Spicy Santa Fe Casserole
Spicy Santa Fe Casserole features tender chicken, flavorful spices, and cheesy topping, perfect for a hearty, spicy meal that appeals to those who love bold Southwest flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cumin ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 green bell pepper ⓘ
- 2 green onions ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes and green chiles ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 cup long-grain rice ⓘ
- 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in an electric skillet.
- Place chicken breasts in hot oil.
- Sprinkle with paprika, black pepper, salt, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder.
- Saute over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add chopped green onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic.
- Cook about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Mix canned Rotel tomatoes and green chiles with chicken broth.
- Add the mixture to the skillet and bring to a boil.
- Stir in rice; return to a boil.
- Cover and reduce heat to low simmer.
- Do not stir during simmering.
- Cook until the rice is just done and moist, about 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle grated Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
- Do not stir; turn off heat and replace lid to melt cheese.
- Serve hot with Southern Style Salad Biscuit Muffins.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the spices for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time. If you like it spicier, consider adding jalapeños or using a spicy version of Rotel. This casserole can also be made with quinoa instead of rice for a healthier twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Spicy Santa Fe Casserole pairs beautifully with Southern Style Salad Biscuit Muffins for a delightful meal. You can also serve it with sour cream, avocado slices, or fresh cilantro on top for added freshness. For a complete dinner, consider a side of black beans or a simple green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If the rice seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth before reheating to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Santa Fe Casserole contains roughly 1179 calories, with 40g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), iron (163% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (147% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You'll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly. Typically, brown rice requires about 40-45 minutes of simmering compared to 15 minutes for white rice.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the cheese, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it in the oven until heated through and cheese is melted.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth or water with a bit of bouillon can work as a substitute. You could also try using a light beer for a unique twist, enhancing the flavor of the casserole.
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).