Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prep
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange a rack in the middle position. This sets the right temperature so the casserole bakes evenly.
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Coat all edges so the cheesy top releases cleanly.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, sour cream, and 1 cup cheese. Mix until fully combined so every bite is seasoned.
Bake
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use gentle pressure to level the surface for consistent baking.
- Top with the remaining cheese. Covering the casserole helps create a browned, melted layer.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until hot and bubbly. Look for bubbling around the edges and melted cheese across the top.
Finish
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Resting helps the filling set so it slices cleanly.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onion. Add them right before serving for fresh color and aroma.
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, or tortilla chips. Offer toppings so each portion can be customized.
Notes
Pro tip: if your cooked Mexican rice is a little dry, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of water or extra sour cream so the casserole stays creamy after baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing is yes—freeze in a sealed container up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cheese and reduced-fat sour cream to cut calories while keeping the Tex-Mex flavor.
