Description
A hearty and flavorful Southwest Chicken Casserole featuring tender chicken, black beans, corn, and a zesty salsa verde sauce baked with rice and topped with melted cheese. It’s an easy, all-in-one dish perfect for weeknight dinners with a blend of southwestern spices adding depth and warmth.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (long grain or Jasmine)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup frozen corn, defrosted
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 (16-ounce) jar salsa verde
- 1/2 cup shredded Colby Jack or Cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 2.5-quart casserole dish with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In the casserole dish, combine uncooked rice, garlic powder, sliced green onions, diced green chiles, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Prepare and Season Chicken: In a small bowl, mix chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken chunks to the casserole dish in a single layer and sprinkle the spice blend evenly over the chicken pieces.
- Add Beans, Corn, and Salsa: Layer the rinsed black beans and defrosted corn evenly over the chicken. Pour the salsa verde sauce evenly over the entire mixture. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to let the rice cook through and flavors meld.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with extra green onions, fresh cilantro, and avocado slices. Let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice; just be sure to rinse it beforehand and increase the cooking time and liquid slightly.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If your salsa verde is watery, simmer it on the stovetop for 10-15 minutes to thicken before adding to the casserole.
- For a golden crust, broil the casserole uncovered for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking—watch closely to prevent burning.
