Green Chili Chicken – Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

If you haven’t made Green Chili Chicken – Stuffed Spaghetti Squash before, now’s the time to try. What a great alternative to ‘noodles’-  With chicken, green chiles, enchilada sauce and plenty of cheese, this dish is a knock-out, sure to satisfy any lunch or dinner cravings…try it and see for yourself!

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

● Small can or 1/2 cup green enchilada sauce

● 1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn

● 8 oz. or 1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend

● 1/4 cup crema (optional -plain Greek yogurt works great too)

1 teaspoon chili powder, plus more for garnish, optional

● Fresh cilantro, garnish

● Olive oil, as needed

● Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

PREPARATION

1 Preheat oven to 400º and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

2 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.

3 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.

4 In a separate large bowl, mix together chicken, green chiles, green onion, enchilada sauce, corn, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, crema, and chile powder.

5 Reserve the squash skins placing them cut side up back on the foil lined baking sheet.

6 Mix squash strands into sauce mixture, then divide filling in half and pour it back into squash shells.

7 Return squash to baking sheets, then sprinkle Mexican cheese evenly over the tops.

8 Place Green Chili Chicken – Stuffed Spaghetti Squash in oven and bake for 15‐20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

9 Remove from oven and serve hot.  Enjoy your Green Chili Chicken – Stuffed Spaghetti Squash!!!

by DECATUR MACPHERSON