Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, aromatic rice, and a creamy, zesty green chile sauce. This one-pan meal is rich in flavor with a slight heat from the green chiles, making it the perfect dinner option for those who love a little spice. The casserole is easy to make and will quickly become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is a cozy, all-in-one dish that brings together the savory taste of chicken and the creamy richness of a green chile sauce. The rice absorbs all the flavorful juices, while the green chiles add a smoky and slightly spicy kick to each bite. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that you can prepare ahead of time and bake when ready, saving you time and effort. Plus, the cheesy topping adds an irresistible final touch!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 2 medium chicken breasts)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.
- Prepare the casserole mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken, uncooked rice, diced green chiles, cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes with green chiles, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
- Add cheese: After the casserole has finished baking, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions, if desired.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Variations
- Add vegetables: You can incorporate vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or even spinach into the casserole for extra color and nutrition.
- Use different meats: If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily substitute it with turkey or ground beef. For a vegetarian version, you could use black beans or roasted vegetables.
- Spicy version: To increase the heat, add sliced jalapeños or use hot green chiles. You could also sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper into the casserole mixture.
- Rice alternative: If you’re looking to make the dish lower in carbs, try substituting cauliflower rice for the regular rice.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better with time, making it a great meal for leftovers!
- Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked rice?
You can use cooked rice, but the texture will be different. If you use cooked rice, reduce the baking time by about 10-15 minutes since the rice is already cooked.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour, then add cheese and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
How do I know when the rice is cooked?
The rice should be tender and fully absorbed by the casserole mixture. If there’s excess liquid in the dish, the rice may need a bit more time. Just check every 5 minutes to ensure it’s cooking properly.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese you like. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend would all be great alternatives.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, you can swap out the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and cheese for lower-fat versions if you prefer.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of the cream of chicken soup and any canned products to ensure they don’t contain gluten.
How spicy is this casserole?
The level of spiciness depends on the type of green chiles you use. If you prefer a milder dish, use mild green chiles or omit any added chili powder or hot sauce.
Can I add more liquid if the rice isn’t cooking properly?
If you notice that the rice hasn’t absorbed enough liquid during baking, you can add a little more chicken broth or water halfway through the baking process to help it cook more evenly.
Can I serve this casserole with something else?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or tortilla chips. You could also serve it with a dollop of guacamole or salsa on top.
Conclusion
Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole is an easy and flavorful dish that brings together the best of comfort food and spicy, savory goodness. It’s a simple, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy nights or when you want something filling and satisfying. With its creamy, cheesy texture and zesty flavor, this casserole will quickly become a go-to recipe for family dinners or gatherings.
Print
Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, savory rice, and spicy green chiles, all baked together in a creamy, cheesy casserole. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe offers a delicious blend of textures .
Ingredients
- For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (mild or hot, depending on preference)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. -
Sauté the Onion:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. -
Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, uncooked rice, sautéed onions and spices, green chilies, chicken broth, sour cream, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined. -
Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. -
Bake:
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the rice is tender. -
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Notes
-
Chicken Options: Use rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken, or cook fresh chicken breasts and shred them for this recipe.
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Rice Cooking Tip: If you prefer a more tender rice texture, you can pre-cook the rice before adding it to the casserole.
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Heat Level: Adjust the heat by using mild or hot green chiles depending on your preference. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or jalapeños for extra spice.
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This casserole also freezes well; simply cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: DINNER
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
