Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and comes out perfectly golden. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or non-stick cooking spray to keep everything from sticking during baking.

Take your chicken thighs and season them generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices you enjoy. For extra flavor, sprinkle in some garlic powder, paprika, or even a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. This step will infuse the chicken with fantastic seasoning, enhancing the overall taste of the casserole.

Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are beautifully golden and crispy. You don't need to cook them all the way through yet, as they will finish cooking in the oven. This step helps to lock in juices, making the chicken even more flavorful.

In the same skillet, toss in some chopped onions, bell peppers, and a couple of cloves of minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 minutes, just until they start to soften and become fragrant. The vegetables will add a sweet and savory note to the casserole, giving it a burst of freshness.

Now, it’s time to assemble the casserole. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with drained hominy. Hominy adds a unique texture and a mild, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the chicken. Add in a can of diced tomatoes (drained) and any leftover seasoning from the chicken. Mix everything together.

Place the chicken thighs on top of the hominy and vegetable mixture in your prepared baking dish. Spoon the vegetable and hominy mixture around the chicken, then top everything with shredded cheese if desired for that melty, golden finish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked through.

Once your casserole is finished baking, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve your chicken thighs hominy casserole with a side salad or some fresh cornbread to complete your meal!