High Protein Southwest Chicken Casserole for Easy Meal Prep

Satisfy your cravings with this High Protein Southwest Chicken Casserole, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 55

Resting Time 10

Total Time 1 20

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Southwestern

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Base

1 cup Basmati rice Substitute with quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for low-carb option.
1/2 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped Can be replaced with white onion, red onion, or shallots.
2 cloves Garlic, minced If out of fresh garlic, use garlic powder or pre-minced garlic.

For the Chicken and Beans

1 cup Chicken broth Can substitute with vegetable broth or beef broth.
1.5 lbs Chicken breasts, skinless & boneless, cut into 1-inch cubes Chicken thighs, turkey breasts, or plant-based options like tofu can be used instead.
1 14 oz can Black beans, rinsed and drained Alternatively, pinto beans or kidney beans may be used.
1 12 oz can Corn, drained Fresh corn from the cob or frozen corn can serve as substitutes.

For Flavor Enhancements

1 16 oz jar Salsa If lacking salsa, mix diced tomatoes with green chilies or use homemade pico de gallo.
1/2 tsp Chili powder Chipotle powder or cayenne can replace it for different heat levels.
1/2 tsp Paprika Smoked paprika or cayenne are good alternatives.
1/2 tsp Black pepper Adds seasoning.

For the Topping

1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded For a variation, use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a dairy-free cheese.

Equipment

9x13-inch casserole dish
oven
spatula
mixing bowl

Method

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 360°F (182°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Layer the uncooked basmati rice in the bottom of the casserole dish, then sprinkle with chopped onion and minced garlic.
Pour chicken broth over the rice mixture and stir gently to combine.
Place the cubed chicken breasts evenly over the mixture in the casserole dish.
Layer the black beans and corn over the chicken.
In a bowl, mix salsa, paprika, chili powder, and black pepper; pour over the casserole.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 45gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

For best results, layer the ingredients correctly and consider using different cheese types for varied flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!