Description
A hearty and flavorful Tex Mex Chicken and Lentil Casserole packed with seasoned chicken, tender lentils, sweet corn, bell peppers, and melted cheese. This protein-rich baked casserole delivers bold Tex-Mex flavors in an easy family-friendly dinner perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
For Lentils
1 1/2 cups green lentils, uncooked, rinsed and drained
2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1/8 teaspoon salt
For Chicken
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon low sodium taco seasoning
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon oil
For Vegetables
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 large bell peppers, chopped
1 teaspoon taco seasoning
1 teaspoon cumin
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon oil
Other Add-ins
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, low sodium
2 cups corn (frozen or canned, drained)
2 cups Tex Mex or Colby Jack cheese, shredded and divided
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon taco seasoning
1 cup cilantro, chopped and divided
Instructions
Cook the lentils
In a medium pot combine lentils, chicken broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes. Set aside.Cook the chicken
Heat a large skillet over high heat and add oil. Add chopped chicken, cumin, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain excess liquid halfway through cooking into a bowl. Transfer cooked chicken to the same bowl.Prepare vegetables
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Return skillet to medium-high heat and add oil. Add onion, garlic, bell peppers, taco seasoning, cumin, and salt. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.Mix casserole filling
Add cooked lentils, vegetables, diced tomatoes, corn, green chilies, taco seasoning, cumin, 1/2 cup cheese, and 1/2 cup cilantro to the bowl with chicken. Stir gently until combined.Assemble casserole
Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.Bake
Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.Add cheese topping
Sprinkle remaining cheese over the casserole and bake another 10 minutes until melted and bubbly.Rest and serve
Remove from oven, cover with foil, and let rest 30 minutes before slicing. Garnish with remaining cilantro and serve warm.
Notes
• Green lentils work best because they hold their shape during baking.
• For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
• You can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat.
• This casserole stores well and tastes even better the next day.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 11 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
