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Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole

Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole Your Family Will Adore

Chicken and Rice Queso Casserole is a quick, comforting dish that unites creamy queso with hearty chicken, perfect for family meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 1 tablespoon oil neutral oil like canola or olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken breast or rotisserie chicken
  • 1 ounce taco seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 15 ounces queso store-bought or homemade
  • ¾ cup half and half milk or cream can substitute
  • 4.5 ounces chopped green chiles optional
  • ¾ cup minced onion or onion powder
  • 2 cups instant white rice adjust cooking time for regular rice
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend or substitute with cheddar or Monterey Jack
Optional Garnish
  • fresh diced cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • 3-quart casserole dish
  • skillet
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 3-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked. Sprinkle in taco seasoning.
  3. Cook the instant white rice according to package directions (about 5-10 minutes) until fluffy and tender.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, queso, half and half, chopped green chiles, and minced onion. Stir until fully incorporated.
  5. Pour the rice mixture into the casserole dish, spread evenly, and layer the cooked chicken on top. Sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese blend over everything.
  6. Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes, then serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh diced cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.

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