Zesty Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Southern comfort meets zesty flavor in this mouthwatering green chile chicken and rice casserole that’s sure to become a dinnertime favorite.

Tender shredded chicken nestles perfectly between layers of fluffy rice and bold green chiles.

Packed with robust southwestern spices, this dish delivers a robust punch of flavor in every single bite.

Weeknight meals rarely get this delicious and easy to pull together.

Creamy, cheesy, and with just the right amount of heat, this casserole satisfies serious comfort food cravings.

Melted cheese blankets the top, creating a golden-brown crust that promises pure deliciousness.

Get ready to savor every single spoonful of this irresistible southwestern-inspired meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole: Ingredient Overview

• Shredded Chicken: Lean protein that adds hearty texture and fills the casserole with savory goodness, perfect for using leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken.
• Cooked Brown Rice: Wholesome whole grain providing nutty flavor and satisfying base, choose short-grain for better binding and texture.

• Green Onions, Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Dried Oregano: Aromatic blend that creates a zesty southwestern profile, awakening the dish with vibrant, warming notes.
• Green Chiles: Mild peppers delivering subtle heat and earthy undertones, choose fire-roasted for deeper complexity.
• Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Smoky, concentrated tomato flavor that adds depth and slight tanginess.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that creates golden, crispy top and rich undertone, select medium or sharp for robust flavor.
• Greek Yogurt: Creamy element providing tangy richness and smooth consistency, opt for full-fat version for better texture.
• Corn: Sweet kernel adding pop of freshness and subtle sweetness.
• Green Enchilada Sauce: Zesty liquid that ties all ingredients together, balances spices and adds moisture.

Tools You’ll Need for Green Chile Chicken Casserole

• Large oven-safe skillet: Essential for sautéing ingredients and baking the casserole.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cheese grater: Helpful for shredding fresh cheddar cheese.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping green onions and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Great for precise ingredient preparation.

Instructions to Make Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Southwest Comfort Fusion

A delightful blend of zesty flavors creating a hearty meal that brings warmth and excitement to your dinner table. This casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and bold green chile peppers for a mouthwatering experience.

• Flavor Building

Sauté aromatic spices in a skillet to release their deep, rich essence. Chili powder, cumin, and garlic create a robust foundation that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

• Ingredient Symphony

Combine shredded chicken, brown rice, green chiles, and fire-roasted tomatoes in the skillet. The magic happens when these ingredients mingle, creating layers of complex taste and texture.

• Creamy Transformation

Stir in smooth Greek yogurt to add a luxurious creaminess that softens the bold spices and brings everything together with a silky touch.

• Cheese Crown

Sprinkle generous amounts of sharp cheddar across the top, creating a golden, melty blanket that turns this dish into an irresistible masterpiece.

• Final Touch

Pull the bubbling casserole from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of brightness. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite.

Flavor Variations for Green Chile Chicken and Rice

• Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience. Save time by using pre-cooked or leftover chicken.
• Replace chicken with black beans or ground turkey for a different protein profile. Vegetarians can use plant-based chicken alternatives for a complete meal transformation.
• Adjust heat intensity by choosing mild or hot green chiles. Mix different chile varieties like poblano or jalapeño to create unique flavor combinations.
• Substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or cream cheese for richer consistency. Experiment with different dairy options to find your perfect creamy balance.
• Switch brown rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for lower-carb options. Explore different grains to match dietary preferences and nutritional needs.

How to Plate and Serve the Green Chile Casserole

• Southwestern Fiesta Plate: Serve this zesty casserole alongside a crisp green salad with avocado slices and a lime vinaigrette for a complete southwestern-inspired meal that bursts with fresh flavors.
• Protein Power Bowl: Transform leftovers into a hearty lunch by spooning the casserole over mixed greens, adding extra roasted corn, and topping with a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
• Party Appetizer Twist: Scoop the casserole into small tortilla cups or onto crispy tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing party appetizer that will have guests coming back for more spicy, cheesy bites.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Top the casserole with a perfectly fried egg and sprinkle of extra cilantro to create a mouthwatering brunch dish that combines comfort food with bright, bold southwestern flair.

Smart Storage Plan for Green Chile Chicken Casserole

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and divide into individual portions for quick weeknight meals. Freeze containers up to 3 months for easy grab-and-go dinners that taste freshly made.
• Refrigerator Magic: Store leftover casserole in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in microwave or oven, adding a splash of enchilada sauce to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Ingredient Prep Trick: Shred chicken and cook brown rice in advance during weekly meal prep. These components can be refrigerated separately for 3-4 days, making assembly faster and more convenient.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Assemble the entire casserole before baking, wrap tightly in aluminum foil, and freeze uncooked. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in refrigerator and bake directly from cold state, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time.

Sizzling Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty green chile chicken and rice casserole mingles Southwestern flavors with comfort food satisfaction. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and roasted chiles create a delicious meal home cooks will savor completely.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breasts
• ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 8 oz (226 g) diced green chiles
• 14 oz (397 g) fire-roasted tomatoes, drained
• ¾ cup green enchilada sauce
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup frozen corn, defrosted
• 3 green onions, sliced thin
• 2 tsps olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and position a spacious oven-safe skillet on medium heat with olive oil.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté green onions with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and dried oregano, releasing their fragrant essence for a brief moment.
3. Ingredient Symphony: Combine shredded chicken, brown rice, green chiles, fire-roasted tomatoes, corn kernels, green enchilada sauce, and initial portion of cheddar cheese, mixing thoroughly and seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Creamy Integration: Incorporate Greek yogurt into the skillet, stirring to create a smooth, cohesive mixture that marries all ingredients harmoniously.
5. Cheese Topping: Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese across the surface, creating a promising golden landscape.
6. Baking Transformation: Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, allowing cheese to melt into a bubbling, golden blanket.
7. Final Flourish: Garnish with fresh diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro, then serve immediately to capture the dish’s peak flavor and texture.

Notes

• Cheese Melting Tip: Choose a sharp cheddar for maximum flavor intensity and ensure even cheese distribution by grating it freshly.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for quick meal preparation.
• Spice Control: Adjust chili powder and green chiles to match personal heat preference, creating a customized spice level.
• Yogurt Stability: Add Greek yogurt off-heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency in the casserole.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg