Southwest Chicken and Rice Casserole

Southwest Chicken and Rice Casserole

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?
  • A: Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice in this recipe. Just note that brown rice may require a longer cooking time.

  • Q: Can I use frozen corn instead of canned corn?
  • 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.

  • Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
  • 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.

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