Description
Pioneer Woman Tex Mex Chicken Casserole brings zesty southwestern flavors to dinner tables with bold Mexican-inspired ingredients. Layers of shredded chicken, spicy seasonings, and melted cheese create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
Base and Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed
- ½ white onion, diced
- 1 (15-ounce / 425 grams) can of tomato sauce
- 1 (10-ounce / 280 grams) can of diced tomatoes and green chiles
- 2 (8.8-ounce / 250 grams) bags of microwaveable white rice
- 1 ½ cups grated pepper jack cheese, lightly packed
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by heating olive oil (30 milliliters or 2 tablespoons) in a deep skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce minced garlic, diced onions, chili powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, black pepper, and ground turmeric. Sauté the mixture, stirring consistently until onions transform to a translucent state and spices release their robust fragrance, approximately 3 minutes.
- Pour tomato sauce and diced tomatoes with green chiles into the seasoned skillet. Fold in shredded chicken, ensuring thorough and even distribution of ingredients throughout the mixture.
- Directly introduce microwaveable white rice into the skillet, gently stirring to guarantee uniform integration. Maintain medium heat, allowing the rice to warm through and gradually absorb the rich tomato sauce, which typically requires 5-6 minutes.
- Lower the cooking temperature to minimal setting. Evenly distribute grated pepper jack cheese across the surface of the mixture. Cover with a tight-fitting lid, allowing cheese to melt completely, which typically takes 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and elegantly garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves. Plate immediately and serve alongside complementary accompaniments such as creamy guacamole, tangy sour cream, or a crisp green salad.
Notes
- Fresh toppings brighten up the entire dish with vibrant colors and cool textures that complement the warm casserole.
- Spice levels can transform your meal from mild to wild by adjusting cayenne pepper amounts precisely to your preference.
- Cheese selections dramatically change the flavor profile, offering everything from mild cheddar to zesty pepper jack for personalized enjoyment.
- Softening onions and garlic before adding spices releases deeper, richer flavors that infuse every single bite with deliciousness.
- Dropping rice directly from the bag into the skillet ensures maximum flavor absorption and prevents unnecessary extra steps in preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg