Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Arroz con Pollo Casserole! Imagine a creamy, cheesy dish that combines tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a symphony of Latin-inspired flavors that will transport you straight to a vibrant kitchen south of the border. This recipe isn't just a meal; it's a celebration of comfort food that promises to become an instant family favorite, guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Latin American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 can diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add the diced green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the casserole base.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the ingredients to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for added flavor and color.
Tips
- Use day-old rice for the best texture - slightly drier rice helps prevent a soggy casserole.
- For extra flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken or seasoning your chicken with cumin and paprika before shredding.
- Don't skip letting the casserole rest after baking - this helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or a Mexican cheese mix for added complexity.
- If you want a crispy top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Make this dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then baking when ready to serve - perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 311kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 75mg
