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Healthy Fiesta Chicken Casserole - Bright, Flavorful, and Weeknight-Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Cooked chicken breast (about 3 cups, shredded or chopped)
  • Cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice (3 cups; choose based on your goals)
  • Black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed)
  • Corn kernels (1 cup; frozen or canned, drained)
  • Diced tomatoes with green chiles (1 can, drained) or 2 cups fresh diced tomatoes
  • Red bell pepper (1, diced)
  • Red onion (1/2 cup, finely diced)
  • Baby spinach (2 cups, roughly chopped)
  • Plain Greek yogurt (3/4 cup, 2% or nonfat)
  • Low-sodium chicken broth (1/2 cup)
  • Shredded reduced-fat cheddar or Monterey Jack (1 cup)
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon)
  • Spices: chili powder (2 teaspoons), ground cumin (1 1/2 teaspoons), smoked paprika (1 teaspoon), garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh lime (1, for zest and juice)
  • Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped; optional)
  • Optional toppings: sliced jalapeño, avocado, extra cilantro, hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray.
  2. Sauté the veggies: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper with a pinch of salt. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the spices and garlic powder, and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Wilt the greens: Add spinach to the skillet and cook 1–2 minutes until just wilted. Remove from heat.
  4. Make the creamy base: In a large bowl, whisk Greek yogurt with chicken broth, 1 teaspoon lime zest, and the juice of half the lime. Season with a little salt and pepper. You’re looking for a pourable, creamy mixture.
  5. Combine the casserole: To the bowl, add shredded chicken, cooked rice (or cauliflower rice), black beans, corn, tomatoes with chiles, the sautéed veggies, and half the cheese. Sprinkle in cilantro if using. Gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed. The mixture should taste bright and well-seasoned before baking.
  7. Assemble and bake: Spread the mixture in the prepared dish. Top with the remaining cheese. Cover loosely with foil and bake 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–12 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.
  8. Rest and finish: Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes to set. Garnish with extra cilantro, sliced jalapeño, or avocado. Serve with lime wedges for a fresh squeeze on top.