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Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole bursts with flavor from tender chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and gooey cheese. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for busy families, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied. Make this dish tonight for a delicious meal everyone will love!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 530

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups long grain rice uncooked, such as Basmati
  • 3 breasts chicken cooked and shredded (about 1½ lbs)
  • 20 ounces red enchilada sauce
  • 16 ounces refried beans
  • 1 cup white cheddar shredded
  • 11 ounces corn kernel drained (1 can)
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch Casserole Dish

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, stirring occasionally. Bring to a simmer, then cover the pot and allow it to cook for about 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
  2. Prep the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the other ingredients. This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and thoroughly.
  3. Combine everything together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the enchilada sauce, refried beans, corn, and half of the Monterey Jack and white cheddar. Stir well to mix all the flavors together. Add the cooked rice, and season with salt and pepper if needed, mixing until well combined.
  4. Transfer to casserole dish: Pour the rice mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining cheese to create a cheesy, bubbly layer.
  5. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese melts and is bubbly on top, filling your kitchen with wonderful aromas.
  6. Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy the deliciousness!

Notes

  • Tip 1: To save time, feel free to use a rotisserie chicken, shred the breasts and thighs and use in this recipe.
  • Tip 2: You can definitely use store-bought sauce for this recipe. However, if you wish to make your own enchilada sauce at home, you can try out my recipe to get the best results.
  • Tip 3: Use white rice only, whether it’s long, medium or short grain. I don’t recommend using brown rice, risotto or wild rice in this recipe.
  • Tip 4: Feel free to add other veggies to this dish, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, etc. Also if you want to spice this up a bit, feel free to add in any spices you may like such cumin, coriander, garlic powder, etc.
  • Tip 5: If you have leftover chicken enchilada rice casserole, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 – 4 days.
  • Tip 6: If freezing, store this dish in a freezer bag with the air pressed out or cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven when completely thawed. This dish will last up to 3 months in the freezer.