Wow! This dish is simply amazing! The rich flavor of the cheese is the main thing that makes it look unique and, in fact, it is the one that makes it extremely good. Yummy! a set of melted cheese, rice, and fowl gives way to the perfect closing dinner. Besides being not only easy to prepare, it is also a lifesaver when you have to feed the whole set of hungry old people.
each and every bite? a perfect blending of flavors that you would wish to have the second part of the dish as well! So let’s start it right now!
Ingredients Needed For Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole:
- Chicken Breasts: The protein-packed chicken is tender and juicy, making this dish more nutritious and satisfying as it blends well with the other components.
- Red Enchilada Sauce: This is what gives the dish its bold and tangy Mexican taste. The sauce ensures there is a rich and tangy flavor with every bite.
- Refried Beans: Beans provide an extra creaminess while intensifying the flavors making the casserole even heartier and more enjoyable.
- White Cheddar Cheese: It sharpens the taste while giving a buttery texture and enhances the overall cheesiness of the dish.
- Corn Kernels: A mild sweetness and crunch that rounds out the savory ingredients nicely.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: A creamy melt characterizes it and this cheese adds some mild buttery smoothness to the casserole.
- Salt: An unobtrusive yet necessary ingredient that brings forward all the raw taste of the meal.
- Black Pepper: The seasoning provides the perfect amount of warmth without being too overbearing.
- Fresh Cilantro: A colorful and fragrant sprinkle with a herb flavor that adds life to the dish.
How To Cook The Delicious Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole?
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
More importantly, begin by making the rice. Pour in some water—around 4 cups so it will be enough. Grab a pot and pour in some water – around 4 cups should be enough. Bring it to a boil on medium heat. Place rice into the pan. Now, lets stir the rice and pour the lid on so it can simmer gently. Cook it for around 18 minutes, If the water has been completely soaked up and the rice feels soft, it is done. If It is not then take it off the heat and the water underneath needs to be boiled to 5 minutes. Once that time has passed it is time to fluff it with a fork. Boom, rice is ready!
Step 2: Get the Oven Hot
While the rice is being prepared, the next step is to place the oven on 350F (175C). This helps to ensure that by the time it is ready to bake, it is nice and hot.
Step 3: Acquire All of the Items
Lastly, take a large mixing bowl – atleast one big enough to prevent making a mess. Pour in the shredded chicken, the corn, the refried beans, and half of the both cheeses. Pour in that rich enchilada sauce and do not forget to toss in the monterey jack and white cheddar. Make sure to give it a mix so that it’s all blended with salt & blackpepper.
Step 4: Combine Your Ingredients Into A Casserole
Now grab a casserole dish of 9×13 inches in dimension (though, if you have something similar, it’ll also do). Lightly grease the dish so that cleaning it up afterwards isn’t much of a hassle. Time to pour the whole mixture into the grease casserole and spread it out evenly. No need to rush this step – it’s important for it to be perfectly leveled out. Afterwards, take the remaining cheese and sprinkle it atop the mixture. As I always say… more cheese is always better.
Step 5: Put It In The Oven!
Now, without any further ado, pop that frying pan into the oven and bake it for 20-30 minutes. Don’t take your eyes off of it… once the cheese is thoroughly melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, it’s good to go.
Step 6: Put Everything Together And Serve
Go ahead and remove it from the oven – but do take precautions, it’s gonna be HOT! Add the whole dish on the table and let it sit for a couple of minutes (try waiting if you can). To add that last bit of color and flavor, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top. And that’s it… be sure to eat it while it’s still hot!
Tip’s For Making The Process Easier & Dish Delicious:
- Chicken Preparation – Shred the thighs and breasts from the rotisserie chicken and save time. Rotisserie chickens are the quickest solution! You’re all set to go.
- Best Rice Choice – Stick with white rice (long, medium, or short grain) for the perfect texture. Avoid brown, risotto, or wild rice.
- Sauce Options – Prepackaged enchilada sauce is okay. If you want a personal touch, feel free to make enchilada sauce from scratch. It’s a good idea!
- Veggie Boost – The dish can also be enhanced further with the addition of bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for greater taste and nutrition value.
- Enhance the Flavor – For an extra boost in flavor, add spices such as cumin, garlic powder, and coriander.
- Final Taste Check – Lastly, taste the mixture to see if it needs any adjustments before throwing the dish in the oven.
Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole Recipe
Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole is a tasty dish made with layers of seasoned rice, chicken, and enchilada sauce. It’s topped with cheese and baked until bubbly and golden. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner.
INGREDIENT
INSTUCTIONS
-
Cook the Rice: Boil 4 cups of water, add rice, cover, and simmer for about 18 minutes until tender. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, refried beans, corn, and half of the cheeses. Season with salt and pepper. Add cooked rice and mix well.
-
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining cheese.
-
Bake: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve warm.
Servings 11
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 240kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7g11%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Trans Fat 1g
- Cholesterol 36mg12%
- Sodium 866mg37%
- Potassium 167mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 14g29%
- Vitamin A 536 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 156 mg
- Iron 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.