Cowboy Chicken Casserole

Emeril Lagasse

Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse,

Show: Emeril LiveEpisode: Casseroles for Every Occasion

Picture of Cowboy Chicken Casserole Recipe Photo: Cowboy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Rated 4 stars out of 5
  • Rate This Recipe
  • Read 101 Reviews
Total Time:
2 hr 40 min
Prep
30 min
Inactive
50 min
Cook
1 hr 20 min
Yield:
8 to 10 servings
Level:
Intermediate
x

Save To My Recipe Box

Please limit to 20 characters

Saving Recipe

Adding Recipe

Or Do Not Add

Success

This recipe was saved to your Folder_Name folder.

x

Save To My Recipe Box

Please sign in to save this recipe to your Recipe Box!!

25 Characters Max

Enter Time:

:
:

You can create up to five timers

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 pound white button mushrooms, wiped clean and stems trimmed, quartered
  • Pinch freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 12 cups tortilla chips
  • 2 cups finely chopped onions
  • 1 cup finely chopped bell peppers
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, stem and seeds removed, finely chopped, optional
  • 8 ounces grated Pepper Jack
  • 8 ounces grated Cheddar
  • 1 tablespoon Emeril's Southwest Seasoning, recipe follows
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 cup chopped drained canned tomatoes
  • 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, drained

Directions

Combine the chicken, chicken stock, wine, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, peppercorns, 1 teaspoon of the salt, the oregano, and bay leaves in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the chicken to cool in the poaching liquid for 45 minutes. Remove the chicken from the cooking liquid and tear or cut into bite-size pieces. Reserve the chicken. Strain the cooking liquid and reserve.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Heat the butter in a large skillet over high heat until foamy. Add the mushrooms, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and the black pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid. Continue to cook until the mushrooms are golden brown and all the liquid has evaporated, about 6 minutes. Sprinkle the mushrooms with the flour, stir to blend, and cook for 1 minute. Add the milk and stir, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until the mixture begins to thicken. Add 1 1/2 cups of the reserved chicken cooking liquid, stir, and cook until very thick and flavorful, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Place the tortilla chips in the bottom of a 9 by 13-inch glass casserole. Crush the chips with your hands so they form a thin layer on the bottom of the dish. Pour 1 cup of the reserved cooking liquid over the tortilla chips and allow them to soak up the liquid. Scatter the chicken over the top of the tortilla layer. Spread the chopped onions, bell peppers, and jalapenos evenly over the chicken. Top with half of the grated cheeses. Sprinkle with the Southwest Seasoning, chili powder and ground cumin. Spoon the reserved mushroom mixture evenly over the top of the spices, then top with the tomatoes and green chiles. Cover with the remainder of the cheeses. Bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Tip: This casserole may be prepared in advance and frozen until ready to use. Simply allow it to thaw 1 day in the refrigerator and come to room temperature before baking.

Emeril's Southwest Seasoning:

Combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Yield: 1/2 cup

Print Recipe

Beer Suggestion for This Recipe

Lager

Lager

Crisp, refreshing light beer

Quick Video Tips

Find easy pairings for your favorite recipes, Bobby's perfect picks and party ideas.

Wine 101: Get All the Basics

COMMENT ON THIS PROJECT

    

Sign in

All fields are required.

E-mail Address:

Password:

Remember me on this computer

Signing in

Please enter your email address and we will send your password

E-mail Address

Your password has been sent and should arrive in your mailbox very soon.

Not a member?

Sign up for My Food Network to share photos, show off your style, and connect to an enthusiastic and helpful community.

It's free and easy.

Review This Recipe

You must be signed in to review this recipe.

Newest Ratings and Reviews

Read all 101 reviews

  • on January 27, 2012

    Flag

    Just made this and hubby loved it. I will make this again. I also followed the recipe....Thanks Emerile, as always all your dishes are excellent!

    people found this review Helpful.
    Was this review helpful to you? Yes | No
  • on December 29, 2011

    Flag

    I made this recipe and it is not worth it.I read this recipe over and over and it is just to many ingredients.
    I am a great cook and I know my way around in the kitchen and what to do with what. I have tried other recipes of Emeril and I fine that he just uses to many ingredients. Some of these spices you will not be able to taste. He has a total of 26 ingredients to make 1 dish. STOP Emeril but I still watch your new show on the cooking channel.

    San

    people found this review Helpful.
    Was this review helpful to you? Yes | No
  • on October 13, 2011

    Flag

    Very tasty.

    people found this review Helpful.
    Was this review helpful to you? Yes | No
Advertisement

Free Recipe of the Day Newsletter

Let Food Network chefs plan what's for dinner, with quick and easy recipes delivered to your inbox daily.

Ads by Google