Easy Papaya Chicken Casserole

Savor the vibrant flavors of the tropics with this Easy Papaya Chicken Casserole, a quick and wholesome dish that brings together tender chicken, juicy papaya, and creamy coconut milk in one satisfying bake. With a base of fluffy cooked white rice and a golden topping of melted cheddar cheese, this casserole strikes the perfect balance between savory and subtly sweet. Lightly spiced with cumin and paprika, and brightened with a splash of lime juice, every bite is a burst of flavor. Ready in just under an hour and finished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, this recipe is an ideal choice for busy weeknights or laid-back entertaining. Perfectly comforting yet refreshingly unique, this casserole is bound to become a new family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken breast
• 2 cups ripe papaya, cubed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, cumin powder, and paprika. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove from the pan and slice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4

In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and softened, about 3 minutes.

Step 5

Add the cubed papaya to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring gently.

Step 6

Stir in the coconut milk, chicken broth, and lime juice. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 7

In a 9x13-inch casserole dish, spread the cooked white rice evenly across the bottom.

Step 8

Layer the sliced chicken over the rice, followed by the papaya mixture from the skillet.

Step 9

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 10

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Step 12

Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2064.3 grams (2064.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2180

Total Fat 84.40g	108%
Saturated Fat 33.60g	168%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.30g
Cholesterol 534mg	178%
Sodium 6076mg	264%
Total Carbohydrate 185.30g	67%
Dietary Fiber 13.40g	48%
Total Sugars 51.10g
Protein 180.50g	361%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1123mg	86%
Iron 10mg	55%
Potassium 3458mg	74%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.2%

Protein: 32.5%

Carbs: 33.3%