Green Chili Cheddar Chicken Bake Southwest Comfort Food

Recipe Introduction: Green Chili & Cheddar Chicken Bake: Southwest Comfort Food

Fancy a bit of Southwest sunshine on a plate? Then you have to try my Green Chili and Cheese Chicken bake! Honestly, it's so good, it might just become your new favourite Yummy Chicken dinner.

It's got this creamy, cheesy sauce with a hint of spice that'll make your taste buds sing.

Why this Chicken Bake Recipe Rocks

This isn't just some random recipe I found. I had this amazing dish once at a little family run restaurant while I was traveling through New Mexico and just had to recreate it.

The flavour was incredible and the presentation was so simple. This is a super simple take on it.

It’s a Southwest Chicken Casserole dream. Originating from my love of easy comfort food, this Cheese Chicken is quick enough for a weeknight.

This delicious Chicken Entrees takes just 50 minutes to bake up golden and bubbly. It makes enough for 6 servings, perfect for the family, or cheeky meal prep.

Benefits That'll Make You Smile

Aside from tasting amazing, this Green Chili bake is packed with protein from the chicken. It's also brilliant for when you are craving something super comforting.

What makes it special? Well, it's way more exciting than your average Easy Chicken Dinner Ideas , and everyone will absolutely love it, even the picky eaters! So there you go, a super simple, family meal that will get you out of a pinch.

Ready to grab your ingredients? Let's get cooking.

Green Chili Cheddar Chicken Bake Southwest Comfort Food Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp (5g) chili powder
• 1/2 tsp (2.5g) cumin
• 1/4 tsp (1.25g) garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp (14g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 (4 oz/115g) can diced green chilies, undrained
• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup (50g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese, for topping (optional)

Instructions:

• Season chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté in olive oil over medium heat until cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Shred using two forks.
• Melt butter in the same skillet. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute (roux). Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
• Add softened cream cheese and green chilies to the sauce. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Stir in 1 1/2 cups (150g) of the cheddar cheese into the sauce until melted. Fold in the shredded chicken.
• Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack (if using). Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
• Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450-550

Fat:25-35g

Fiber:10-15g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Southwestern

Ingredients & Equipment

Right, let’s talk shopping for this Yummy Chicken dish! Honestly, finding good ingredients makes all the difference. This Green Chili and Cheese Chicken bake is proper lush when you use quality bits.

Main Ingredients: The Southwest Secret

• Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs (680g) , boneless, skinless. Get good quality Chicken Entrees !
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Extra virgin is best, innit?
• Chili Powder: 1 tsp (5g) .
• Cumin: 1/2 tsp (2.5g) .
• Garlic Powder: 1/4 tsp (1.25g) .
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, bruv.
• Butter: 1 tbsp (14g) , unsalted.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) .
• Chicken Broth: 2 cups (475ml) .
• Cream Cheese: 8 oz (225g) , softened. Softened is key, trust me!
• Diced Green Chiles : 1 (4 oz/115g) can, undrained. Choose your heat!
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (200g) shredded, divided. Mature cheddar works a treat.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) shredded, for topping (optional).

For the chicken, look for plump breasts that aren’t pale. If you see a sell-by date that is tomorrow, don't bother to buy! Green chilies - get your Green Chili fix.

A little kick is always a plus.

Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life

Cumin and chili powder – Southwest classics. These, combined with the heat from the green chiles, create a flavour explosion.

Honestly, don't skimp on the chili powder!. For a flavor enhancer, consider a dash of smoked paprika.

If you are out of cumin? Use equal amounts of chili powder as a substitute. I did this once because I forgot it.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Large skillet or frying pan.
• 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Whisk.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Sorted.

You don't need fancy gadgets for this. A regular oven is all you need. And a baking dish, of course. The goal is Easy Chicken Dinner Ideas .

Green Chili & Cheddar Chicken Bake: Southwest Comfort Food

Oh my gosh, you guys! I’m so excited to share this recipe. This Green Chili and Cheese Chicken is seriously yummy chicken and cheesy heaven all baked into one.

Think of it as the ultimate Southwest Chicken Casserole , but way easier than rolling enchiladas. Honestly, it's my go-to for those nights when I crave something comforting but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.

It's one of those Easy Chicken Dinner Ideas that everyone will love.

Prep Like a Pro for Creamy Green Chili Chicken

Before you even think about turning on the oven, let’s get organised. This is your mise en place , darling! Get your Green Chiles , cheddar, and chicken ready.

Soften that cream cheese, seriously, it makes a huge difference. Chop, measure, and prepare all your ingredients before you even start cooking.

You can shred the cheddar and Monterey Jack ahead of time too. Honestly, this saves so much time. Trust me, your future self will thank you! And of course, preheat the oven to 375° F ( 190° C) .

Safety first, always!

Step-by-Step to Cheesy, Chickeny Bliss

1. Season your chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Sauté in olive oil over medium heat until cooked through. The internal temp should be 165° F ( 74° C) . Shred that yummy chicken with two forks.
3. Melt butter in the same skillet. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
5. Add softened cream cheese and green chilies. Stir until smooth.
6. Stir in most of the Cheddar Chicken Recipe cheese.
7. Fold in the shredded chicken.
8. Pour into a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 20- 25 minutes . Until golden brown and bubbly.

Pro Tips for Chicken Entrees

Want to take your Green Chili and Cheese Chicken to the next level? If you really wanna ramp up the Green Chili flavor, roast the chiles first before dicing - it adds a delicious smokiness.

Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened. Lumpy sauce? No thanks. And don't overcook the chicken! No one likes dry chicken.

You can easily prep this ahead of time. Just assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate. Then bake when you’re ready. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Recipe Notes for Your Green Chili and Cheese Chicken Fiesta!

Right then, before you dive into this absolute belter of a recipe for Green Chili and Cheese Chicken , let's chew the fat about a few extra bits and bobs.

Honestly, these are the bits that'll turn your already yummy chicken dish into something proper special! Think of them as your secret weapons.

Plating Like a Pro & Drinks Pairing

Okay, so presentation isn't everything , but it does make a difference. For the Green Chili and Cheese Chicken , I reckon a rustic vibe works best.

Think generous scoops served over fluffy rice. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream? Chef's kiss! As for sides, cornbread is a no-brainer.

A crisp green salad also helps cut through the richness. Don't forget the drinks. A light Mexican lager or a zingy Sauvignon Blanc would be lush.

Storing Your Southwest Chicken Casserole

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Southwest Chicken Casserole tastes even better the next day. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, either zap it in the microwave (stirring occasionally) or pop it back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until it's piping hot.

I've not tried freezing it myself. The cream cheese might get a bit grainy when defrosted. If you do freeze it, let it thaw completely in the fridge before reheating.

Adaptations to the Chicken Bake Recipe

Fancy a bit of a twist? No worries! For a low-carb version, swap the rice for cauliflower rice. You can also use a low-carb thickener instead of flour in the sauce.

Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hot green chiles. You know? One time, I added a spoonful of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and oh my gosh! It was incredible!.

The Good Stuff Inside: Nutrition Basics

This Creamy Green Chili Chicken is more than just tasty. It's got a decent whack of protein from the chicken and a good dose of calcium from the cheese.

Just keep an eye on the portion sizes, you know? Everything in moderation, even cheese chicken !

So there you have it. All the extra bits to make your Green Chili and Cheese Chicken experience even better! Get stuck in, have some fun, and don't be afraid to put your own stamp on it.

You've got this! I hope it gives you some Easy Chicken Dinner Ideas. Don't forget your Green Chiles !