Name: best Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole (35 minutes)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice (preferably fluffy white or brown rice); 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (or use instant-cooked chicken for convenience); 1 cup enchilada sauce or chili sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/2 cup chopped onions; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional); 1 teaspoon cumin powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Description

Cheesy Enchilada Rice Casserole is a quick, flavorful Mexican-inspired dish perfect for weeknights or gatherings. Combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and cheesy enchilada sauce, this baked casserole is ready in just 35 minutes, offering a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked rice (preferably fluffy white or brown rice)
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (or use instant-cooked chicken for convenience)
1 cup enchilada sauce or chili sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook rice according to package instructions until fluffy.
If using raw chicken, cook and shred; or use pre-cooked shredded chicken.
In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, onions, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
Top evenly with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Optional: add diced tomatoes or cilantro.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot with side dishes like Mexican street corn or a green salad.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers or jalapeños.
Use vegan cheese options for a dairy-free version.
Layer ingredients for a layered enchilada casserole style.
Different enchilada sauces can be used to customize flavor, such as green tomatillo or chipotle.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 430 kcal Kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 1020 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg