Name: Loaded Mexican Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 500g (1.5lb) diced chicken breast, marinated with lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion (150g/5oz), diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper (120g/4oz), diced; 1 cup (240ml) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup (240ml) thawed corn kernels; 1 cup (240ml) cooked rice (or cauliflower rice); 1.5 cups (360ml) shredded cheddar cheese; 0.5 cup (120ml) sour cream (or plant-based alternative); 0.25 cup (60ml) salsa verde; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 0.5 tsp dried oregano; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp chopped cilantro; 1 lime, cut into wedges; 2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds

Description

This Loaded Mexican Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, beans, corn, and melted cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering a vibrant blend of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

500g (1.5lb) diced chicken breast, marinated with lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion (150g/5oz), diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper (120g/4oz), diced
1 cup (240ml) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup (240ml) thawed corn kernels
1 cup (240ml) cooked rice (or cauliflower rice)
1.5 cups (360ml) shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup (120ml) sour cream (or plant-based alternative)
0.25 cup (60ml) salsa verde
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
0.5 tsp dried oregano
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
1 lime, cut into wedges
2 tbsp toasted pumpkin seeds

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Instructions

Marinate Chicken: Combine chicken with lime juice, cumin, paprika, and salt; let sit for 10 minutes.
Sauté Chicken: Cook marinated chicken in olive oil until browned.
Build Flavor Base: Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in beans, corn, rice, salsa verde, cumin, paprika, oregano, and pepper.
Combine Chicken & Mixture: Return chicken to skillet and mix well.
Assemble Casserole: Spread mixture in a baking dish and top with cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest & Garnish: Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with jalapeño, pumpkin seeds, cilantro, sour cream, and lime wedges.

Notes

For a lower-carb option, substitute cauliflower rice for white rice. Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the spice level.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Bake
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 8 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 100 mg