Rice & Beans

Chicken And Rice Casserole

Name: Chicken And Rice Casserole
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless; 2 cups (400g) uncooked white rice; 2 cups (250g) mixed vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp (5g) ground cumin; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth; 1 can (14.5 oz/410g) diced tomatoes

By Zadie Penhallow · June 19, 2026 · Rice & Beans

Prep30 min

Cook40 min

Total70 min

Serves8

I still remember the first time I tasted my abuela's Chicken And Rice Casserole. It was a cold winter evening, and the whole family had gathered at her house for dinner. The aroma of toasted spices and roasted chicken filled the air, making our mouths water in anticipation. When she finally brought out the casserole, we all dug in, and the flavors just exploded in our mouths. It was love at first bite!

As I grew older, I realized that the secret to my abuela's casserole lay not just in the ingredients, but in the technique and the love that went into making it. She would spend hours in the kitchen, carefully toasting the spices, roasting the chicken, and cooking the rice to perfection. And when she finally assembled the casserole, it was like a work of art.

Today, I want to share my abuela's recipe with you, so you can experience the same love and warmth that we felt around her dinner table. This Chicken And Rice Casserole is a true reflection of Mexican cuisine, with its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and hearty portions. It's a dish that's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner, a party, or just a cozy night in.

So, let's get started on this culinary journey, and I'll guide you through every step of the way. With a little patience, love, and practice, you'll be making this casserole like a pro, and your family and friends will be begging for more.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of traditional Mexican ingredients, such as dried chiles, tomatillos, and cilantro, along with some more modern twists, like chicken breasts and canned tomatoes. We'll also be employing some classic Mexican cooking techniques, such as toasting spices and charring vegetables, to bring out the deepest, richest flavors in our dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal supervision.
It's a great way to feed a large crowd, as it serves 8-10 people.
The casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
It's a very versatile dish, as you can customize it to your taste by adding or subtracting ingredients.
It's a budget-friendly option, as it uses affordable ingredients and can be made in large quantities.
It's a perfect dish for a weeknight dinner, as it's quick and easy to prepare.
It's also a great option for a special occasion, as it's impressive and delicious.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this casserole's success lies in its layers of flavor. We start by toasting the spices and chiles, which gives the dish a deep, smoky flavor. Then, we add the roasted chicken, which provides a rich, meaty flavor. The cooked rice and vegetables add texture and freshness, while the tomato sauce brings everything together.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of the right ingredients. We're using high-quality chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices to create a dish that's not only delicious but also nutritious. And, by cooking the rice and chicken separately before assembling the casserole, we ensure that each component is cooked to perfection.

Finally, the resting time is crucial in this recipe. By letting the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving, we allow the flavors to meld together, and the rice to absorb all the juices. This results in a dish that's not only flavorful but also tender and moist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to the ingredients, we're using a combination of traditional Mexican staples, such as dried chiles, tomatillos, and cilantro, along with some more modern ingredients, like chicken breasts and canned tomatoes. We're also using some aromatic spices, like cumin and oregano, to add depth and warmth to the dish.

When shopping for the ingredients, make sure to choose high-quality chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. You can find most of the ingredients at your local grocery store, but if you're having trouble finding some of the more exotic ingredients, you can try looking at a Mexican market or online.

1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, bonelessWe're using boneless chicken breasts for this recipe, as they're easier to cook and more tender than bone-in chicken. Make sure to choose high-quality chicken breasts that are fresh and have no added hormones or preservatives.
2 cups (400g) uncooked white riceWe're using white rice for this recipe, as it's a classic Mexican staple and pairs well with the other ingredients. You can also use brown rice if you prefer, but it will change the flavor and texture of the dish slightly.
2 cups (250g) mixed vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppersWe're using a mix of colorful vegetables to add texture and freshness to the dish. You can customize the vegetables to your taste, but make sure to choose ones that are in season and fresh.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilWe're using olive oil to cook the chicken and vegetables, as it adds a rich and fruity flavor to the dish. You can also use other oils, such as avocado or grapeseed, if you prefer.
1 onion, dicedWe're using a diced onion to add flavor and texture to the dish. Make sure to choose a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor.
2 cloves garlic, mincedWe're using minced garlic to add a pungent flavor to the dish. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your taste, but make sure to use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
1 tsp (5g) ground cuminWe're using ground cumin to add a warm and earthy flavor to the dish. You can also use whole cumin seeds if you prefer, but make sure to toast them first to bring out the flavor.
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoWe're using dried oregano to add a pungent and earthy flavor to the dish. You can also use fresh oregano if you prefer, but make sure to use it sparingly as it can be quite potent.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltWe're using salt to enhance the flavor of the dish and bring out the other ingredients. You can adjust the amount of salt to your taste, but make sure to use a high-quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperWe're using black pepper to add a sharp and pungent flavor to the dish. You can adjust the amount of pepper to your taste, but make sure to use freshly ground pepper for the best flavor.
2 cups (475ml) chicken brothWe're using chicken broth to add moisture and flavor to the dish. You can use low-sodium broth if you prefer, but make sure to choose a high-quality broth that's made with real chicken and vegetables.
1 can (14.5 oz/410g) diced tomatoesWe're using canned diced tomatoes to add flavor and moisture to the dish. You can also use fresh tomatoes if you prefer, but make sure to cook them down first to bring out the flavor.

Ingredients for Chicken And Rice Casserole

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula9x13 inch baking dish

How to Make Chicken And Rice Casserole

1
Preheat the oven to 375 F (190 C).
2
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp (15g) of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it's translucent and starting to brown, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4
Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they're tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
In a separate pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the uncooked rice and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
6
In a large bowl, whisk together the cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked rice and stir until it's well coated with the spice mixture.
7
Add the cooked vegetables and stir until they're well combined with the rice and spice mixture.
8
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbsp (15g) of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they're browned on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 165 F (74 C). Check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the breast.
9
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
10
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice and vegetable mixture, the sliced chicken, and the diced tomatoes. Stir until everything is well combined.
11
Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the flavors have melded together.
12
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned.
13
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions if desired.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, to get the best flavor out of the dish.
Don't overcook the chicken or the rice, as it can become dry and tough.
Use a variety of colorful vegetables to add texture and freshness to the dish.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to find the flavor combination that you like best.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving, as it allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb all the juices.
You can customize the dish to your taste by adding or subtracting ingredients, such as diced ham or chopped bell peppers.
Make sure to use a large enough baking dish, as the casserole will expand during cooking.
You can make the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the chicken to the correct internal temperature, which can result in food poisoning.
Overcooking the rice or the chicken, which can make the dish dry and tough.
Not using enough liquid in the dish, which can result in a dry and crumbly texture.
Not letting the casserole rest before serving, which can result in a dish that's not flavorful or tender.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a dish that's not flavorful or nutritious.
Not customizing the dish to your taste, which can result in a dish that's not enjoyable or satisfying.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding diced ham or chopped bacon to the dish for a smoky flavor.
Using different types of vegetables, such as zucchini or carrots, to add texture and freshness.
Using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, to add flavor and creaminess.
Using different types of protein, such as ground beef or shredded chicken, to change the flavor and texture.
Adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or scallions on top of the casserole for a fresh and flavorful garnish.
Using a variety of spices and seasonings, such as cumin or chili powder, to add depth and warmth to the dish.
Making the casserole in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for a hands-off and convenient meal.

What to Serve With Chicken And Rice Casserole

This Chicken And Rice Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as a green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm tortillas. You can also customize the dish to your taste by adding or subtracting ingredients, such as diced ham or chopped bell peppers.

Some other ideas for serving this casserole include serving it with a side of spicy salsa or sour cream, or using it as a filling for tacos or burritos. You can also make it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use, making it a great option for meal prep or a quick and easy dinner.

Serve with a side of spicy salsa or sour creamUse as a filling for tacos or burritosServe with a green salad or roasted vegetablesUse as a main dish for a weeknight dinnerServe at a special occasion, such as a birthday or holidayMake ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for later use

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Chicken And Rice Casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze.

When reheating the casserole, make sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) to ensure food safety. You can reheat it in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop, depending on your preference. If reheating in the oven, cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake at 350 F (180 C) for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

It's also important to note that the casserole will expand during cooking, so make sure to use a large enough baking dish. You can also make the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use, making it a great option for meal prep or a quick and easy dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the internal temperature that the chicken should reach?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) to ensure food safety.

Can I use different types of protein in this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of protein, such as ground beef or shredded chicken, to change the flavor and texture of the dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. Just make sure to reheat it to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) before serving.

What are some ideas for serving this casserole?

You can serve this casserole with a variety of sides, such as a green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm tortillas. You can also customize the dish to your taste by adding or subtracting ingredients, such as diced ham or chopped bell peppers.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag.

What is the best way to reheat this casserole?

You can reheat this casserole in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop, depending on your preference. Just make sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) to ensure food safety.

Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use leftover chicken in this recipe. Just make sure to shred or chop it into small pieces before adding it to the casserole.

What are some variations of this recipe?

You can customize this recipe to your taste by adding or subtracting ingredients, such as diced ham or chopped bell peppers. You can also use different types of protein, such as ground beef or shredded chicken, to change the flavor and texture of the dish.

The Full Recipe

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