Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Brown Rice Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Brown Rice Casserole. Packed with tender, cubed chicken breasts, wholesome brown rice, and a medley of nutritious ingredients, this dish is not only delicious but also heart-healthy. By incorporating fat-free Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and adding protein-rich black beans, this recipe cuts down on unnecessary fats without sacrificing flavor. The addition of frozen corn and zesty green chilies brings a delightful texture and burst of flavor, while a generous topping of low-fat cheddar cheese guarantees melty goodness in every bite. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this casserole can be made in advance and easily reheated for a quick yet satisfying meal any night of the week.
N/A
Servings
320
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken breasts
2 cups (cooked and cubed)
Cooked brown rice
4 cups (boiled (Success Boil-in-Bag cooks in 10 minutes))
Frozen corn
3/4 cup (none)
Black beans
1 can (15 ounces) (drained and rinsed)
Fat-free Greek yogurt
1 cup (or sour cream)
Green chilies
1 can (4 ounces) (none)
Salsa
1 cup (none)
Low-fat cheddar cheese
1 cup (plus more for topping)
Fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cubed chicken breasts, cooked brown rice, frozen corn, drained and rinsed black beans, Greek yogurt, green chilies, salsa, and one cup of low-fat cheddar cheese.
3
Stir the mixture thoroughly, ensuring that the yogurt and cheese are evenly distributed throughout.
4
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste for added flavor.
5
Pour the combined mixture into an oven-safe casserole dish. If desired, sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy finish.
6
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
7
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
8
For meal prep, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Simply cover and refrigerate it. Before reheating, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
42g
Carbs
24g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Brown Rice Casserole?
It is a comfort food dish featuring chicken, brown rice, black beans, corn, and a creamy cheese sauce made with Greek yogurt.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does it take to bake?
The casserole should be baked for 20 to 25 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
How many calories are per serving?
Each serving contains 320 calories.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 24g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this casserole?
This recipe contains 4g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this meal?
There are 42g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I substitute the fat-free Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt if preferred.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is perfect for meal prep as it can be made in advance and easily reheated.
What type of chicken should I use?
Use 2 cups of chicken breasts that have been cooked and cubed.
What kind of rice is recommended?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of cooked brown rice, specifically suggesting Success Boil-in-Bag which cooks in 10 minutes.
Are there black beans in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes one 15-ounce can of black beans, drained and rinsed.
What type of cheese should be used?
Low-fat cheddar cheese is used both inside the mixture and as a topping.
How many green chilies are needed?
You will need one 4-ounce can of green chilies.
Is corn included in this casserole?
Yes, use 3/4 cup of frozen corn.
How much salsa is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of salsa.
What garnish is suggested?
Fresh chopped cilantro is recommended for garnish.
Why is Greek yogurt used?
It is used in place of sour cream to cut down on unnecessary fats without sacrificing flavor.
Do I need to season the mixture?
Yes, season with salt and pepper to taste before baking.
Can I add extra cheese on top?
Yes, you can sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top for a cheesier finish.
How should I prepare the casserole for meal prep?
Prepare the mixture, cover it, and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before reheating.
What makes this casserole zesty?
The addition of green chilies and salsa provides a zesty flavor profile.
Is this dish considered heart-healthy?
Yes, by using fat-free Greek yogurt and low-fat cheese, it is designed to be a heart-healthy version of comfort food.
How much cilantro should I use?
Use 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped cilantro for the garnish.
Do I need to cook the rice before mixing?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 4 cups of already cooked brown rice.
What should the cheese look like when it is done?
The cheese should be melted and bubbly after 20-25 minutes in the oven.
Is the chicken raw when added to the mix?
No, the chicken should be cooked and cubed before being combined with other ingredients.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients listed in the recipe.
How long should the casserole cool?
Let it cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving.
Should the beans be rinsed?
Yes, the black beans should be both drained and rinsed before adding to the mixture.