Chicken Tinga Rice Casserole
Smoky chipotle chicken, seasoned rice, black beans, corn, and plenty of melted cheese come together in this easy Chicken Tinga Rice Casserole. This hearty Mexican-inspired dinner is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and feeding a hungry family.
- Prep Time: 20 MINS
- Cook Time: 35 MINUTES
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 SERVINGS 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: BAKED
- Cuisine: MEXICAN INSPIRED
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Tinga
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
For the Casserole
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Pico de gallo
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add tomatoes, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken and stir until coated. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, black beans, corn, salsa, lime juice, cilantro, and half of the cheeses.
- Fold in the chicken tinga mixture and mix well.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with desired toppings.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe.
- Add diced green chiles for extra flavor.
- For a creamier casserole, stir in 4 ounces softened cream cheese.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
- Adjust chipotle peppers to control heat level.
Find it online: https://www.firsthomelovelife.com/chicken-tinga-rice-casserole/