Description
Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole is a comforting, weeknight-friendly dish that delivers bold, cheesy flavor in every bite. Tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, and zesty enchilada sauce simmer into a creamy bake, topped with melty cheese. This gluten-free casserole comes together in minutes and bakes to a satisfying, one-dish meal—perfect for busy families. Great for meal prep; reheat leftovers, customize with corn, chilies, or beans, and serve with cilantro, avocado, or sour cream.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cooked rice, enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, corn, and green chilies.
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Add desired toppings and enjoy.
Notes
- Gluten-free if using certified gluten-free enchilada sauce and diced tomatoes.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven.
- Adjust spiciness with green chilies or additional chili powder.
- Variations: swap in brown rice or add black beans for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 50 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
Keywords: Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole, 5-Ingredient Dinner, Weeknight Dinner, Gluten Free Casserole, Mexican Rice Bake, Easy Chicken Casserole