Southwest Chicken and Rice Casserole

Everyone in my family loves this recipe.  The only thing we're missing for it in Brazil is sour cream. 

2 cups cooked rice   

3 cups diced cooked chicken 

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained, rinsed 

1 can (11 to 15 ounces) Mexican-style corn, drained 

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, slightly drained 

1 tsp. dried cilantro leaves or 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro, optional 

1 tsp. ground cumin 

½ tsp. garlic powder 

½ tsp. dried leaf oregano 

1 TBS. chili powder 

¼ to ½ tsp. ground red or chipotle pepper, to taste 

4 TBS. butter 

2 TBS. flour 

1 cup milk 

½ cup chicken broth 

¼ tsp. coarsely ground black pepper 

½ tsp. salt 

½ to 1 cup Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, optional

In a large bowl, combine rice, chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, cilantro, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, chili powder, and hot pepper. Stir to blend.  In a saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat; stir in flour until well blended and bubbly. 

Gradually stir in milk, chicken broth, and salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Stir into the rice and chicken mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt and/or pepper as needed. 

Pour into a 2-quart casserole sprayed lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bubbly. If desired, sprinkle with the cheese about 5 to 8 minutes before done. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and chopped green onions and tomatoes, if desired.