Green Chile Chicken Cauliflower Cheesy Casserole

Green Chile Chicken Cauliflower Cheesy Casserole

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Preparation time:25 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lbs / 900g), cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (5ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (2.5ml)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1.5 lbs (680g) cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 3 cups)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (4 ounce / 113g) can diced green chiles, undrained
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup (240ml) sour cream OR plain Greek yogurt OR cashew cream (for dairy-free)
• 1/2 cup (60g) shredded cheddar cheese OR dairy-free cheddar-style shreds (plus more for topping)
• 1/4 cup (30g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese OR dairy-free Monterey Jack-style shreds (plus more for topping)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour OR tapioca starch/arrowroot starch (for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (5ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (2.5ml)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Additional shredded cheddar/Monterey Jack or dairy-free equivalents

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
• While the cauliflower roasts, sauté chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until softened (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the flour (or starch) into the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
• Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the sour cream (or yogurt/cashew cream), green chiles, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the shredded chicken and roasted cauliflower to the sauce and stir to combine.
• Pour the chicken and cauliflower mixture into the prepared 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese (or dairy-free alternative).
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350-450

Fat:15-25g

Fiber:15-25g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Southwestern

Green Chile Cauliflower Chicken Casserole: Southwestern Comfort Food Done Right

Ever find yourself craving something comforting but also, like, not totally terrible for you? Me too! That’s where this Green Chile Cauliflower Chicken Casserole comes in clutch.

It's seriously packed with flavor. Plus, it has a kick that'll keep you comin' back for more!

What’s the Deal with this Casserole?

This Southwestern Casserole Recipe is inspired by the flavors of New Mexico. Think smoky spices, tender chicken, and of course, those amazing green chiles.

It's surprisingly simple to make (I’d say medium difficulty), and takes about an hour all-in, yielding 6-8 servings. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together.

Why This Green Chile Chicken Casserole Rocks

Honestly, the biggest win here is how healthy it is! We're talking about a casserole that’s actually good for you! All the nutrients from the cauliflower, paired with the protein from the chicken, makes this a winner! It’s also perfect for using up leftover cooked chicken.

You can adapt it for various dietary needs like making it a Dairy-Free Chicken Casserole.

Key Ingredients: Setting the Stage

Alright, let’s talk ingredients. This is where the magic happens. You'll need cauliflower, chicken, green chiles, and some other bits and bobs to create a creamy, flavorful sauce.

• For the Cauliflower Casserole base, grab a large head of cauliflower, some olive oil, chili powder, and garlic powder. We’re gonna roast this bad boy to perfection!
• The Chicken Cauliflower filling features cooked chicken, onion, garlic, green chiles, chicken broth, and your choice of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or cashew cream (for my dairy-free pals). We’re also throwing in some cheese!
• Don’t forget the cheese on top! More cheddar/Monterey Jack, or their dairy-free equivalents, for that glorious golden crust.

Time to get cooking!

Ingredients & Equipment

Right then, let's talk about what you'll need to make this Green Chile Cauliflower Chicken Casserole a proper success. Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward, nothing too fancy.

Think of this as a Southwestern casserole recipe with a comforting, cheesy vibe (even if we're playing about with dairy-free options!).

Main Ingredients

Here's the shopping list, sorted to make things a bit easier. Don't worry, I've got you covered with both US and metric measurements.

For the Cauliflower:

• 1 large head of cauliflower ( about 2 lbs or 900g ), cut into florets. Quality Indicator: You want a nice firm head, no brown spots.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (5ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (2.5ml)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Chicken Filling:

• 1.5 lbs ( 680g ) cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 3 cups). Quality Indicator: Freshly cooked, or good quality pre-cooked chicken. You don't want any rubbery bits, alright?
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ( 4 ounce / 113g ) can diced green chiles, undrained (Hatch chiles if you can find them, but any mild to medium ones will do).
• 1 cup ( 240ml ) chicken broth (low sodium if you're watching the salt)
• 1 cup ( 240ml ) sour cream OR plain Greek yogurt OR cashew cream (for a dairy-free chicken casserole )
• 1/2 cup (60g) shredded cheddar cheese OR dairy-free cheddar-style shreds (plus more for topping)
• 1/4 cup (30g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese OR dairy-free Monterey Jack-style shreds (plus more for topping)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour OR tapioca starch/arrowroot starch (for gluten-free)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (5ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (2.5ml)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

• Additional shredded cheddar/Monterey Jack or dairy-free equivalents. Honestly, go wild; everyone loves a cheesy top!

Seasoning Notes

Now, about those flavours. This spicy chicken casserole gets its kick from the green chiles and chili powder. Cumin and smoked paprika are essential for that Southwestern vibe.

If you can't find smoked paprika, don't fret, just use regular paprika. A little pinch of cayenne pepper can add extra heat, if you're feeling brave! This recipe is a great contender to be one of your new lean and green meals .

Equipment Needed

You won't need loads of fancy gear for this chicken cauliflower dish. Just the basics.

• Large baking sheet.
• Large skillet or sauté pan.
• 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
• Mixing bowls.
• Whisk.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do in a pinch. And if you haven't got a baking sheet, just use any old tray you have lying around.

No need to stress! You can serve this with a side of Mexican rice. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream (or dairy-free alternative).

Offer with warm tortillas or tortilla chips for scooping. You can get that pleasant texture on top by putting the casserole under a broiler for a minute or two at the end of the cooking process to brown the top.

The cauliflower casserole is one of the best ways to enjoy chicken and cauliflower, a truly healthy chicken and cauliflower bake .

Unleash Your Inner Chef with This Green Chile Cauliflower Chicken Casserole

Fancy a bit of Southwestern comfort food, yeah? This Green Chile Cauliflower Chicken Casserole is the bee's knees. It’s a Spicy Chicken Casserole that's both hearty and surprisingly healthy.

Forget those bland, boring dinners – this is a real flavor explosion, innit? I'm talking tender chicken, smoky Green Chile Chicken Casserole , and perfectly roasted cauliflower, all swimming in a creamy, cheesy sauce.

Honestly, it's dead easy to make. And is a great addition to Lean And Green Meals .

Prep Like a Pro

Before we get cracking, let’s get our ducks in a row, yeah? First off, mise en place is key. Chop your veggies like a proper chef.

This includes a large head of cauliflower, which is the base for any good Cauliflower Casserole . Trust me, a little prep work saves loads of time later.

Also, make sure your cooked chicken is shredded and ready to go. Have all your spices measured out too.

Step-by-Step to Casserole Heaven

1. Roast the cauliflower at 400° F ( 200° C) for 20- 25 minutes . Toss it with olive oil and spices first.
2. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Smells divine, doesn't it?
3. Whisk in flour and chicken broth to make a creamy sauce. This takes about 3- 5 minutes .
4. Stir in sour cream, green chiles, and spices. Don’t be shy with those chiles for a Southwestern Casserole Recipe .
5. Add chicken and roasted cauliflower to the sauce.
6. Pour into a baking dish and top with cheese. Make it a Dairy-Free Chicken Casserole by using dairy-free cheese.
7. Bake for 20- 25 minutes . Until bubbly and golden brown.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Casserole

Want to take your Cauliflower Chicken game up a notch? Make sure not to overcrowd the cauliflower when roasting. It needs space to get properly browned.

Don’t be afraid to add some chorizo for a bit of kick to the Chicken Cauliflower . You can assemble this casserole the night before, too.

Just bake it a little longer if it's straight from the fridge.

So there you have it. A Healthy Chicken and Cauliflower Bake that's sure to become a family favorite. Give it a go, and let me know what you think!

Recipe Notes for Your Killer Green Chile Cauliflower Chicken Casserole

Right, so you're about to make this ridiculously good Green Chile Cauliflower Chicken Casserole . Honestly, you're in for a treat.

Before you crack on, here are a few bits and bobs I learned while perfecting this Southwestern Casserole Recipe . Trust me, they'll come in handy!

Getting the Perfect Plating

Okay, so nobody wants a beige blob on their plate, right? My tip? Sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt (or cashew cream if you're going Dairy-Free Chicken Casserole route) adds a nice contrast.

A side of Mexican rice and beans makes it a proper feast.

Storage Secrets: Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Chicken Cauliflower dish keeps well. Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container. It'll be good for up to 3 days.

If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely first. Wrap it well, and it'll last for up to a month.

Reheating is a doddle – just blast it in the microwave or oven until it's piping hot.

Variations: Making it Your Own

Feeling adventurous? Swap the chicken for chorizo for a smoky kick. Need a veggie option? Use black beans or pinto beans instead! For a Lean And Green Meals , use turkey breast instead of chicken! And for those avoiding dairy, cashew cream works wonders instead of sour cream.

Get creative!

Nutrition Nitty-Gritty

Let's be honest, you're probably wondering about the health stuff. This Healthy Chicken and Cauliflower Bake is pretty decent. Roughly, you're looking at around 350-450 calories per serving, with a good whack of protein.

Of course, it depends on your ingredients and portion sizes, but it's a well-balanced meal.

So, there you have it! My top tips for nailing this Spicy Chicken Casserole . Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun.

You'll be chuffed with the result. Now get cooking, you brilliant thing! This Green Chile Chicken Casserole will knock your socks off.