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White casserole dish with Mexican chicken and rice casserole topped with melted cheese.
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Mexican Chicken Casserole

Savory, filling, cheesy, and filled with protein, this family-friendly casserole recipe is perfect for easy weeknight dinners at home.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free
Skill Level: Intermediate
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Rena

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 sweet onions diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 4-6 garlic cloves sliced
  • 3 cups cooked chicken chopped or shredded
  • 14.5 ounces kidney beans or black beans; drained
  • 14.5 ounces corn drained
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning blend
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 15 ounces diced tomatoes
  • ⅓ cup tomato paste
  • 3 cups long grain rice cooked
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded

Optional

  • cilantro freshly chopped
  • lime wedges optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large pan, heat the 2 tablespoons olive oil and sauté the 2 sweet onions (diced), 1 red bell pepper (diced), and 4-6 garlic cloves (minced) for 8 minutes, over medium heat.
    sautéing vegetables in pan with wooden spoon
  • Add the 3 cups cooked chicken, 14.5 ounces kidney beans, 14.5 ounces corn, and seasonings (2 tablespoons taco seasoning blend Salt and pepper), and stir to combine.
    adding chicken to cooked vegetables in pan
  • Add the 15 ounces diced tomatoes and ⅓ cup tomato paste.
    adding tomatoes to cooked chicken and vegetables in pan
  • To assemble the dish, divide 1/3 of the chicken-bean mixture and spread it in a rectangular oven dish.
  • Sprinkle half of the 3 cups long grain rice, then repeat the layers, finishing off with a layer of meat topped with the 1 cup cheddar cheese.
    cooked chicken, rice, and vegetables in white baking dish
  • Bake, covered, for 30 minutes, until bubbly. Uncover, and continue to bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese on top is golden.
    cooked Mexican chicken casserole in white dish with linen
  • Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges, if desired.

Notes

    • Swap the chicken for cooked ground beef or turkey if you'd like.
    • Add more beans if you'd like more protein.
    • Make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 794kcal | Carbohydrates: 121g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 476mg | Potassium: 1169mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 1403IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 243mg | Iron: 6mg