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Easy Southwest Chicken Casserole

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A quick and wholesome Southwest-inspired chicken casserole packed with lean protein, veggies, and melty cheese, ready in under 30 minutes for a healthy family meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, shredded or cubed
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, mild or medium heat
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Southwest seasoning blend (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder)
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, sour cream, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Add chicken pieces and season with 1 tablespoon Southwest seasoning blend. Cook for 5-7 minutes until chicken is no longer pink inside, stirring occasionally. For shredded chicken, cook fully then shred with two forks.
  4. Stir in diced green bell pepper, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and jalapeño if using. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Pour in chicken broth to keep mixture juicy.
  5. Transfer chicken and veggie mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheese on top.
  6. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Add a few more minutes if needed, watching closely to avoid burning.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with optional avocado slices, sour cream, or lime wedges.

Notes

If chicken looks dry during cooking, add a splash more chicken broth or cover skillet temporarily to trap moisture. Let casserole rest before serving to meld flavors and avoid lava-hot bites. For dairy-free, substitute cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Adjust spice level by adding or omitting jalapeños or chipotle peppers.

Nutrition

Keywords: Southwest chicken casserole, quick dinner, healthy family meal, easy casserole, chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, gluten-free casserole

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/easy-southwest-chicken-casserole-recipe-for-healthy-30-minute-family-meals/