Cheesy Southwest Chicken and Rice Casserole

A freezer-friendly, cheesy chicken and rice casserole delivers a Southwest-inspired meal thanks to yellow rice, black beans, onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes with green chiles.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 5 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins
• Calories: 409 Calories

Ingredients

• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• ¼ cup olive oil, divided
• 3 ½ cups water
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• 2 medium carrots, shredded
• 2 (7 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 (10 ounce) bag yellow rice

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Place chicken in a small baking dish and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, turning to coat. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Cut into strips or cubes when cool enough to handle. Leave the oven on.

Step 4

While the chicken bakes, bring water and 2 tablespoons olive oil to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in rice. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes. Fluff lightly with fork.

Step 5

While the rice cooks, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute onion, bell pepper, carrots, and garlic until tender, about 10 minutes.

Step 6

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 7

Place rice, vegetable mixture, chicken, 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, beans, and tomatoes in a large bowl and stir until well combined. Spoon into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover with aluminum foil.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10 minutes longer.