This Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole is a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. With tender shredded chicken, zesty green chiles, and fire-roasted tomatoes, it’s packed with bold flavors and hearty ingredients. It’s a breeze to put together and offers a satisfying combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of spice. This casserole is a surefire way to impress everyone at the table!
Whenever I make this Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole, it’s like a celebration at our dinner table. My husband is a big fan of anything with a little spice, and this dish delivers just that, without being too overpowering. My kids, on the other hand, love the cheesy top and the creamy texture, and they ask for seconds every time! It’s become one of our go-to comfort meals—whether we’re watching a movie, having friends over, or just enjoying a cozy night at home, this casserole always hits the spot. It’s so easy to make, yet so packed with flavor that it feels like a special treat!
Why This Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole?
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of green chiles, fire-roasted tomatoes, and spices creates a perfect balance of heat and zest, while the cheese and yogurt make it irresistibly creamy.
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together with minimal effort, thanks to ingredients like cooked chicken, canned tomatoes, and frozen corn.
- Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein from chicken and Greek yogurt, plus fiber from brown rice and veggies, this casserole is both nutritious and comforting.
- Kid-Approved: The mild spice level and cheesy topping make this dish a family favorite, even among picky eaters.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or ingredients to make it your own—think diced avocado, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (10 g)
- 3 green onions, sliced thin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (5 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (2.5 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (2.5 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (1 g)
- Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breasts (300 g / 0.66 lb)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice (370 g / 0.8 lb)
- 1 (227 g / 8 oz) can diced green chiles
- 1 (396 g / 14 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup frozen corn, defrosted (70 g / 0.15 lb)
- 3/4 cup green enchilada sauce (180 g / 0.4 lb)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2% or full fat (125 g / 0.27 lb)
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided (85 g / 0.19 lb)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced green onions along with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes, until the onions are fragrant and slightly softened.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, cooked brown rice, diced green chiles, fire-roasted tomatoes, corn, enchilada sauce, and 1/4 cup (30 g) of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything well, ensuring the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through, about 3-5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and quickly stir in the Greek yogurt, mixing until the sauce becomes creamy.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese (about 55 g) over the top of the casserole. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. For added freshness, top with diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes:
- Substitutions: You can easily swap out the brown rice for white rice or even quinoa if you prefer. If you don’t have green enchilada sauce, red enchilada sauce can be a tasty alternative.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it perfect for meal prepping or serving guests.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add additional vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to boost the nutritional content of this dish.
- Spice Level: If you prefer more heat, add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the mix!
