Dive into this Delicious Chicken & Rice Enchilada Casserole

Imagine perfectly combining the zesty flavors of enchiladas and the hearty gratification of a rice casserole into one irresistible dish. This Chicken & Rice Enchilada Casserole is a meal that's both easy to prepare and extremely delicious. This casserole is of course a blend of traditional enchilada components along with comforting rice. This recipe offers a delicious mix of tender chicken, enchilada sauce, and aromatic spices. It's a heartwarming one-pan meal that simplifies your cooking experience, which makes it perfect for those busy weeknights. Finishing with a golden-brown cheesy top really elevates the dish, and your guests will be begging for it to be served alongside your favorite sides or all on its own. This dish is not only delicious and filling, but also a practical choice for anyone looking to minimize clean-up without compromising on flavor.

In your baking dish, tender pieces of chicken will nicely nestle into the creamy rice. Each spoonful will be rich with the tastes of the enchilada sauce and the bold taste of spices. One of the joys of making this casserole lies in its effortless approach that requires minimal prep and utilizes the convenience of cooking everything together. Versatile add-ins like beans or corn allow you to tailor the casserole to your tastes or dietary preferences. Adding additional toppings like a dollop of sour cream, fresh tomato chunks, or a scoop of guacamole can also serve as the perfect complements. Serve alongside a fresh green salad and tortilla chips and you're ready to serve this as an entire meal for a party. Every bite offers the taste of carefully prepared ingredients, coming together to create a dish that's both comforting and impressive.

This Chicken & Rice Enchilada Casserole is a testament to good old-fashioned heartwarming food, the kind that always finds its way onto your table during family gatherings. With the option to prepare ahead for future meals, this casserole guarantees that comfort food is never far out of reach. Indulge in the textural contrasts of gooey cheese against the softness of rice. This casserole promises satisfaction in every spoonful and is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that's sure to become a family favorite.

How To Make This Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

Begin with a bed of Minute Instant White Rice, laying the foundation with well-seasoned grains for a nod to Mexican culinary heritage. Shred tenderly cooked and shredded chicken, creating a protein-rich layer that nicely blends into the rice. Drench the dish with a generous coat of your enchilada sauce, ensuring each grain and chicken piece is covered. Then add in your favorite veggies & beans. We opted for whole beans, corn and lots of gooey cheese. The casserole comes to life in the warmth of the oven and is topped with the sharp tang of onions, the herbal freshness of cilantro, and the juicy sweetness of diced tomatoes. This mix is so colorful and will start to draw your guests into the kitchen with its delicious smells.

Can I Substitute Chicken Breast?

Adaptable to your heart's desires, the Chicken & Rice Enchilada Casserole works with a wide range of proteins. Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey, pork, or beef, keeping the dish familiar yet also allowing for personal twists. For a plant-based variant, tofu, tempeh, or leaving just beans can replace the chicken, providing a meatless rendition still rich in flavors and textures. Seafood lovers can enjoy shrimp or airy flakes of white fish to make delightful seafood tasty enchiladas. Regardless of your choice, the transformation of proteins should be well prepared, and you should still adhere to proper cooking times to maintain the essence and safety of the dish.

For a Chicken & Rice Enchilada Casserole that screams authenticity, be sure to select quality ingredients. Other substitutions you can make are with the cheese. Here we did a Mexican medley to add lots of flavors, however if you don't have it on hand add in mozzarella, cheddar or your personal favorite. The flavor attraction, which greatly comes from the enchilada sauce, will seep into every corner and bite, with its signature taste. You can opt for green or red sauce here to achieve your desired flavor. Lastly adding in personal touches like black beans, corn, diced green chilies, green bell pepper, onions, jalapeños and cilantro can help to give this casserole that extra oomph. Whatever you enjoy in your enchiladas is totally up to you. Every component comes together so well to achieve the success of this Chicken & Rice Enchilada Casserole.

How To Serve & Store

Presentation is an art, especially with a dish as visually appealing as this Chicken & Rice Enchilada Casserole. Warm it well to allow the flavors to stretch out, reaching their optimum strength and character. Make sure when serving to cut the casserole into clean-cut portions, making it as much a delight to the eyes as it is to the mouth. Sprinkle some cilantro for some freshness, or a smooth slice of avocado or scoop of sour cream. Accompany this casserole with light, crispy tortilla chips or with fresh greens. These two things are the perfect pairing with the delicious casserole.

Can the Chicken & Rice Enchilada Casserole be made ahead of time and frozen?

Indeed, this delicious meal is a friend to those who plan ahead. Freeze it post-preparation for a taste of perfection on demand. Wrap it well and protect in an airtight container to fight against the chill until it's time to bring it back to life in the warmth of an oven. Flexibility is key with this dish, freeing you to enjoy it whenever the craving strikes. Once you are ready to reheat leftovers lies in preserving its quality. Warm your oven to 350°F to awaken the flavors gently. Cover the dish to trap moisture, keeping the casserole as succulent as when it was first baked. A final touch of cheese or adding a bit of additional enchilada sauce before reheating can also help the freshness of the original meal. Rediscovering the Chicken & Rice Enchilada Casserole the day after is welcomed experience, and ensures that not a bite of this meal goes to waste.

With its layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, delicious rice, and crowned with a golden cheesy crust, the casserole pleases with every bite. It's a classic blend of preferred flavors, a convenient meal that should easily provide leftovers, and a powerhouse of a home-cooked meal. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a dish that's sure to become a staple in your weekday routine.

Ingredients

3 cups Minute Instant White Rice, prepared according to the directions on packaging

3 cups shredded chicken

20-ounce enchilada sauce

16 oz refried beans

2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

2 cans of frozen corn

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

Optional Toppings: Avocado, Sour Cream, Diced Tomatoes, Diced Red Onion

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375. Prepare Minute Instant Rice according to the instructions on the box.

2. In a large mixing bowl mix together cooked rice, shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, refried beans, half of the shredded cheese, corn and taco seasoning.

3. Spread the mixture into an oiled casserole dish. Sprinkle the second half of cheese over top.

4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese on top is browned and bubbling. Serve and enjoy!

Other Minute Rice Recipes:

Quinoa Fried Rice: A Twist on the Classic with Minute Rice & Quinoa

Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Bowls made with Minute Rice

Other Delicious Mexican Recipes You Will Love:

Easy & Flavorful Fiesta in a Bowl: Ultimate Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe!

The Perfect Summer Meal: Grilled Chicken, Mexican Street Corn & Cucumber Salad

Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas

A Taste of the Southwest: Southwestern Chop Salad Recipe

Quinoa Fried Rice: A Twist on the Classic with Minute Rice & Quinoa

This fried rice recipe using quinoa instead of traditional white rice makes for a revolutionary dish that reimagines an all-time favorite teppanyaki staple of garlic fried rice. Leave your calorie and carb guilt behind as you indulge in this Deliciously Good Garlic Fried Rice & Quinoa Recipe. By incorporating quinoa into this recipe, you provide an alternative that still gives you the classic flavors of delicious fried rice. 

To bring this Garlic Fried Rice & Quinoa Recipe to life, you'll blend in the nutty flavors of quinoa with the delicious punch of garlic. Start with Minute Instant Rice & Quinoa to lay the perfect foundation for this recipe. Next you need the zest of fresh minced garlic cloves infusing the scent into every tasty bit. An array of vegetables like carrots and peas will make your dish not only nutritional, but very tasty. This lineup ensures that every forkful is full of different textures with just the right taste.

When Minute Instant Rice & Quinoa meets the pan with crispy garlic the result is a tasty version of the traditional fried rice. The Quinoa Fried Rice lies at the heart of our dish, taking a beloved classic and enriching it with added proteins. The crispy garlic cloves elevate your Minute Instant Rice & Quinoa, introducing a delight that crunches with every bite. In no time, this will become your go-to meal prep hero and be a savior during the hustle and bustle of the busy week. The meal is set up for success from the beginning with the aroma of garlic and onions setting the stage. Pre-cooked rice & quinoa helps to achieve the ideal texture. Sautéing garlic & butter enhances flavor and gives a crunchy flavor. When adding vegetables, feel free to mix and match them to your favorites. For today's recipe I chose classic carrots, onion & peas but feel free to substitute green beans, asparagus or peppers even. This is your dish, so be sure to customize it to your liking.

With Deliciously Good Garlic Fried Rice & Quinoa, we have crafted a dish with layers of flavors, rich in nutrients, all while bringing together a familiar favorite comfort food. This dish isn’t just a meal, it’s a celebration of versatility, at home alternatives, and above all, a love for good food that pleases the heart as much as it satisfies the palate. Serve alone or alongside your favorite protein. You can even top with spicy mayo or chili oil to give it an added kick, Bon Appétit!

Ingredients

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 scallions white, thinly chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 tablespoons butter

4 cups Minute Instant Rice & Quinoa, prepared according to package directions

1 small white onion, diced

1/2 cup frozen peas

1 carrot, chopped

1 cup green beans, chopped

2 tablespoon soy sauce

3 eggs

2 Tbsp sesame oil

1 cup chicken, cooked & chopped

Instructions

• Prepare Minute Instant Rice & Quinoa according to the directions on the packaging.

• While your Rice & Quinoa is being prepared, at medium-high, add a drizzle of olive oil to a pan and then scramble the eggs. Remove from pan

• Add garlic to the same pan and sauté in olive oil until fragrant, add in the carrots, peas, scallions, & onion sauté for 3-5 minutes.

• Stir in the soy sauce.

• Add in the sesame oil, the chicken, and prepared Minute Instant Rice & Quinoa and stir it all together. Add in butter and let cook around 3-4 minutes until crispy on edges turning and stirring until as crispy to your liking.

• Stir for 2-3 more minutes, adding in eggs. Serve & enjoy!!

• Additionally, you can add your favorite sauces - like chili olive oil to make it a bit spicy or spicy mayo for a creamy & spicy kick. As well as serving more chicken or other desired protein.

Other Delicious Rice Recipes:

Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Bowls made with Minute Rice

Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Bowls made with Minute Rice

Introducing the Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowl, a mouthwatering and flavorful delight made with the convenience of Minute Rice. With the harmonious blend of succulent chicken and savory flavors, this dish transforms your mealtime into a Mediterranean escapade. It's a perfect solution for those who crave the rich taste of a Mediterranean Cava Bowl dish, but require the simplicity and swiftness of a quick meal made at home. Mediterranean cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and healthy ingredients, and this rice bowl encapsulates all of that in a single dish. With this Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowl made with Minute Instant Basmati Rice, you can relish in a dish that's effortlessly flavorful.

The natural herbs and spices of this bowl creates an ensemble that will transport your taste buds to the shores of the bright blue Mediterranean Sea. Being both speedy and conveniently made with Minute Instant Basmati Rice cuts your kitchen time, bringing forth a dish that's as quick to prepare as it is delightful to devour. This filling meal also gives a colorful array of vegetables and with lean chicken it provides a meal that's not only pleasing to the eye but also beneficial for your health. No two bowls have to be the same, so go ahead and completely customize the recipe to your heart's desire, giving a perfect balance for any palate.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and the ease with which you can interchange ingredients and make completely customizable:

- The Base: Opt for Minute Instant Basmati Rice for expedience in both texture consistency and nutrition.

- The Protein: At the heart is the marinated Mediterranean chicken, yet you can pivot to falafel or tofu for a plant-based version.

- The Crunch: Vibrant vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onions introduce a refreshing crunch, but don't hesitate to switch to bell peppers or leafy greens if preferred.

- The Creamy: Tzatziki is the go-to for a creamy zest, but baba ghanoush is equally impressive and accommodating for dairy-free diets.

- The Garnish: Feta cheese imparts a salty bite; whereas, kalamata olives bring a hint of brine; for the dairy-averse, vegan cheese provides a wonderful alternative.

The foundation of our Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowl begins with quick and easy Minute Instant Basmati Rice. Minute Instant Basmati Rice is perfectly chosen for its neutral taste that embraces and compliments rich flavors of the Mediterranean. Its fluffiness and perfect grain separation are essentials, ensuring the rice is an ideal canvas for the herbs and spices. Seasoning the base with the right herbs can elevate the rice from ordinary to an extraordinary well-balanced meal. Life is made so much easier with quick, precooked rice.

Discover the delights of the Mediterranean Chicken Rice Bowl made with Minute Instant Basmati Rice. This meal is a culinary journey that's wholesome, flavorful, and, most importantly, within the comforts of your home. Whether it's a quick weeknight dinner or a sumptuous weekend feast, this dish promises to please palates, while fitting seamlessly into your bustling lifestyle. See preparation instructions below. Bon appétit!

Ingredients:

Serving Size 1 Bowl

1 cup plus more store-bought Greek vinaigrette

1 grilled chicken breast

1 cup arugula lettuce

1 cup Minute Instant Basmati Rice

1/4 cup cucumbers sliced in moon shape

1/4 cup diced tomatoes

1/4 cup pickled red onion

Tzatziki Sauce

Hummus

Feta

Directions:

1. Wash and pat dry chicken breast and add to a plastic bag with 1 cup store-bought Greek vinaigrette for marinating. Once marinated to your liking, cook on a heated skillet and chop into bite-sized pieces.

2. Cut all vegetables on a cutting board and set aside.

3. Prepare Minute Instant Basmati Rice according to instructions on the box.

4. Assemble the bowls. Lay a bed of arugula lettuce, top with rice, chicken, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion. Add toppings as much as you desire. Tzatziki sauce, crumbles of feta and hummus. Serve immediately and enjoy!