Description
Looking for a quick dinner idea that everyone will love? This Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole is a delicious, easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, zesty enchilada sauce, and lots of melty cheese come together in one comforting bake—ready in under an hour. Enjoy this crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex casserole with all your favorite toppings for a healthy snack or an easy dinner. It’s one of the best food ideas for those craving bold flavor and hearty comfort.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
3 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
2 cups enchilada sauce (red or green, your choice)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
4 green onions, sliced
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 avocado, diced (for topping, optional)
1 tomato, diced (for topping, optional)
1 jalapeño, sliced (for topping, optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, cooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, half of the green onions, and two-thirds of the shredded cheeses.
3. Pour in enchilada sauce and mix until everything is evenly coated.
4. Spread mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheeses on top.
5. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until cheese is melted and casserole is heated through.
6. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Top with avocado, tomato, jalapeño, remaining green onions, and fresh cilantro as desired.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cumin and a pinch of chili powder to the mix.
You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience and speed.
This casserole freezes well—store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
Keywords: quick dinner, easy recipe, Tex-Mex, chicken casserole, casserole recipe, meal prep, comfort food