Tomato Cream Mexican Chicken Casserole 3 Recipe

When you’re craving a cozy, flavor-packed meal with the convenience of a single dish, this cheesy chicken and rice casserole is exactly what you need to satisfy any comfort food hankering!

I love making dishes that are bright and blend together a lot of different flavors and textures. My Mexican Tomato Cream Chicken Casserole does exactly that.

This good-sized dish melts together juicy chicken with the spicy comedic relief of cumin and chili powder, then brings it all together in a three-way scream of sourness, heaviness, and cheese. That’s right: it is delivered via sour cream, heavy cream, and two different kinds of cheese.

And it’s just as good as it sounds!

Tomato Cream Mexican Chicken Casserole 3 Recipe Ingredients

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Chicken Breast: High in protein, low in fat, supports muscle growth.

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Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and tang, contains healthy fats.

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Black Beans: Rich in fiber, plant-based protein, aids digestion.

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Cheddar Cheese: Provides calcium, tangy flavor, and creamy texture.

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Rice: Source of carbohydrates, adds bulk and energy.

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Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds zest and vitamin C.

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Cumin: Earthy spice, enhances flavor, may aid digestion.

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Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild flavor, adds creaminess, rich in calcium.

Tomato Cream Mexican Chicken Casserole 3 Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed

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How to Make this Tomato Cream Mexican Chicken Casserole 3 Recipe

1. Set your oven to a temperature of 350° Fahrenheit (175° Celsius). Take an oven-safe dish measuring 9 x 13 inches and prepare it so that the mixed ingredients will not stick. You can use a cooking spray, for example, to achieve that effect.

2. In a big frying pan, warm the olive oil over a medium flame. Toss in the chunks of chicken and sprinkle them with the spices: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the meat is white through and browned in spots, about 5 to 7 minutes.

3. Incorporate the chopped green pepper into the skillet, letting it sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until it shows signs of softening.

4. Add the chopped tomatoes mixed with green chiles, the black beans, and the thawed corn. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is nice and hot.

5. In a big mixing bowl, combine the rice, sour cream, heavy cream, and half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Mix well to combine.

6. Combine the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture with the contents of the bowl and stir until evenly combined.

7. Move the mixture into the baking dish that has been prepped, and make sure it is distributed evenly throughout the dish.

8. Scatter the leftover cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses atop the casserole.

9. In the oven set to preheat, bake for 25-30 minutes, or until melted and bubbly is the cheese.

10. Take the casserole out from the oven. Allow it to sit for a while after taking it out from the oven. Serve it with a garnish of freshly chopped cilantro.

Tomato Cream Mexican Chicken Casserole 3 Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9 x 13-inch oven-safe baking dish
3. Cooking spray (or alternative)
4. Large frying pan
5. Stove
6. Mixing spoon or spatula
7. Large mixing bowl
8. Measuring spoons
9. Knife
10. Cutting board
11. Can opener

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?A: Yes, you can use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a different flavor. They will work as substitutes.
• Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?A: Absolutely! You can put together the casserole a day ahead of time, and it can hang out in the fridge until you’re set to pop it in the oven.
• Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?A: As a lighter alternative to heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk.
• Q: Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?A: Yes, you can substitute chicken for more beans or tofu in order to make a vegetarian version.
• Q: How should I store leftovers?A: Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if they are stored in an airtight container.
• Q: Can I freeze this casserole?A: Yes, you can freeze an assembled casserole before baking. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake it according to the recipe’s instructions.
• Q: What can I serve with this casserole?A: Pair it with a side salad, tortilla chips, or guacamole for a complete meal.

Tomato Cream Mexican Chicken Casserole 3 Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of using chicken breasts that are both boneless and skinless, opt for chicken thighs that are both boneless and skinless for a juicier result.
Use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a distinct flavor profile.
Instead of chili powder, use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a even more deliciously tangy and lighter version.
Substitute pepper jack cheese for Monterey Jack cheese and get a much hotter result.

Pro Tips

1. Use Fresh Spices For a more vibrant flavor, consider using freshly ground spices. Toasting whole cumin seeds and grinding them yourself can add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

2. Cheese Layering Reserve a small amount of the cheese to add during the last 5 minutes of baking. This will create a beautifully melted top layer that is perfect for serving.

3. Rice Texture Use slightly undercooked rice in the mixture to ensure it doesn’t get mushy after baking. This helps maintain a good texture in the final dish.

4. Crispy Chicken For extra texture, sear the chicken pieces in small batches to give each piece a nice caramelized crust before adding the spices. This can enhance the overall flavor profile.

5. Customizable Heat If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced fresh jalapeños to the chicken along with the spices. For a milder version, use regular diced tomatoes instead of those with green chilies.