Description
This Cheesy Taco Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and melted cheese. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
- 500g (1lb 1oz) Chicken Breast: Cubed
- 200g (1 cup) Basmati Rice: Rinsed
- 150g (5oz) Onion: Diced
- 10g (0.35oz) Garlic: Minced
- 150g (5oz) Red Bell Pepper: Diced
- 15ml (1 tbsp) Olive Oil
- 10g (2 tsp) Taco Seasoning
- 400g (14oz) Diced Tomatoes: Drained
- 250ml (1 cup) Vegetable Broth: Low-sodium
- 120ml (½ cup) Greek Yogurt: Full-fat
- 150g (5oz) Cheddar Cheese: Grated
- 100g (3½oz) Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded
- 2g (½ tsp) Smoked Paprika
- 1g (¼ tsp) Black Pepper
- 30ml (2 tbsp) Lime Juice
- 30g (2 tbsp) Cilantro: Chopped
- 1 Avocado: Sliced
- 1 Lime: Wedges
Instructions
- Prep & Preheat: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and oil a 23x33cm (9x13in) dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper in olive oil until softened.
- Brown Chicken: Add chicken, taco seasoning, and paprika; cook until lightly browned.
- Combine & Simmer: Stir in rice, tomatoes, broth, lime juice, and pepper; simmer covered for 5 minutes.
- Create Creamy Base: Remove from heat; fold in yogurt and cheeses until melted.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer to dish, spread evenly, and sprinkle with remaining cheddar.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Rest & Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Using full-fat Greek yogurt is key for a creamy texture. Avoid stirring during baking to maintain cheese melt.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg