Description
This cheesy Queso Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—loaded with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for family dinners or game day!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (or 3 cups cooked)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ cups prepared queso dip (store-bought or homemade)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice (If Needed)
- Cook rice according to package instructions. Set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onions and peppers. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Combine the Casserole Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, chicken, sautéed vegetables, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and queso dip.
- Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Serve It Up!
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with cilantro and jalapeños, if desired.
Notes
- Protein swaps: Use ground beef or turkey instead of chicken.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and double the veggies or use black beans.
- Spice it up: Add chipotle peppers or hot sauce to the queso mix.
- Low-carb version: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice.
Keywords: queso casserole, chicken rice bake, cheesy casserole recipe, Tex-Mex comfort food, chicken queso recipe, family dinner idea, easy casserole, weeknight dinner, meal prep casserole, make-ahead dinner