Description
Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole is the perfect easy dinner packed with tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, black beans, sweet corn, enchilada sauce, and layers of melted cheese. This comforting baked casserole is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, meal prep, and potlucks. With bold Mexican-inspired flavors and simple ingredients, this easy recipe delivers a warm and satisfying meal everyone will love. Whether you need quick dinner ideas, comfort food recipes, or easy casserole recipes, this cheesy chicken enchilada rice bake is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked shredded chicken
3 cups cooked white rice
2 cups enchilada sauce
1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels
1 red bell pepper diced
1 small onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a large casserole dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, then cook until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables.
5. Add shredded chicken, black beans, and corn to the skillet and mix thoroughly.
6. Stir in the cooked rice and enchilada sauce until evenly combined.
7. Mix in half of the cheddar cheese and half of the Monterey Jack cheese.
8. Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
9. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbly and the cheese is fully melted.
11. Let the casserole rest for several minutes before serving.
12. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for faster preparation and extra flavor.
Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
Allow the casserole to rest before serving so it holds together better when sliced.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: chicken enchilada rice casserole, easy casserole recipe, cheesy chicken casserole, baked chicken and rice, comfort food dinner, family dinner ideas, easy dinner recipe