Green Chili Chicken Casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, spicy green chili sauce, topped with cheese and baked to perfection. This casserole is ideal for a family dinner or for meal prepping, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated. The green chilies add a delightful kick, while the creamy components balance out the spice and keep the casserole moist and satisfying.
Here’s a recipe for Green Chili Chicken Casserole:
Green Chili Chicken Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
- 1 can (4.5 oz) diced green chilies (mild or hot, depending on your preference)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your choice)
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (optional, for topping)
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional, for a heartier dish)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar size casserole dish.
- Cook the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Mix the Casserole Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, diced green chilies, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. Stir in the cooked, shredded chicken and cooked rice if using.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. If desired, sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips over the top for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.
Tips:
- Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs. If you prefer, you can also use ground chicken or turkey.
- Green Chilies: Adjust the amount of green chilies or use different types (mild, medium, or hot) based on your spice preference.
- Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings with additional ingredients like sliced jalapeños, olives, or a dollop of sour cream.
This Green Chili Chicken Casserole offers a satisfying blend of creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors with minimal effort. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal. Enjoy the comforting goodness of this versatile dish!
