DINNER ESSENTIALS: YUMMY CHEESY CHICKEN CASSEROLE

Dinner Essentials: Yummy Cheesy Chicken Casserole image

Provided by Andy Anderson !

Categories Chicken

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 9

PLAN/PURCHASE
1 Tbsp grapeseed oil, or another non-flavored variety
1 large chicken thigh, skin on, bone in
1/2 tsp cajun spice
1/4 tsp white or black pepper, freshly ground
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 c mayonnaise or greek yogurt
1/4 c parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 oz cheddar cheese, sharp variety, freshly

Steps:

1. PREP/PREPARE
2. Use whatever chicken that you have on hand; dark meat, white meat, or a combination. Then pan cook, or bake, dice or shred.
3. I used Greek yogurt; however, you could just as easily use plain mayonnaise.
4. The spices used represent what I thought would make a good combination, and were items I had on hand.
5. Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
6. Optional Step: Pull the skin off the chicken before cooking, then chop up, fry in a bit of oil until crispy, and reserve. When the chicken comes out of the oven, sprinkle them on top before serving. They are called cracklings, and they are yummy good.
7. Sprinkle the chicken with some salt and pepper and add the oil to a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken, turning several times, until the internal temperature reaches 160f (71c).
8. Remove chicken from the pan, and chop.
9. Place a rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 375f (190c).
10. Add the remaining ingredients, except the cheddar cheese, to a bowl, and fold together with the chopped chicken.
11. Place the mixture into an ovenproof dish, and top with the shredded cheddar cheese.
12. Place into the preheated oven, and bake until the cooked through, and the cheese is beginning to brown, about 25 - 30 minutes.
13. Allow to rest for 5 - 7 minutes before serving.
14. PLATE/PRESENT
15. Sprinkle with the cracklings, if using, and serve with some crusty bread. Enjoy.
16. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.