Green Chile Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the flavors of roasted spaghetti squash, tender chicken, and green chiles. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
1 large spaghetti squash, cut in half lengthwise
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup green enchilada sauce
1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn
1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend
1/4 cup crema
1 teaspoon chili powder, plus more for garnish, optional
fresh cilantro, garnish
olive oil, as needed
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400º and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Drizzle both cut sides of spaghetti squash halves with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
Place cut side down on lined baking sheet and roast for 35 minutes, or until fork tender. Remove from oven and let rest until cool enough to handle.
Use a fork to scrape up the insides of squash, leaving at least 1/2-inch space around bottom and sides. Transfer scraped “spaghetti” to a colander and place in the sink or over a large bowl.
In a separate large bowl, mix together chicken, green chiles, green onion, enchilada sauce, corn, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, crema, and chile powder.
Mix squash strands into sauce mixture, then divide filling in half and pour it back into squash shells.
Return squash to baking sheets, then sprinkle Mexican cheese evenly over the tops.
Place stuffed squash in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven and serve hot.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 370 calories | Total Fat: 20 grams | Saturated Fat: 7 grams | Trans Fat: 0 grams | Cholesterol: 85 milligrams | Sodium: 650 milligrams | Total Carbohydrates: 22 grams | Dietary Fiber: 3 grams | Sugars: 6 grams | Protein: 25 grams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I microwave the spaghetti squash instead of roasting it in the oven?
Yes, you can microwave the spaghetti squash to save time.
Pierce the squash several times with a fork, then microwave each half separately, cut side down, for 5-7 minutes or until the flesh is tender.
Be cautious when handling the hot squash.
Is there a substitute for crema in this recipe?
If you can’t find crema, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt as a substitute.
They will provide a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Can I make this recipe with a different type of cheese if I don’t have Mexican cheese blend?
Yes, you can use other types of cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack if you don’t have a Mexican cheese blend.
Choose a cheese that complements the flavors of the dish to your liking.
What can I serve as a side dish with this meal for a complete dinner?
This dish is quite filling on its own, but you can serve it with a simple side salad, black beans, or rice to round out the meal.
A side of guacamole or salsa can also add extra flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it later?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the dish in advance and reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to eat.
Make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I prepare the spaghetti squash filling in advance and assemble it later?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and green chile filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the stuffed spaghetti squash.
This can help save time when you’re ready to cook.
Can I make this dish spicy by adding more chili powder or other hot ingredients?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of chili powder or add other spicy ingredients like diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling mixture to adjust the spiciness to your taste.
What should I do if my spaghetti squash is slightly undercooked after roasting?
If your spaghetti squash is not fully tender after the initial roasting, you can return it to the oven for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired level of tenderness.
Check it with a fork periodically to avoid overcooking.
Can I freeze leftover stuffed spaghetti squash for later consumption?
While it’s possible to freeze stuffed spaghetti squash, the texture of the squash may change slightly upon thawing, as it can become more watery.
If you plan to freeze leftovers, make sure to store them in an airtight container, and reheat them in the oven to help maintain the best texture.
What are some alternative toppings or garnishes for this dish?
You can customize the garnishes based on your preferences.
Some additional toppings or garnishes to consider include sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness and flavor.
