Southwest Chicken and Rice Casserole
Looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner idea? Look no further! This Southwest Chicken and Rice Casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Packed with flavor and simple to make, this dish will become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 jalapeno, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
- 2. In a large skillet, cook chicken until no longer pink. Add in bell pepper, onion, and jalapeno.
- 3. Stir in taco seasoning, rice, black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- 4. Transfer mixture to a casserole dish and top with shredded cheese.
- 5. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 6. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Information:
- – Calories: 350
- – Protein: 25g
- – Carbs: 35g
- – Fat: 12g
- – Fiber: 5g
Popular questions:
- Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
- Q: Can I use frozen corn instead of canned corn?
- Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice in this recipe. Just note that brown rice may require a longer cooking time.
A: Yes, frozen corn can be used as a substitute for canned corn. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the dish.
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor.
Helpful tips:
- 1. Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapeno or adding hot sauce.
- 2. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- 3. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for a burst of citrus flavor.
Expert Secrets:
- 1. For extra flavor, sauté the rice in the skillet after cooking the chicken until lightly toasted before adding the other ingredients.
- 2. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- 3. Don’t have taco seasoning? Make your own blend using a mixture of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
