Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

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If you’re craving all the comfort of enchiladas but without the hassle of rolling tortillas, this Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole is about to become your new go-to dinner. It’s warm, hearty, cheesy, and full of that zesty enchilada flavor we all know and love. The best part? Everything bakes together in one dish, making it a weeknight winner and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Imagine layers of tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, spicy enchilada sauce, sweet corn, and melty cheese—each bite wrapped in a bold Mexican-inspired flavor profile. This dish combines ease with comfort, transforming simple ingredients into something totally crave-worthy. You can prep it ahead, bake it fresh, or even freeze it for a future meal.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

This casserole hits that sweet spot between a homemade meal and a quick dinner fix. It’s family-friendly, endlessly customizable, and perfect for using up leftover chicken or cooked rice. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for days.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

You can use rotisserie chicken for maximum convenience, but feel free to use any cooked, shredded chicken you have on hand. Grilled, baked, or poached chicken all work well. Just make sure it’s seasoned enough to complement the bold flavors of the enchilada sauce.

Ingredients for the Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

This casserole uses a handful of pantry staples and a few fridge-friendly ingredients to build its bold flavor. Everything works together to bring warmth, texture, and that unmistakable enchilada vibe.

• Cooked rice: Provides the hearty base and soaks up all the saucy flavor.
• Shredded cooked chicken: The star protein that makes it filling and satisfying.
• Enchilada sauce: Brings the bold, smoky, spicy character to the whole dish.
• Black beans: Adds creaminess and protein, balancing the textures.
• Corn kernels: Offer bursts of sweetness that contrast with the spicy sauce.
• Diced green chiles: Add just the right amount of tangy heat.
• Mexican cheese blend: Melts beautifully for a gooey, golden finish.
• Chopped cilantro: Brightens everything up with a fresh herbal kick.

How To Make the Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together the cooked rice, shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, green chiles, and half the shredded cheese until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Transfer and Top

Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake

Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.

Serving and Storing This Casserole

This Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole feeds about 6 to 8 people depending on portion size, making it a perfect family dinner or potluck dish. Serve it hot straight from the oven with a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.

Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

What to Serve With Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole?

Fresh Avocado Slices

Their creamy texture balances the spice and adds a cooling element.

Garden Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

A crisp, citrusy salad brings contrast to the rich casserole.

Mexican Street Corn

For a little extra indulgence, serve this on the side with crumbly cotija cheese.

Tortilla Chips and Salsa

Perfect for scooping or serving on the side with a little crunch.

Sour Cream and Lime Crema

Cool and tangy, this combo makes every bite feel lighter.

Pickled Jalapeños

If you like a little kick, these will spice things up beautifully.

Refried Beans

Another warm and filling addition that pairs naturally with enchiladas.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you’re hooked on cozy, easy-to-make casseroles like this one, you should check out these delicious dishes next:

• Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a fun twist on enchilada flavor.
• Creamy Chicken and Broccoli for a comforting veggie-packed favorite.
• Easy Baked Burrito Casserole if you love that layered Tex-Mex flavor.
• Creamy Cajun Linguine when you’re craving creamy pasta with a kick.
• Chicken and Dressing Casserole for something Southern and soul-warming.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest casserole board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra spice? Swap in brown rice or quinoa? Maybe tried it with green enchilada sauce?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Drop your thoughts or questions and let’s keep inspiring each other in the kitchen.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinner and comfort meals on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next family favorite.

Conclusion

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a cozy dinner with leftovers for tomorrow, this Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole makes it easy to serve comfort in a dish. It brings together bold Mexican flavor, gooey cheese, and satisfying ingredients in one warm, bubbling bake. It’s proof that casseroles never go out of style—especially when they taste this good.

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