Arroz Con Pollo Casserole
Creamy arroz con pollo casserole combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and cheesy goodness, perfect for comforting family dinners with a touch of Mexican flair.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 c. milk
- 1 c. chicken broth
- 1 c. picante sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. Velveeta cheese, cubed ⓘ
- 4 c. cooked rice ⓘ
- 4 c. cooked chicken, cubed ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded cheese (half Cheddar, half Monterey Jack) ⓘ
- sour cream (for garnish) ⓘ
- ripe olive slices (for garnish) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook flour and garlic in oil over low heat, stirring constantly, until flour is browned.
- Stir in chili powder. Gradually add milk, chicken broth, picante sauce, cumin, and oregano.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes.
- Add Velveeta cheese; stir until melted.
- Keep warm and serve garnished with sour cream and ripe olive slices.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. You can substitute the Velveeta with a blend of cream cheese and shredded cheese if preferred. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or using a spicier picante sauce. This dish can also be customized with vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect for a family dinner and pairs beautifully with a side salad or some warm tortillas. For an extra kick, serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. It also goes well with other Mexican recipes like Easy Green Enchiladas or Tia Lola's Casserole for a themed meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes, or microwave in individual servings, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If it seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arroz Con Pollo Casserole contains roughly 446 calories, with 13g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (57% of the Daily Value), calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1471mg per serving (64% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time. Make sure the brown rice is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole. Adjust the liquid slightly if needed to ensure the casserole remains creamy.
What can I do to make this casserole spicier?
To add more heat, consider using a spicier picante sauce or incorporating diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the mixture. You can also top the casserole with sliced fresh chilies before baking for an additional kick.
Is there a vegetarian version of Arroz Con Pollo Casserole?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with a mix of black beans and corn, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Also, ensure that your cheese is vegetarian-friendly if you're avoiding animal rennet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).