Hatch Chili Chicken Queso Bake

If you're looking for a dish that promises to bring excitement to your dinner table or elevate your next gathering, the Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Queso Bake fits the bill perfectly. This cheesy, spicy concoction encapsulates the essence of comfort food while offering a delightful kick, making it a favorite among families and friends alike. The rich combination of flavors and textures creates an irresistible experience that is sure to please even the most discerning palates.

Dive into the deliciousness of Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Queso Bake, a perfect blend of cheesy comfort and spicy excitement. With the rich flavors of Hatch green chilies, this dish is sure to impress at any gathering. Featuring ground chicken, cream cheese, and a medley of spices, it's creamy, hearty, and customizable to suit all taste buds. Serve it hot with tortilla chips or fresh veggies for a crowd-pleasing treat that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken

2 cups Hatch green chilies, diced (you can use canned if fresh are unavailable)

1 cup onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 cup salsa (choose your preferred spice level)

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Tortilla chips or sliced bell peppers (for serving)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground chicken. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart.

Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Spices and Chilies: Stir in the Hatch green chilies, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.

Cream Cheese Mixture: Reduce the heat to low. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Combine All Ingredients: Add the cream cheese mixture and salsa to the skillet with the chicken and chilies. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined and creamy.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top of the mixture.

Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Top with chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy with tortilla chips or sliced bell peppers for dipping!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 6 servings