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southwest chicken casserole
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southwest chicken casserole

Southwest Chicken Casserole is the ultimate fusion of comfort food and bold Southwestern flavors. Loaded with juicy chicken, hearty beans, tender rice, gooey cheese, and zesty spices, this all-in-one meal is everything you want in a weeknight dinner. It's baked to perfection in one dish, making it incredibly convenient and super satisfying. Whether you're cooking for the family, hosting friends, or planning your weekly meal prep, this casserole delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: chicken
Calories: 430
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or chopped
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice
  • 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn
  • 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro sour cream, avocado, tortilla strips

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. In the baking dish, combine the cooked chicken, uncooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juices), sautéed onion, chicken broth, and all the seasonings. Stir everything together until well mixed.
  4. Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Return the dish to the oven uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with fresh cilantro, avocado, or your favorite fixings.

Notes

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave in individual portions.