Santa Fe Chicken Lentil Casserole
Try this Santa Fe Chicken Lentil Casserole recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Santa Fe Chicken Lentil Casserole recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 large onion diced
- cooking spray (i use misto)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 + 1/2 cup green lentils rinsed & drained
- 3 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 2 lbs boneless & skinless chicken breasts diced
- 5 large garlic cloves crushed
- 2 large bell peppers diced
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups corn frozen & unthawed
- 2 cups (6.5 oz) tex mex or colby jacks cheese shredded & divided
- 2 tbsp jalapeã±o peppers seeded & minced (or to taste)
- 1 cup cilantro chopped & divided
- Carbohydrate 71.1583161438149 g
- Cholesterol 3286.1671492 mg
- Fat 568.107146912872 g
- Fiber 17.2652848702467 g
- Protein 906.615364228851 g
- Saturated Fat 162.125595764368 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (5628g)
- Sodium 3217.23587965559 mg
- Sugar 53.8930312735682 g
- Trans Fat 50.7300394320001 g
- Calories 9229 calories
Step-by-step
- In a medium pot, combine lentils, chicken broth and salt. Bring to a boil on high, reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 35 minutes. Do not drain excess liquid. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, preheat large skillet on high and spray with cooking spray. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally and draining any liquid if necessary. Add cumin, salt, black pepper and cayenne pepper and cook for another 5 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Return skillet to medium-high heat and spray with cooking spray. Add onion, garlic, bell peppers, cumin, salt and cayenne pepper and cook for 7 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer to the bowl with chicken along with cooked lentils, diced tomatoes, corn, 1 cup cheese, jalapeño peppers, garlic powder, cumin and 1/2 cup cilantro. Mix gently with spatula enough to combine. You may want to taste and adjust the spiciness/salt of the dish with extra cayenne/jalapeño peppers/salt.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13 oven proof baking dish and level/press gently with spatula. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake uncovered for 50 mins.
- Remove casserole from the oven, cover with foil and let stand for half an hour before serving.
- Garnish with remaining cilantro, cut into 8 slices and serve hot.
My Santa Fe Chicken Lentil Casserole Adventure: A Busy Mom's Delight
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind of early mornings, school runs, meetings, and the ever-present challenge of putting a nutritious and delicious meal on the table each night. Finding time for elaborate cooking is a luxury I rarely have, so I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both satisfying and simple. That’s where this Santa Fe Chicken Lentil Casserole comes in. It's become a weeknight staple in our home, a hearty and flavorful dish that the whole family enjoys, even my picky eaters!
I stumbled upon this recipe while browsing online for quick and healthy dinner options. The blend of southwestern spices, tender chicken, and hearty lentils immediately appealed to me. The beauty of this casserole is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference, adding more or less jalapeño depending on your family's tolerance for heat. I often add a bit of extra cumin for a deeper, earthier flavor. The lentils add a substantial protein punch and fiber, making it a truly nutritious and filling meal. Plus, it's perfect for meal prepping – I often make a double batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, saving precious time on busy evenings.
The process of making this casserole is surprisingly straightforward. The lentils cook quickly in chicken broth, adding a lovely depth of flavor to the dish. While the lentils simmer away, I can quickly prep the chicken and vegetables, which takes only a few minutes. The combination of roasted chicken, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and corn creates a symphony of textures and tastes. The final touch of melted cheese on top adds a satisfying creaminess and pulls everything together beautifully. It's a true one-pan wonder, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
This casserole isn't just a weeknight lifesaver; it's also perfect for potlucks or gatherings. It travels well and reheats beautifully, making it a great option to bring to a friend's house or to take to a family gathering. The vibrant colors and delicious aroma always seem to draw people in, and everyone who tries it raves about its unique combination of flavors. And let's not forget the ease of preparation! This recipe manages to feel both sophisticated and effortlessly simple, which is a winning combination in my book.
Beyond the convenience and deliciousness, the nutritional benefits of this casserole are a huge plus. Lentils are packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and filling meal that keeps you feeling full and energized throughout the day. The chicken provides lean protein, while the vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals. It's a wholesome meal that satisfies both my taste buds and my desire to feed my family healthy, nutritious food.
So, if you're a busy mom, a working professional, or simply someone who appreciates a delicious and easy meal, I highly recommend giving this Santa Fe Chicken Lentil Casserole a try. It's a recipe that has quickly become a favorite in our home, a testament to its deliciousness, simplicity, and versatility. It's more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Give it a go, and I'm confident it will become a staple in your kitchen too!
