Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, spicy green chiles, and melted cheese into one delicious meal. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to make this satisfying casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.
1. Introduction to Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole
Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that’s popular in many households. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with bold flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a comforting meal for your family, this casserole is sure to be a hit.
2. Ingredients Needed
To make Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Chicken
Rice (long-grain or medium-grain)
Green Chiles (canned or fresh)
Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
Sauce Ingredients (cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth)
3. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by cooking the chicken until it’s fully cooked through, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Cook the rice according to package instructions until tender and fluffy. If using canned green chiles, drain them well and chop them into smaller pieces.
4. Making the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth until smooth and well blended. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or herbs to taste. For extra flavor, you can add diced onions, minced garlic, or chopped cilantro to the sauce mixture.
5. Assembling the Casserole
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, chopped green chiles, shredded cheese, and sauce mixture. Stir everything together until well combined, then transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread the mixture out evenly in the dish, then sprinkle additional cheese over the top for a cheesy crust.
6. Baking Instructions
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. If desired, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese on top.
7. Serving Suggestions
Serve Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, salad, or crusty bread, for a complete meal.
8. Variations and Customizations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. For a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and add extra veggies like bell peppers, corn, or black beans. Adjust the level of spiciness by using mild, medium, or hot green chiles, or add diced jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
9. Tips for Success
To ensure that your Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
- Use a good quality cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, for the best results.
- Be sure to drain the canned green chiles well to remove any excess liquid before adding them to the casserole.
- Cover the casserole with foil while baking to prevent the cheese from burning or drying out.
10. Health Benefits of Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole
While Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and indulgent dish, it does offer some nutritional benefits. Chicken is a good source of lean protein, while rice provides carbohydrates for energy. Plus, green chiles are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making this casserole a balanced and nutritious meal option.
11. Conclusion
In conclusion, Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, spicy flavor, and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for dinner, potluck, or a casual get-together, this comforting casserole is sure to impress.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I make Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it?
- Can I freeze Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole for later?
- What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
- How long will Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole keep in the refrigerator?
Source: reciperunner.com
Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, spicy green chiles, and melted cheese into one delicious meal. In this article, we'll guide you through how to make this satisfying casserole that's perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 green onions (sliced thin)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breasts
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 8 ounce can diced green chiles
- 14 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes (drained)
- 1/2 cup frozen corn (defrosted)
- 3/4 cup green enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or full fat work best)
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- Preheat oven to 350° F. In a large oven safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the green onions and spices and sauté for a couple minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken, rice, green chiles, fire roasted tomatoes, corn, and green enchilada sauce and 1/4 cup of the cheese. Stir everything together until it's combined. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Once the cheese is melted and everything is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat and quickly stir in the Greek yogurt. Top with the remaining cheese and then bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot.
- Serve the casserole as is or top it with diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro.
Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, spicy green chiles, and melted cheese into one delicious meal. In this article, we'll guide you through how to make this satisfying casserole that's perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 green onions (sliced thin)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breasts
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 8 ounce can diced green chiles
- 14 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes (drained)
- 1/2 cup frozen corn (defrosted)
- 3/4 cup green enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or full fat work best)
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- Preheat oven to 350° F. In a large oven safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the green onions and spices and sauté for a couple minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken, rice, green chiles, fire roasted tomatoes, corn, and green enchilada sauce and 1/4 cup of the cheese. Stir everything together until it's combined. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Once the cheese is melted and everything is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat and quickly stir in the Greek yogurt. Top with the remaining cheese and then bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot.
- Serve the casserole as is or top it with diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro.