Chicken Rice Chu-Chu(A Tex-Mex Style Casserole)
A flavorful Tex-Mex casserole combining tender chicken, mushrooms, tomatoes, and melted cheeses, perfect for a hearty, satisfying meal with bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. dried parsley ⓘ
- 1 whole chicken breast, skinned, boned and cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 3 scallions, chopped ⓘ
- salt and fresh ground pepper to taste ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. dry white wine or apple juice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. tomatoes or V-8 juice ⓘ
- 3 1/2 c. cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, sauté the scallions, garlic, and chicken in olive oil until the chicken is no longer pink.
- Add the sliced mushrooms, white wine or apple juice, dried herbs, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Cook until the liquid is reduced and flavors meld.
- Mix in the chopped tomatoes or V-8 juice and cooked rice, stirring well.
- Stir in the nonfat yogurt and skim evaporated milk until smooth.
- Add the can of green chilies and half of the shredded cheeses, mixing thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese when mixing in the yogurt and evaporated milk. If you’re out of white wine, apple juice is a great substitute. To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices for a few hours prior to cooking. This dish also works well with leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Rice Chu-Chu pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it with warm tortillas or tortilla chips on the side for added crunch. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Kim'S Mexican Rice to round out the meal with more flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring it's heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Rice Chu-Chu(A Tex-Mex Style Casserole) contains roughly 1130 calories, with 19g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 108g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (215% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (99% of the Daily Value), and calcium (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2044mg per serving (89% 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 substitute brown rice for white rice. However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may want to pre-cook it or adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly to ensure it’s fully cooked in the casserole.
What can I add to make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Adjust according to your spice preference.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with a mix of your favorite vegetables or beans such as black beans or chickpeas. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of wine or apple juice to maintain the flavor while keeping it vegetarian.
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).