Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Hominy Casserole Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the most flavorful result, use a good-quality condensed cheddar soup. If you have time, you can also make your own cheese sauce from scratch, but the canned version works perfectly for this recipe.

To add a little extra freshness, consider garnishing with chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice before serving, though the video does not show this.

This casserole is very forgiving, so feel free to experiment with the seasonings. A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce can add a new dimension of flavor.

If you like a bit more heat, use a can of diced chiles with habanero or add a chopped jalapeño along with the green chiles. Just remember to keep the proportions balanced.

Variations

• Spicy Hominy Casserole: Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of chipotle powder along with the green chiles. For extra heat, use pepper jack cheese soup instead of cheddar.
• Chicken and Corn Casserole: Replace the hominy with an equal amount of frozen or canned corn, drained. The corn adds a sweet pop that pairs nicely with the cumin and cheese.
• Southwest Chicken Casserole: Add a can of drained black beans and a teaspoon of chili powder along with the other ingredients. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro.
• Smoky Chicken Casserole: Substitute the ground cumin with smoked paprika and add a dash of liquid smoke. This gives the casserole a deeper, smokier flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, or in a saucepan over medium-low heat until hot and bubbly.

Cool any leftover casserole for no more than 2 hours before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

You can assemble the casserole in the slow cooker insert up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate the insert.

When ready to cook, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, adding about 30 minutes to the cooking time because you're starting from cold. This is a great option for busy mornings.

Serving ideas

Serve this casserole as a main dish with a side of warm tortillas, crusty bread, or a simple green salad. The creamy sauce and tender chicken pair well with rice or quinoa, too. For a complete meal, add a steamed vegetable like broccoli or green beans on the side.

This casserole is also delicious topped with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, but the video does not show these garnishes.

You can also serve it with a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten the flavors. It's a versatile dish that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Cheesy Chicken and Hominy Casserole

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 cans (15 oz each) white hominy, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup

Instructions

1. Place the bite-size chicken pieces in the slow cooker insert in an even layer. Sprinkle the drained hominy over the chicken, then scatter the diced green chiles over the top. The ingredients should be evenly distributed so they cook uniformly.
2. Sprinkle the ground cumin evenly over the hominy and chicken mixture. Use your fingers or a small spoon to distribute it as evenly as possible, so every bite gets a hint of warm, earthy flavor.
3. Spoon the condensed cheddar cheese soup over the top of the mixture. Use a spatula to spread it gently, covering as much surface area as possible. The soup will melt and create a creamy sauce as the slow cooker heats.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to keep the heat consistent. The casserole is ready when the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is bubbly and thickened.
5. Once the chicken is fully cooked, gently stir the casserole to combine the sauce with the hominy and chicken. The sauce should be creamy and coat the ingredients well. If it seems too thick, you can stir in a splash of chicken broth or milk, but the video does not show this.
6. Spoon the casserole onto plates or into bowls while hot. The dish is meant to be served immediately. If desired, let it cool for a few minutes before serving, but it is best enjoyed warm.

Contains: milk, gluten

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

25 g

Fat

16 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.