Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole

Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of Mexican and American cuisine. This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering.

History

Tex-Mex cuisine is a fusion of Mexican and American flavors that originated in the border regions of Texas and Mexico. This casserole takes traditional Tex-Mex ingredients like chile peppers, cumin, and chili powder and combines them with classic American ingredients like chicken and rice to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

0.5 cup chopped onion (1 medium)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 x 6.9 oz (196 g) package chicken-flavored rice and vermicelli mix
1 x 14 oz (397 g) can chicken broth
2 cup water
2 cup chopped cooked chicken or turkey
1 cup chopped seeded tomatoes (2 medium)
3 tbsp canned diced green chile peppers, drained
1 tsp dried basil, crushed
1.5 tsp chili powder
0.13 tsp ground cumin
0.13 tsp black pepper
0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese (2 oz (57 g))

How to prepare

In a medium saucepan, cook the onion in hot oil over medium heat until tender.
Stir in the rice and vermicelli mix (including the seasoning package); cook and stir for 2 minutes.
Stir in the broth and water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat.
Cover and simmer for 20 minutes (the liquid will not be fully absorbed).
Transfer the rice mixture to a large bowl.
Stir in the chicken, tomatoes, chile peppers, basil, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper.
Transfer to a 2 qt (1.89 liter) casserole dish.
Bake, covered, in a 425°F (218°C) oven for 25 minutes.
Sprinkle with cheese.
Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Make Ahead Directions

Prepare as above through step 1.
Cover and chill for up to 24 hours.
Bake, covered, in a 425°F (218°C) oven for about 40 minutes or until heated through.
Uncover and sprinkle with cheese.
Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

Substitute ground beef or pork for the chicken.
Add black beans or corn for extra flavor and texture.
Top with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy topping.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the onion until tender to bring out its sweetness and flavor.

- Stir the rice and vermicelli mix constantly to prevent burning.

- Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole with a side of guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for a complete Tex-Mex meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the rice mixture to ensure that it is fully cooked and flavorful.

- Bake the casserole covered to prevent the cheese from burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey instead of chopped cooked turkey.

- Use diced tomatoes with green chiles instead of canned diced chile peppers.

Make Ahead Tips

Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole in individual ramekins for a stylish presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (vermicelli mix).

Summary

Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the best of Mexican and American cuisine. With a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, this casserole is a nutritious and delicious meal option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of cookbooks that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a worn piece of paper tucked inside one of the books. It was a handwritten recipe for Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole.

I couldn't believe my luck. Tex-Mex cuisine has always held a special place in my heart, with its bold flavors and comforting dishes. I knew I had to try this recipe right away. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, memories flooded back to me of all the wonderful meals I had enjoyed over the years, both at home and in restaurants.

The next day, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. The aroma of garlic and onions sizzling in the pan filled the air, and I knew I was on the right track. As I added the chicken, spices, and rice, the casserole began to take shape. I couldn't wait to see how it would turn out.

After an hour of baking in the oven, the casserole emerged golden and bubbling. I couldn't resist taking a taste right away. The flavors of cumin, chili powder, and cilantro danced on my tongue, and I knew I had struck gold with this recipe. It was a perfect blend of comfort and spice, just like the best Tex-Mex dishes.

As I sat down to enjoy my creation, I thought back to how I had learned to cook in the first place. My own grandmother had been a talented chef, and she had passed down many recipes to me over the years. I remembered watching her in the kitchen, her hands moving deftly as she chopped, stirred, and seasoned. She always said that cooking was an expression of love, and I had taken those words to heart.

Over the years, I had added to my repertoire of recipes, learning new dishes from friends, family, and even strangers I had met along the way. Each recipe had its own story, its own special meaning. And now, this Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole had become a part of my own culinary journey.

I made the casserole for my family that night, and they devoured it with gusto. My grandchildren asked for seconds, and even my husband, who was usually a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy, couldn't get enough. I knew then that this recipe was a keeper, one that would be passed down to future generations just like all the others.

As I sit here now, writing this story, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the meals I have cooked and shared with loved ones over the years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to connect with others and show them how much I care. And this Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole has now become a part of that legacy, a reminder of the joy that good food can bring.

I hope that whoever reads this story will be inspired to try new recipes, to explore different cuisines, and to create their own culinary memories. Because in the end, it's not just about the food itself, but the love and care that goes into making it. And that, to me, is the true essence of cooking.