Ingredients
Rice
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Sauce
- 8 ounces salsa verde
- 2 medium avocados, pitted
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 medium jalapeno (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Casserole
- 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 28 to 32 (6-inch) corn tortillas
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup long grain white rice, 2 cups chicken broth, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a blender, combine 8 ounces of salsa verde, pitted 2 medium avocados, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 medium jalapeno (if using), and 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a small mixing bowl, toss 4 cups shredded cooked chicken with a few spoonfuls of the avocado salsa verde sauce, just enough to coat the chicken lightly and add flavor.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of the avocado cream sauce on the bottom.
- Layer the Casserole: Cover the bottom of the baking dish with corn tortillas, cutting them in halves as needed to fit. Spread a portion of the avocado cream sauce over the tortillas, then sprinkle a light layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Add Rice and Chicken: Spoon half of the cooked rice evenly over the cheese layer, followed by half of the shredded chicken. Sprinkle more mozzarella cheese over the chicken layer.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of tortillas, spread more sauce on top, and sprinkle cheese. Repeat again with the remaining rice, chicken, and cheese layers.
- Top Layer: Finish with a final layer of tortillas, smother with the remaining avocado cream sauce, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
Notes
- Jalapeno is optional; omit or reduce for less heat.
- Leftover shredded chicken works perfectly for this dish.
- Use fresh or store-bought salsa verde for convenience.
- For a spicier kick, add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican