CHIPOTLE-CHICKEN CASSEROLE

By bjnelson55

This hearty chicken casserole features corn, tomatoes, and hash browns as the base to the recipe. Add to that a chicken breast, which has been seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and oregano, and you have a colorful entree. Serve it with a side salad for the finishing touch.

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 2 cups frozen or fresh whole kernel corn
• 3 cups frozen diced hash brown potatoes
• 1 14-1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (1 pound)
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 3/4 cup shredded Colby and Monterey Jack cheese (3 ounces)

Preparation

Step 1

Coat a 2-quart round casserole with nonstick spray; set aside. Coat an unheated large nonstick skillet with nonstick spray. Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn; cook about 5 minutes or until corn begins to lightly brown. Add potatoes; cook and stir 5 to 8 minutes longer or until potatoes begin to brown. Stir in tomatoes, chipotle peppers, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and the oregano. Remove from heat; transfer mixture to the prepared casserole.

Wipe skillet clean. Add oil to skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken evenly with 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon chili powder, and 1/4 teaspoon cumin. Brown chicken in hot oil, turning once to brown both sides (about 3 minutes on each side). Place chicken on top of potato mixture in casserole.

Bake, uncovered, in a 375 degree F oven for 20 minutes or until bubbly and chicken is no longer pink. Sprinkle with cheese.

Makes 4 servings.

To Tote: Prepare casserole as above just before leaving home. Cover tightly with foil; wrap in several layers of newspaper or a heavy towel. Place casserole in an insulated container. Do not hold for longer than 2 hours.