Cazuela de Pollo y Arroz Verde al Horno (Baked Chicken and Green Rice Casserole)
Shredded chicken and zesty rice in a tangy salsa verde, topped with melted cheese and baked until bubbling.
Made with Salsa verde (cooked tomatillo salsa) and Cilantro lime rice and Shredded chicken (pollo deshebrado). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time45 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £2.55 a head
- Oven200°C (180°C fan)
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Heat the oil in a frying pan and cook the pepper for 5 minutes until soft.
5 min - 2
In a large bowl, mix your ready made cilantro lime rice (see the base recipe), your ready made shredded chicken (see the base recipe), the pepper, sweetcorn, soured cream and your ready made salsa verde (see the base recipe).
- 3
Spoon the mixture into a baking dish and level the top.
- 4
Scatter over the cheese and cover loosely with foil.
- 5
Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for 10 to 15 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden and the middle is steaming hot all the way through.
25 min - 6
Rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with the coriander and serve with a green salad.
Tips
- Use cooled, not hot, rice and chicken when you assemble, and bake straight away, so the dish goes into the oven without sitting around.
- Make sure the casserole is steaming hot in the middle. Rice that has been cooled and reheated must be hot all the way through.
- Use Greek yoghurt instead of soured cream for a tangier, lighter sauce.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 1 hour and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat only once until steaming hot all the way through. Freeze portions for up to 1 month and thaw in the fridge overnight.
Questions
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Assemble the dish and chill it covered for up to 1 day before baking. Add 5 to 10 minutes to the cooking time and check it is steaming hot in the centre.
Can I make it dairy free?
Yes. Use a dairy free cheese and a dairy free soured cream alternative, or stir in extra salsa verde and a little avocado.
Can I use other cheese?
Yes. Monterey Jack, Oaxaca style cheese or mozzarella all melt well.
More made with salsa verde (cooked tomatillo salsa)
Quesadillas de Camarón y Pollo con Salsa Verde (Prawn and Chicken Quesadillas)
GFEFNFMolotes Oaxaqueños de Pollo (Oaxacan Fried Masa and Potato Rolls)
GFEFNFQuesadillas de Hongos con Queso (Mushroom and Cheese Quesadillas)
GFEFNFPescado a la Plancha con Salsa Verde y Arroz (Seared Fish in Green Salsa)
GFDFEFSee every dish made with salsa verde (cooked tomatillo salsa)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.