Description
Cheesy Enchilada Rice Casserole is a flavorful and hearty Mexican-inspired dish that combines tender shredded chicken, flavorful rice, and melted cheeses in a baked casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick-to-make comfort food delivers bold enchilada flavors with a cheesy twist, satisfying the whole family in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
- 1 ½ cups Mexican rice (uncooked or pre-cooked)
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: sliced jalapeños, sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Cook and shred the chicken, then set aside.
- Cook the rice according to package instructions or use pre-cooked rice.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, sauté diced onion until translucent.
- Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, stirring for 1 minute.
- Pour in enchilada sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, and enchilada sauce mixture. Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños if desired, then serve hot.
Notes
- Use cooked, shredded chicken for quickest results.
- You can substitute pre-cooked rice to reduce preparation time.
- For extra spice, add hot sauce or additional chili spice.
- This dish can be prepared ahead, assembled and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg