Preheat Oven and Prepare the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the shredded chicken until heated through, and season with taco seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you're using canned diced tomatoes with chilies or any additional vegetables (like onions, corn, or black beans), add them to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Prepare the Rice: While the chicken is cooking, cook your rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, stir in a bit of taco seasoning to give it extra flavor.
Assemble the Casserole: Begin by layering the bottom of the prepared baking dish with a handful of tortilla squares. Follow by a layer of cooked rice, followed by the seasoned chicken mixture. Spread a generous layer of sour cream on top, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Layer and Repeat: Continue layering with the remaining tortillas, rice, chicken mixture, sour cream, and cheese until the dish is fully assembled.
Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or your favorite toppings. Serve hot and enjoy!
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