Hatched Up Chicken Stuffed Shells

Ingredients:

4 cups of diced rotisserie chicken

1 cup Fresh Chile Co. Pure Green

1 jar of Fresh Chile Co. Red Chile roast-divided

1/2 cup salsa

1 can of corn, drained

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 small can sliced black olives

1-8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened and cubed

2 tsp. Fresh Chile Co. Posole seasoning

1 box of jumbo pasta shells

2 cups shredded Mexican cheese

Instructions:

Step 1:

Cook shells 2 minutes less than directions on box.

Drain and rinse under cold water and place on a baking sheet to cool.

Step 2:

In a large skillet, add 1 tbsp. oil, bring to medium heat.

Add chicken and posole seasonings.

Once warmed, add cubed up cream cheese, green chile roast, cook, and stir until cream cheese is fully melted.

Add corn, black beans, and black olives.

Stir to incorporate all ingredients.

Remove from heat.

Step 3:

Pour one half cup of red chile roast and the salsa into the bottom of a 9 x 13 casserole dish.

Spread around to coat bottom of dish.

With a tablespoon, start filling each shell with meat mixture, lining them up in rows until the pan is full.

Spoon remaining red chile roast over each filled shell, using the rest of the jar.

Top each shell with the shredded cheese.

Spray a piece of foil with cooking spray and cover tightly with foil.

Bake at 375 for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and bake an additional 7 to 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly on top.

Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

Notes:

Pre-cooking Shells: Cooking the pasta shells slightly less than the package directions ensures they remain firm enough to hold the filling without becoming too soft during baking.

Cooling Shells: After cooking, rinsing the shells under cold water and laying them out on a baking sheet helps to stop the cooking process and prevents them from sticking together.

Chicken Filling: Using rotisserie chicken provides flavorful and tender meat. Sauteing it with the Posole seasoning adds depth of flavor and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Cream Cheese Addition: Cubing and melting cream cheese into the chicken mixture creates a creamy and rich filling that binds the ingredients together.

Vegetable and Bean Mixture: Incorporating corn, black beans, and black olives adds texture and a southwestern flair to the filling. Ensure these are well-drained and rinsed to remove excess salt and liquid.

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Layering and Sauces: Coating the bottom of the baking dish with a mixture of red chile roast and salsa adds a flavorful base and prevents the shells from sticking. Spooning additional red chile roast over the filled shells before baking ensures even distribution of flavor.

Cheese Topping: Sprinkling shredded Mexican cheese over the filled shells adds a gooey, cheesy topping that browns nicely during baking.

Baking: Covering the dish tightly with foil during the initial baking helps to trap steam and cook the shells through. Removing the foil for the last few minutes allows the cheese to melt and bubble, creating a golden crust.

Resting Before Serving: Allowing the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.

Serving: Serve these stuffed shells as a hearty main dish for dinner, accompanied by a side salad or garlic bread. They are also great for potlucks or gatherings due to their comforting and filling nature.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use something other than rotisserie chicken?

While rotisserie chicken adds a convenient and flavorful element to the dish, you can certainly use cooked and shredded chicken breasts or thighs as an alternative.

Season them to taste before adding to the recipe.

Is there a substitute for the Fresh Chile Co. Pure Green and Red Chile roast?

If you can’t find these specific products, you can use your favorite green and red chile sauces or roasted chiles available in your local stores.

Adjust the quantity to suit your desired level of spiciness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking.

Just be sure to cover them well to prevent drying out.

When ready to serve, bake according to the instructions in the recipe.

Can I freeze this dish?

Stuffed shells can be frozen before or after baking.

To freeze before baking, prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze.

When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

To freeze after baking, allow the dish to cool, portion it into individual servings, and freeze in airtight containers.

What can I serve as a side dish with this meal?

This dish is quite hearty on its own, but you can serve it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Can I use different types of pasta shells for this recipe?

While jumbo pasta shells are traditionally used for stuffed shells, you can experiment with other pasta shapes if you prefer.

Just be mindful of the cooking time, as it may vary depending on the pasta type you choose.

What can I substitute for Fresh Chile Co. Pure Green and Red Chile roast?

If you don’t have access to these specific products, you can use other green and red chile sauces or salsas available in your local stores.

Adjust the quantity to achieve your desired level of spiciness.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this recipe by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth or water instead of chicken broth.

You can also add more beans or vegetables for extra protein and flavor.

How do I prevent the pasta shells from sticking together while cooking?

To prevent the pasta shells from sticking together during cooking, be sure to stir them occasionally while they are cooking in the boiling water. You can also add a little oil to the water, which can help reduce sticking.

Can I prepare this dish in advance and bake it later?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed shells in advance and refrigerate them before baking.

When you’re ready to serve, simply follow the baking instructions in the recipe.

This can be a time-saving option for busy weeknights.