Ingredients and Weight:
- Chicken thighs - 8 (about 1.5-2 pounds)
- Southwest corn - 1 cup (canned or fresh)
- Black beans - 1/2 cup (canned or cooked)
- Diced tomatoes - 1/2 cup (fresh or canned)
- Red bell peppers - 2, diced
- Onion - 1, chopped
- Jalapeno peppers - 2-3, chopped (can adjust for heat level)
- Cream of chicken soup - 1 can (or homemade chicken cream sauce)
- Cheddar cheese - 1 cup, shredded
- Rice or bread cubes - 2 cups (for base)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Cooking: 45-60 minutes
- Total: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cube the chicken thighs and season with salt, pepper, and any preferred seasoning (e.g., chili powder).
- In a casserole dish, layer the rice or bread cubes at the bottom.
- Saute the diced onions, red bell peppers, and jalapenos in a little oil until slightly softened.
- Add the chicken cubes to the mixture and cook until the chicken starts to turn white.
- Stir in the corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes.
- Pour the cream of chicken soup over the top and mix gently.
- Spread the mixture over the rice or bread base in the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve hot.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming 8 servings total)
Calories: Approximately 450-500 calories per serving (depending on ingredients used)
Fat: 20-25g
Carbohydrates: 30-40g
Protein: 30-40g
Dish Characteristics:
- Rich and creamy casserole with a Southwestern flavor profile, featuring chicken, beans, corn, and cheese.
- Can be customized with different toppings or variations based on personal preference.
- Great for a family meal or a weekend gathering.
User Comments:
- "This dish was delicious! The combination of flavors was spot on."
- "I loved the combination of beans and corn with the chicken and cheese."
- "A great dish for a family meal, everyone loved it!"
- "The jalapenos gave it a nice kick, would definitely make again."
- "Easy to prepare and a great dish for a busy weeknight."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Adjust the heat level by adding or removing jalapenos as per preference.
- Use fresh ingredients if possible for maximum flavor.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread cubes or rice instead of bread.