This past week I had a few leftovers from Sunday dinner, namely cooked, instant brown rice (why does that always seem a little more than al dente? Is all dehydrated rice that way?) and some of the fried chicken. As you all know I don't like to reheat fried chicken a second time. I had a thigh and a whole breast half leftover.
I had watched Julia Pacheco make two different chicken and rice dishes and they both looked delicious, but I lacked most of the ingredients used. Still, I was inspired to see what I might do with my leftovers.
It turned out really good! John kept telling me how good it was. I'm glad he liked it because I have half a pan left to eat another day.
This was so simple, since my rice and chicken were already cooked. That's one of the beauties of a Leftover Makeover.
I'm calling this Western Chicken and Rice because of the flavor profile, but I didn't add corn nor black beans to my casserole because unfailingly that is exactly what you expect. I did serve both items as sides since I was out of lettuce.
Western Chicken Casserole
2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 10-oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 10-oz can cream of chicken soup
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp each of garlic powder and onion powder, cumin, black pepper and salt
2-3 cups cooked rice
1/2 cup or so of Grated pepper jack cheese
I combined all ingredients except the cheese and this went into a greased 9 inch square pan. I heated it for about 35 minutes at 400F and then topped it with the cheese and let it melt. This will serve four very generously, and likely could stretch to 6 with sides and a salad. I suggest warmed tortillas, black beans, corn with smoky paprika, and a salad with pico de gallo.
I chose to use the original tomatoes with green chilis because I thought the heat would be nicely dissipated with the rice and bland chicken. It was just right for us. We like things our spicy foods to have a pleasant warmth but not a deep lingering heat.
And I'll add that the cooked instant brown rice was much plumper and more moist than at the first meal.
