So, you’d think that two big chicken breasts would be perfect for chicken tacos for 2 adults and 2 small girls but instead it ended up being too much and we were left wondering what to turn the chicken into for another meal. We also had leftover rice and beans and I was completely at a loss for what to make other than tacos again or soup, which neither sounded good. And then I thought, well if we loved the teriyaki chicken casserole so much why not make a Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe?! But let’s talk about the important stuff first. This Wednesday is my 30th birthday and much like last year I decided that the best way to celebrate would be to give rather than receive. SO! Monday through Friday this week and Monday of next week will be giveaways and I’ve asked my awesome blogging friends to help so let’s get started on day 1. OH! And if you follow me on Instagram (@ohsweetbasil) I’ve got a giveaway on there for a KitchenAid!! WOOOHOOO! Today’s giveaway on the blog is for one of my all time favorite things, a Blendtec Blender and Twister Jar!!!

Make sure you stop by all of my sweet friends’ blogs who are helping me celebrate, Something Swanky, I Heart Naptime, Centercut Cook, Favorite Family Recipes, Chef In Training, Sweet Treats and More, Inside BruCrew Life, The Recipe Critic, Rachel Cooks, Creme De La Crumb!
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Actually, I’m sitting here talking about casseroles, which is quite funny considering that we used to be so against casseroles, but my mind is someplace else. I’m the type of person that would rather just talk about it, so let’s talk.

The past 7 years have been filled with so many friends passing away and true to that darn saying it does seem to happen in 3’s, or like 2 years ago, 5’s. I know we are so unaware as children, but I’m not kidding, I truly have attended more funerals these past 7 years than I have in my entire lifetime. And these aren’t older people, in fact it’s been infants up to the late 50’s. Suicides to sudden deaths, only 2 of the 26 have been expected due to illness. That’s kind of a lot of people.

(Yes, I threw some chopped Romaine and tomatoes on my serving, it needed some freshness and the family ended up following along)

So many friends losing their children or spouse and most of them so sudden that they didn’t have any opportunity to prepare, not that you could ever truly prepare. It just has us both thinking a lot about the relationships around us. I hate seeing all of the hurt, and this world seriously is getting a tad crazy (don’t even bring up the Russia thing, it only proves my point more.) and we have to think a little more about what matters most and a little less about things that will only fade away.

Or maybe we are the only ones missing people lately. You tell me what you think. Phew! That took a serious turn!

Is Rice Gluten Free?

Yes, all rice (in its natural form) is gluten-free.

This includes brown rice, white rice and wild rice.

What Can You Substitute for Rice?

There are several healthy alternatives to rice.

Quinoa, cauliflower rice, barley, brown rice and couscous are good substitutes for rice.

What Are The Health Benefits in Quinoa?

Quinoa is much higher in fiber than most grains.

It is gluten free and very high in protein.

Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole

Yield: 4-6 servings

Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole

Print

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups long grain rice
• 1 Old El Paso Sauce Packet or 3/4 cup (any flavor but we use the chipotle)
• 2 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 cups shredded Taco Meat
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

optional toppings

• sour cream
• salsa
• chopped lettuce
• tomatoes

Instructions

1. In a rice cooker or sauce pan, add the water, sauce packet, rice and brown sugar.
2. Bring to a boil then turn down to a simmer for about 20 minutes or until done, or follow rice cooker instructions.
3. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
4. Once you've cooked the chicken using the link above, toss it with the rice and beans and cover with cheese.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until heated through.

Notes

Try tossing in sauteed peppers, corn or topping with fresh guacamole!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

46

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 509 Saturated Fat: 0g Cholesterol: 72.2mg Sodium: 0mg Carbohydrates: 51.5g Fiber: 5.8g Sugar: 2.2g Protein: 25.2g

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