A hearty casserole is the perfect meal when you’re craving something both nutritious and flavorful. This Chicken Thighs Hominy Casserole combines the tender juiciness of chicken thighs with the hearty, chewy texture of hominy, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping. With its blend of essential nutrients and comforting flavors, this dish is sure to leave everyone wanting more.

Table of Contents show

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chicken Thighs Hominy Casserole

Finding the balance between comfort food and nutritious meals can often feel like a struggle, but with this chicken thighs hominy casserole, you’ll have a recipe that satisfies both your cravings and your nutritional goals. Here’s why you’ll love this dish:

Packed with Protein and Fiber: Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, and when combined with hominy—high in fiber and a low-calorie grain—you get a meal that keeps you full for longer.
Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: Aside from the chicken and hominy, you’ll also be using fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and garlic, which are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your health.
Rich, Comforting Flavors: The smoky cumin, paprika, and tangy sour cream provide layers of flavor, while the melty cheese creates a luscious, creamy texture that brings the casserole to life.
Easy to Prepare: The steps are simple, and the dish comes together quickly. Whether you’re cooking on a busy weeknight or preparing a meal for a special gathering, this casserole is easy to whip up.

Ingredients for Chicken Thighs Hominy Casserole

4-6 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (680-907g)
2 cups hominy (canned or soaked and cooked if using dried hominy) (300g)
1 cup diced onion (150g)
1 bell pepper, chopped (150g)
2 cloves garlic, minced (6g)
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (240ml)
1 cup low-fat sour cream (240g)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (120g)
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Chicken Thighs Hominy Casserole

Making this chicken thighs hominy casserole is simple and rewarding, even for those new to cooking. Follow these easy steps to create a mouthwatering dish that will please everyone at the table.

Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano. These spices add depth and warmth to the dish, creating that comforting, crave-worthy flavor. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken thighs on both sides for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. This step helps lock in flavor and juices. Set the seared chicken aside on a plate to rest.
Cook the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet, using the same one. Cook the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they become tender and aromatic. This brings out their natural sweetness and deepens the flavors, providing a perfect base for the casserole.
Assemble the Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked hominy, sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, and sour cream. Stir everything together until the hominy is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into a large casserole dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Nestle the seared chicken thighs on top of the hominy mixture.
Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This is where the magic happens—the cheese melts and creates a beautiful, creamy topping that makes the dish irresistibly delicious.
Bake:
Place aluminum foil over the casserole and bake it for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the casserole is bubbly and golden.
Garnish and Serve:
Once the casserole is out of the oven, garnish it with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting, flavorful dish that everyone will love.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Chicken Thighs Hominy Casserole

To ensure your chicken thighs hominy casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:

Use Bone-In, Skinless Chicken Thighs: The bone-in chicken thighs add more flavor and moisture to the casserole. Although you can use boneless thighs, bone-in versions deliver a richer taste and a more tender texture. Make sure to remove the skin for a healthier version.
Searing the Chicken: Don’t skip the searing step! It adds a beautiful caramelized crust to the chicken and enhances the flavor. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan when searing, as this can prevent the chicken from browning properly.
Hominy Texture: If you’re using dried hominy, make sure to soak it overnight and cook it until tender. Canned hominy is a convenient alternative that will save you time without sacrificing flavor.
Creaminess: For an even creamier casserole, swap out the low-fat sour cream for full-fat sour cream or add a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream. If you want to keep it lighter, Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute.
Layering Flavors: Feel free to add more seasoning to taste! For a spicier kick, toss in some chili powder or cayenne pepper. A squeeze of lime juice before serving will also brighten up the flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chicken Thighs Hominy Casserole

Even the most delicious recipes can turn out poorly without the right technique. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making chicken thighs hominy casserole:

Overcooking the Chicken: While it’s important to sear the chicken, don’t overdo it. The chicken will cook further in the oven, so searing it too long can dry it out. Aim for a golden crust without overcooking.

Not Using Enough Seasoning: The spices in this recipe are crucial to achieving the dish’s deep, comforting flavors. Be sure to use the right amount of paprika, cumin, and oregano. Don’t skip this step—it’s what gives the casserole its signature taste.

Skipping the Foil: Covering the casserole with foil while baking ensures it stays moist. Removing the foil towards the end allows the cheese to brown, creating that delicious crispy layer.

Undercooking the Hominy: If you’re using dried hominy, make sure it’s cooked through before adding it to the casserole. Undercooked hominy will remain hard and chewy, which can affect the texture of the dish.

Creative Variations to Try

While this Chicken Thighs Hominy Casserole recipe is absolutely delicious as is, feel free to get creative with the ingredients and customize it to your preferences. Here are some variations to try:

Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version of Chicken Thighs Hominy Casserole, swap the chicken for a plant-based protein like chickpeas, black beans, or tofu. These options provide a hearty texture and absorb the spices beautifully.

Add Greens: Incorporate spinach, kale, or Swiss chard into the Chicken Thighs Hominy Casserole for added nutrition. Sauté the greens along with the other vegetables to maintain their flavor and texture.

Spicy Kick: If you love spice, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. This will add an extra layer of heat to your Chicken Thighs Hominy Casserole without overpowering the flavors.

Cheese Variations: Try different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda. These cheeses will melt into the Chicken Thighs Hominy Casserole differently, giving you a unique twist on the dish each time.

Add a Crunchy Topping: For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips on top of the Chicken Thighs Hominy Casserole before baking. This will form a crispy, golden crust that delivers a delightful crunch.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Thighs Hominy Casserole

A chicken thighs hominy casserole is a complete meal in itself, but pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate the meal even further. Try pairing it with one or more of these options:

Fresh Salad: A refreshing green salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the casserole and provide a fresh contrast.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts are the perfect accompaniment, adding color, flavor, and extra nutrients to your meal.

Cornbread: Nothing complements a casserole like a slice of warm, buttery cornbread. It’s the ideal side to soak up any leftover sauce or cheese.

How to Store Chicken Thighs Hominy Casserole

Storing your chicken thighs hominy casserole properly ensures that it stays fresh for longer and makes for an easy and convenient meal on future days. Here’s how to store it correctly:

Cooling Down: Before storing the casserole, allow it to cool completely at room temperature. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which can make the dish soggy when reheated. However, don’t leave it out for more than two hours to ensure food safety.

Storing in the Refrigerator:
After it has cooled, move the casserole into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The airtight container will help maintain the freshness of the dish and prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods in your fridge.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs in this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute boneless chicken thighs in the recipe, but keep in mind that bone-in thighs tend to add more flavor and juiciness. Boneless thighs will cook faster, so be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. How do I make this casserole spicier?
To add more heat to your chicken thighs hominy casserole, you can incorporate chopped jalapeños, chili powder, or even a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also swap out the smoked paprika for a spicier variant.

3. Is it possible to prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can prepare it up to a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it the next day. Alternatively, you can assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking, then cook it from frozen when you’re ready to eat.

More Chicken recipes you will love!

air fryer chicken bites

Salt and Vinegar Chicken Strips

Pulehu chicken

Healthy Chicken thighs hominy casserole Recipe

This Chicken Thighs Hominy Casserole combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with the hearty, chewy texture of hominy, creating a flavorful, nutritious, and comforting dish. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s easy to prepare and packed with essential nutrients.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1 5

Cuisine American

Ingredients

4-6 bone-in skinless chicken thighs (680-907g)
2 cups hominy canned or soaked and cooked if using dried hominy (300g)
1 cup diced onion 150g
1 bell pepper chopped (150g)
2 cloves garlic minced (6g)
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth 240ml
1 cup low-fat sour cream 240g
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 120g
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Once hot, sear the chicken thighs on both sides for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
Set the seared chicken aside on a plate to rest.

Cook the Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add the diced onion, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic.
Cook the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they become tender and aromatic.

Assemble the Casserole:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked hominy, sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, and sour cream.
Stir everything together until the hominy is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture into a large casserole dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
Nestle the seared chicken thighs on top of the hominy mixture.

Add the Cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Bake:

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the casserole is bubbly and golden.

Garnish and Serve:

Once out of the oven, garnish the casserole with fresh cilantro if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy!