Description
This Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, aromatic spices, creamy sour cream, and melted cheeses baked to perfection. It combines long-grain white rice with spicy green chilies and a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses for a crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies, drained
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely diced onion and sauté until soft, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and paprika; cook everything together for another minute to release the spices’ flavors.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir the rice into the skillet, coating it thoroughly with the spices and aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the broth is simmering, add the cooked chicken, diced green chilies, and sour cream. Mix everything well to combine all flavors uniformly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly top with shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the rice is tender.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired to add freshness and color.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hot green chilies instead of mild.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Make sure the rice is fully cooked and tender before serving to avoid a crunchy texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for a zesty twist.
