Chicken Thighs and Hominy Casserole: A Comfort Food Secret
As a chef who’s spent countless hours perfecting comfort food classics, I can tell you that the combination of tender chicken thighs and hearty hominy creates something truly magical in this chicken thighs hominy casserole. When I first discovered this pairing in my grandmother’s kitchen, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. Today, I’m excited to share my foolproof recipe for an easy chicken thighs and hominy casserole that’s become a staple in both my professional and home kitchen.
Why This Easy Chicken Thighs and Hominy Casserole Will Become Your New Favorite
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the way chicken thighs and hominy come together in this dish. The rich, dark meat of the thighs becomes incredibly tender during cooking, while the hominy adds a unique texture and subtle corn flavor that you just can’t get from regular corn kernels. This casserole represents the perfect marriage of Mexican-inspired flavors and classic American comfort food.
The Magic of Hominy
For those unfamiliar with hominy, it’s dried corn kernels that have been treated with an alkali solution, resulting in large, chewy kernels with a distinctive flavor. This process, called nixtamalization, was developed by Native Americans and gives hominy its unique texture and enhanced nutritional value. In this casserole, hominy acts as both a substantial ingredient and a natural thickener for the sauce.
Easy Chicken Thighs and Hominy Casserole
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 8 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Casserole Base:
- 2 29 oz cans white hominy, drained and rinsed
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 poblano peppers diced
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. Preparing the Chicken Thighs
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels
- Season generously with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until golden brown
- Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes
- Remove chicken and set aside
2. Creating the Casserole Base
- In the same skillet, sauté onions until translucent (about 5 minutes)
- Add garlic and poblano peppers, cooking for another 2-3 minutes
- Stir in drained hominy and diced tomatoes
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened
3.Assembly and Baking
- Transfer the hominy mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish
- Sprinkle half of the cheese over the hominy mixture
- Arrange seared chicken thighs on top, skin-side up
- Top with remaining cheese
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is golden brown
Chef’s Pro Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always let your chicken thighs come to room temperature before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better browning.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Properly searing the chicken thighs develops a deep flavor base that enriches the entire dish. Those browned bits in the pan are culinary gold.
- Hominy Selection: While both white and yellow hominy work well, I prefer white hominy for its more delicate flavor that better complements the chicken.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the casserole base up to 24 hours in advance. Simply reheat, add the chicken and cheese, and bake when ready to serve.
Variations and Substitutions of Easy Chicken Thighs and Hominy
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using different peppers. Substitute poblanos with milder bell peppers or spicier jalapeños.
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Herbs and Aromatics: Experiment with different herb combinations like oregano, thyme, or Mexican oregano.
Serving and Storage Tips for Easy Chicken Thighs and Hominy Casserole
This casserole serves 6-8 people generously. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and perhaps a dollop of sour cream. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and actually taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes and watch carefully to prevent drying out.
While hominy is unique, you can substitute with corn kernels or even cooked white beans, though the texture and flavor will be different.
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot throughout.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
Learn more about the benefits of hominy.
Wine Pairing Suggestion
This rich, flavorful casserole pairs beautifully with a medium-bodied white wine like a Viognier or an unoaked Chardonnay. The wine’s acidity helps cut through the richness while complementing the corn flavors of the hominy.
Time-Saving Tips
- Use pre-seasoned chicken thighs from your butcher
- Prep vegetables in advance
- Make double batches and freeze one for later
- Use a food processor for quick vegetable chopping
Conclusion
This easy chicken thighs and hominy casserole is more than just a recipe – it’s a celebration of comfort food at its finest. The combination of tender chicken thighs and hearty hominy creates a dish that’s both satisfying and impressive. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this casserole is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Ready to give this recipe a try? I’d love to hear how it turns out! tag me in your social media posts. And don’t forget to save this recipe for your next cozy dinner gathering. Happy cooking!
Remember: The key to making this dish truly special lies in taking your time with the searing process and letting the flavors develop naturally. Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste. That’s what cooking is all about!
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