Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
35 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
6 people
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Calories
524 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Description
The Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole combines simple pantry staples like cooked white rice and canned refried beans with fresh components such as sautéed onions and frozen charred corn. Shredded Colby jack and mozzarella cheeses are folded into the mixture and sprinkled on top to create a melted, golden crust when baked. Adding green chiles and tomatillo salsa introduces a subtle tang and mild spice, balancing the creamy texture from the beans and cheese. The cooking method involves layering the refried beans at the bottom of a skillet and baking the assembled mixture until the cheese is bubbly, resulting in a rich and hearty casserole.
This dish works well as a family dinner or a casual gathering meal. Garnishing with scallions and cilantro brings freshness and color, enhancing the overall presentation and flavor. It pairs nicely with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
According to the notes, this recipe is great for utilizing leftover rice and chicken, making it practical for avoiding food waste. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and consider using leftovers to save time in preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups white rice
- 2 cups Colby jack cheese divided, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese divided, shredded
- 1 cup refried beans canned
- 1 cup corn frozen, charred
- 2 onion diced and sauteed until golden, yellow
- 1 .5-ounce green chiles canned, chopped
- 1 ½ cup tomatillo salsa
- 1-2 cups chicken shredded rotisserie
- salt kosher salt, to taste
- black pepper kosher salt, to taste
- scallions finely chopped, to garnish
- cilantro finely chopped, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375° F.
- Cook the rice according to the package directions. Once cooked, remove from heat and transfer the cooked rice into a large bowl.
- Fold in 1 ½ cups of the shredded colby jack cheese, ½ cup of the shredded mozzarella, corn, onions, chicken, green chiles and salsa. Season the entire mixture with salt and pepper and stir to combine.
- Lightly spray a medium sized skillet with non-stick spray, and line the bottom with the refried beans. Transfer the mixture into the skillet. Top with the remaining shredded cheeses and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the top layer of cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and garnish with green onions and cilantro and serve.
Notes
- This casserole is ideal for using leftover rice and rotisserie chicken, making meal prep easier and reducing food waste.
- Charred frozen corn adds smoky sweetness, but fresh corn can be substituted if preferred.
- Season the mixture well with kosher salt and black pepper to balance flavors before baking.
- Garnish with fresh scallions and cilantro right before serving for added brightness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 524 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 524kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 58g | 19% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 77mg | 26% |
| Sodium | 1208mg | 50% |
| Potassium | 518mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 942IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 460mg | 46% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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