Description
This Smothered Southwest Chicken Bake is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a zesty mix of black beans, corn, green chilies, and bell peppers, all smothered in melted Colby jack cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this bake combines southwestern spices with fresh cilantro for a delicious and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Vegetable Mixture
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn, rinsed and drained
- 1 can diced green chilies
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Cheese
- 1 cup Colby jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, cumin, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Set this seasoning blend aside for later use.
- Season the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a sealable plastic bag. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Combine vegetable mixture: In a separate small bowl, mix together the corn, black beans, diced green chilies, diced red bell pepper, and chopped cilantro until thoroughly combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Prepare baking surface: Line a baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Initial bake of chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts spaced evenly on the lined baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 375ËšF for 10 minutes to partially cook the chicken.
- Assemble bake: Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer the breasts to a large casserole dish, laying them flat in a single layer. Spread the prepared vegetable mixture evenly over the chicken pieces.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded Colby jack cheese evenly over the vegetable mixture, covering the chicken completely.
- Final baking: Return the casserole dish to the oven and bake uncovered at 375ËšF for 30-40 minutes. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and enjoy your smothered southwest chicken bake fresh from the oven.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- You can substitute Colby jack cheese with mozzarella or cheddar if preferred.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper to taste for more or less heat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- This dish pairs well with a side of rice or a fresh green salad.