Description
This Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole is a cheesy, flavorful, and easy dinner idea that brings all the bold flavors of chicken enchiladas into a simple one-dish bake. Perfect for weeknight meals, quick meal prep, or feeding a hungry family, this easy recipe is packed with tender chicken, enchilada sauce, creamy cheese, and rice. It’s one of the best comfort food ideas for anyone craving a quick dinner, hearty food idea, or healthy-ish snack. It’s gluten-free, customizable, and absolutely satisfying.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cups cooked white rice
1 1/2 cups red enchilada sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. If not using pre-cooked chicken, cook and shred your chicken ahead of time.
3. Cook the rice or use leftover rice. Let it cool slightly.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, rice, enchilada sauce, sour cream, green chilies, and taco seasoning. Mix well.
5. Spread half of the mixture in the prepared baking dish. Top with half the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
6. Add the remaining rice mixture and cover with the rest of the cheese.
7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
8. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
Use leftover rice or day-old rice for better texture—it absorbs flavor and doesn’t turn mushy.
Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
Make it spicier by adding chopped jalapeños or using a hot enchilada sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg