Description
A comforting casserole layered with shredded chicken, rice, beans, and cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups cooked brown or white rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 6 medium flour tortillas
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. I always take a moment here to set out all my ingredients so layering feels easy and relaxed.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, corn, salsa, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated. The aroma of spices mixing with warm rice and chicken is already a preview of what’s to come.
- Place two tortillas at the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly. Spread one-third of the chicken mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle a generous handful of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers two more times: tortillas, chicken mixture, cheese. The final layer should end with plenty of cheese — this is what creates that golden, bubbling top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps everything set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- When you cut into it, you’ll see distinct, colorful layers held together by melted cheese. It’s hearty, satisfying, and exactly what comfort food should be.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg