09/07/2026
Southwest Chicken and Black Bean Casserole 🌶️🐔🫘
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
1 teaspoon (5ml) chili powder
1 teaspoon (5ml) ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 ounces / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces / 425g) corn, drained
1 can (10 ounces / 283g) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
1 cup (185g) cooked long-grain rice
1/2 cup (120ml) salsa
1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
1 1/2 cups (170g) shredded Mexican-blend cheese, divided
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro
1 lime, cut into wedges
Optional toppings: diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, green onions
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
2. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
4. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cooked rice, salsa, sour cream, and 1 cup (115g) of the shredded cheese. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
7. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup (55g) shredded cheese evenly over the top.
8. Cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the casserole is heated through.
10. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
11. Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
12. Add optional toppings such as diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, or green onions and enjoy!