Zesty Southwest Chicken & Rice Casserole
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Zesty Southwest Chicken & Rice Casserole, where tender chunks of chicken meet fluffy rice, all enveloped in a creamy blend of spices and cheese. With a delightful kick from jalapeños and the aromatic essence of cumin and cilantro, this dish promises to awaken your taste buds. It's perfect for family dinners or gatherings, serving up to 6 hearty portions. Pair it with a crisp green salad, and you’ll have a complete meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked rice
2 cups (Cook according to package instructions.)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 medium (Chopped into bite-sized pieces after sautéing.)
Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup (Shredded.)
evaporated milk
1 cup (Use as is.)
red onion
1.5 tablespoons (Finely chopped.)
large eggs
2 (Lightly beaten.)
cilantro
1/4 cup (Finely chopped.)
cumin
1 teaspoon (Use as is.)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (Use as is.)
jalapeños
2 tablespoons (Seeded and diced.)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Southwest Chicken & Rice Casserole?
It is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy blend of Southwest spices and cheese.
How many people does this casserole serve?
This recipe serves up to 6 people.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include cooked rice, chicken breasts, Monterey Jack cheese, evaporated milk, and eggs.
Is this recipe spicy?
The casserole has a zesty kick from jalapeños and cumin, but it is generally considered family-friendly.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
Monterey Jack cheese is used for its excellent melting quality and mild flavor.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken breasts should be sautéed and then chopped into bite-sized pieces.
What kind of milk is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of evaporated milk to create a creamy texture.
Do I need to cook the rice before assembling the casserole?
Yes, you should use 2 cups of rice cooked according to package instructions.
How many eggs are used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 large eggs, lightly beaten.
What spices provide the Southwest flavor?
The flavor comes from cumin, cilantro, and diced jalapeños.
How much cumin is added?
One teaspoon of cumin is used.
What amount of jalapeños should I use?
The recipe suggests 2 tablespoons of seeded and diced jalapeños.
Is red onion included in this dish?
Yes, the recipe uses 1.5 tablespoons of finely chopped red onion.
How much cilantro is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh cilantro.
What side dish pairs well with this casserole?
A crisp green salad is the perfect accompaniment to this hearty meal.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is classified as a one-dish meal, making it easy for family dinners.
How much salt is added?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What is the texture of the casserole?
The casserole is described as creamy and satisfying with fluffy rice.
How should the jalapeños be prepared to manage heat?
The jalapeños should be seeded and diced to control the level of spiciness.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
While the recipe specifies sautéing chicken breasts, pre-cooked chopped chicken can be used as a shortcut.
Is Monterey Jack the only cheese option?
While Monterey Jack is traditional for this recipe, you could substitute it with a Mexican blend or Pepper Jack for more heat.
How fine should the red onion be chopped?
The red onion should be finely chopped so it distributes evenly throughout the casserole.
What makes this a 'comfort food' recipe?
The combination of protein, starch, and a creamy cheese sauce makes it a classic comfort food.
Is the cilantro cooked in the casserole?
Yes, the 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro is mixed into the casserole ingredients.
How much Monterey Jack cheese is needed?
One cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese is required.
Can I make this for a gathering?
Yes, with 6 servings, it is perfect for small gatherings or large families.
What size are the chicken pieces?
The chicken should be chopped into bite-sized pieces for consistent texture.
Is this recipe categorized as hearty?
Yes, it is tagged as a hearty and satisfying meal.
What type of chicken meat is used?
The recipe calls for 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Are the eggs beaten before adding?
Yes, the 2 large eggs should be lightly beaten before being incorporated into the mixture.