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Southwest Chicken Casserole Delight

Southwest Chicken Casserole Delight

Cheesy, zesty chicken and rice baked with beans, corn, and green chiles. A cozy, weeknight-friendly casserole with bold Southwest flair.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.25 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 3.5 cup shredded cooked chicken
  • 3 cup cooked white rice use warm rice if possible
  • 1.5 cup black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1.5 cup corn kernels frozen or canned; drain if canned
  • 1.25 cup diced tomatoes with green chiles drained
  • 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 0.75 cup sour cream
  • 2 cup shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack divided
  • 1.5 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 cup chopped fresh cilantro plus extra for garnish
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips for topping
  • 0.5 cup sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Sauté onion and bell pepper until tender, 5 to 6 minutes.
  • Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
  • In a big bowl, mix chicken, rice, black beans, corn, and tomatoes.
  • Whisk broth, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and lime juice.
  • Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture. Fold in cilantro and half the cheese.
  • Add the sautéed vegetables. Stir until evenly combined.
  • Spread mixture in the baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
  • Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes, until hot and bubbling at edges.
  • Uncover, sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips, and bake 10 to 15 minutes more.
  • Rest 10 minutes. Garnish with green onions and extra cilantro. Serve warm.

Notes

Variation: Swap the rice for cooked quinoa or use half cauliflower rice to lighten it up. Add sliced jalapeños for extra heat. Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days; reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through. For make-ahead, assemble up to Step 9 and refrigerate; add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Southwest Chicken Casserole Delight flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.