Cheesy Chicken Casserole with Vegetables

Instructions

• Combine cereal, cornmeal, ginger, and turmeric in a resealable plastic bag. Shake well until evenly mixed.
• Lightly beat egg in a separate bowl. Dip chicken thighs into the egg, one at time, and coat well. Place each thigh in the bag with the cereal mixture, seal, and shake well to coat.
• Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add chicken thighs; cook until browned, about 5 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh should read 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Transfer chicken onto a serving plate, reserve oil in the pan, and allow to cool.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Cook potatoes in the reserved oil until lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Reduce heat and cook until softened, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add cauliflower, cover, and steam until tender, 2 to 6 minutes.
• Arrange cauliflower florets along the inside edge of a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish. Cover the bottom with potatoes.
• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour until the mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown, about 5 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened to desired consistency, 5 to 10 minutes. Add about 1/2 of the Cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
• Pour sauce over the casserole, coating the vegetables well. Add chicken thighs and sprinkle remaining Cheddar cheese on top.
• Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is browned, about 40 minutes. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool.