Low Fat Tex Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole

I've been trying to eat a little healthier at home this season, because of how much I pig out at holiday gatherings.  I love casseroles, but so many of them are filled with a lot of creamy soups and butter.  I found this recipe and thought it would be a good alternative to my usual casseroles.  It was full of flavor and still had some cheesy goodness (you still gotta live a little, right?!).

The leftovers are also great reheated and wrapped in a tortilla!

Low Fat Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice Casserole

(Recipe from Better Homes and Gardens)

1/2 c. chopped onion (1 medium)

1 Tbl. olive oil

1 package (6.9 ounce) chicken-flavored rice and vermicelli mix

14-ounce can chicken broth

2 c. water

2 c. chopped, cooked chicken

1 c. chopped, seeded tomato (2 medium)

3 Tbl. canned diced green chile peppers, drained

1 1/2 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. dried basil, crushed

1/8 tsp. ground cumin

1/8 tsp.  black pepper

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1.  In a saucepan cook onion in hot oil over medium heat until tender.  Stir in rice and vermicelli mix (including seasoning package); cook and stir for 2 minutes.  Stir in broth and water.  Bring to boiling; reduce heat.  Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes (liquid will not be fully absorbed).

2.  Transfer the rice mixture to a large bowl.  Stir in chicken, tomato, chile peppers, chili powder, basil, cumin and black pepper.  Transfer to a 2-quart casserole dish.

3.  Bake, covered, in a 425 degree oven for 25 minutes.  Uncover and sprinkle with cheese.  Let stand about 5 minutes or until cheese melts.