

Tools for Baking Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing all ingredients thoroughly and combining chicken, sauce, beans, and rice.
• Saucepan (Medium): Perfect for cooking rice with precise water measurement and controlled heat.
• 9×13-inch Casserole Dish: Ideal baking vessel to hold and evenly spread the rice mixture.
• Measuring Cups: Necessary for accurately measuring water and ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Helps shred Monterey Jack and white cheddar cheeses quickly.
• Fork: Used for fluffing cooked rice and gentle mixing.
• Sharp Knife: Helpful for chopping fresh cilantro for garnish.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.

Directions for Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

• Rice Foundation

Start by cooking white rice in a saucepan, letting it simmer quietly until soft and fluffy. The rice will become the hearty base of our delicious southwestern comfort dish.

• Flavor Fusion

Blend shredded chicken with zesty enchilada sauce, creamy refried beans, and sweet corn kernels. This magical combination creates a rich, mouthwatering mixture that promises to tantalize taste buds.

• Cheese and Assemble

Stir in half the cheese into the chicken mixture, then spread the entire creation into a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese generously across the top, ensuring every bite will be wonderfully gooey.

• Oven Magic

Slide the casserole into a warm oven, letting the heat transform the ingredients into a bubbling, golden masterpiece. Wait patiently as the cheese melts and the edges turn slightly crispy.

• Fresh Finale

Pull the casserole from the oven and shower it with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while the dish is steaming and inviting, ready to become a family favorite.

Tips to Enhance Casserole Flavor

• Add diced jalapeños, green chilies, or a dash of cayenne pepper to boost the heat and create a more intense flavor profile for spice lovers.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Simply bake when ready to serve, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
• Repurpose extra casserole by stuffing into tortillas, topping with a fried egg, or using as a filling for quesadillas the next day.
• Try different cheese combinations like pepper jack, queso fresco, or a Mexican cheese blend to create unique and delicious variations of this comforting dish.

Serving Chicken Enchilada Casserole Hot

• Fiesta Night Feast: Enhance your Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole with these mouthwatering suggestions!
• Zesty Taco Topping Bar: Set out small bowls with diced jalapeños, sliced green onions, extra cilantro, sour cream, and salsa so guests can customize their plate.
• Fresh Side Kick: Pair the casserole with a crisp Mexican-style salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and a lime-cilantro vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Comfort Combo Companion: Serve alongside warm, soft flour tortillas or crispy tortilla chips to scoop up extra sauce and add a delightful crunch to each bite.
• Weekend Meal Upgrade: Transform leftovers into stuffed bell peppers by filling roasted peppers with the casserole mixture for a quick and delicious next-day lunch.

Casserole Storage for Chicken Enchilada Leftovers

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Refrigerated casserole stays delicious for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap the casserole tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Edible up to 2 months when stored correctly. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor restoration.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of extra enchilada sauce to keep the rice moist. For larger servings, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Portion Control Trick: Divide the casserole into single-serving containers before refrigerating. This method makes grab-and-go lunches easier and helps control meal sizes for health-conscious individuals.

Hearty Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired chicken enchilada rice casserole delivers comforting layers of cheese, tender chicken, and zesty sauce. Family dinners become memorable with this hearty, one-pan meal that satisfies hungry appetites.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 chicken breasts (cooked and shredded, about 1½ lbs or 680 g)
• 20 oz (567 g) red enchilada sauce
• 16 oz (454 g) refried beans
• 2 cups long grain rice (uncooked, such as Basmati)
• 11 oz (312 g) corn kernels, drained (1 can)
• 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro (or parsley, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Boil water in a medium saucepan, add rice, reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook until grains become tender and liquid absorbs, approximately 18 minutes. Rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
2. Flavor Fusion: In a large mixing bowl, blend shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, refried beans, corn kernels, and half of the Monterey Jack and white cheddar cheeses. Incorporate the cooked rice and season with salt and pepper.
3. Oven Preheating: Warm the oven to 350°F, creating an optimal baking environment.
4. Casserole Assembly: Spread the rice and chicken mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch casserole dish, topping with the remaining cheese to create a golden, melty surface.
5. Baking Process: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake until the cheese bubbles and turns slightly crisp, approximately 20-30 minutes.
6. Garnishing and Serving: Remove from oven, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top, and serve immediately while hot and cheese is gloriously melted.

Notes

• Perfectly Cook Rice: Use medium heat and precise timing to achieve fluffy, separate rice grains without becoming mushy or sticky.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Sprinkle cheese in two layers for maximum flavor complexity and a gorgeous golden-brown top that adds delightful texture.
• Customize Your Comfort: Swap chicken with ground beef, black beans, or shredded turkey to match dietary preferences or pantry ingredients.
• Leftover Love: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days, reheating gently to maintain moisture and prevent cheese from separating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg