Welcome to this easy, flavorful Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas recipe. A perfect weeknight meal that offers a delicious mix of tender chicken, protein-packed black beans, and melted cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas. The enchiladas are then topped with a tangy homemade enchilada sauce that packs a punch, but not too much to overwhelm your palate.
This dish is a comforting and nutritious spin on the classic Mexican enchilada, and is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. So, let's get cooking!
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
Firstly, this recipe is a great way to balance taste and nutrition. Chicken provides lean protein which is essential for your health, while black beans are rich in fiber, aiding digestion. Plus, the blend of spices used, like cumin, chili, and garlic, not only lends a deep, authentic flavor, but also contains health-promoting properties. Coupled with the cheese, which adds a creamy texture and richness, these enchiladas offer a pleasing contrast of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds.
Secondly, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. It's an easy-to-follow recipe that even beginners can tackle with confidence. Moreover, it allows for customization - you can adjust the spice level according to your preference, swap out ingredients based on dietary needs or what's available in your pantry, or even add in some extra veggies for an additional nutrient boost. This Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas recipe is more than just a dish, it's a culinary canvas inviting your creativity.
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts - These are the meat of the recipe. Make sure to choose high-quality, lean cuts for the best flavor and texture. If needed, you could substitute with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Black Beans- They add a hearty, rich element to the enchiladas. You can use canned black beans for convenience. If they aren't available, you could substitute with pinto beans or kidney beans.
Enchilada Sauce- This gives the dish its traditional spicy, tangy flavor. You can either make it from scratch or use a store-bought version. A possible substitute could be salsa, but it may alter the taste.
Tortillas-We'll use these to wrap up all the tasty fillings. Corn tortillas are typically used in enchiladas, but flour tortillas can also be used if preferred.
Cheese- Cheese adds a creamy, gooey finish to the enchiladas. You can use a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or cheddar. If you're dairy-free, there are numerous vegan cheese alternatives available.
Tips
- Try to evenly distribute your fillings in each tortilla to ensure each enchilada has the same amount of chicken and beans.
- Make sure to preheat your oven - it helps the enchiladas cook evenly and in the specified time.
- Be generous with the enchilada sauce. This keeps the enchiladas moist and flavorful.
- Cover the baking dish with foil for the first part of baking to prevent the tortillas from drying out.
- Allow the enchiladas to rest for a few minutes after they come out of the oven. This helps the flavors to meld together.
How to Serve
Enchiladas are a versatile dish that can be served in a number of ways. Typically, they're garnished with fresh ingredients like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocado to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. A side of Mexican rice and refried beans often accompanies this Dinner.
- You could make it a meal by serving these enchiladas with a fresh salad - maybe a corn and tomato salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Another idea is to pair it with a comforting bowl of Mexican style soup, like chicken tortilla soup or pozole.
- For a casual gathering, serve them as part of a Mexican fiesta with other dishes such as tacos, guacamole, and salsa with chips.
Similar Recipes
Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can enchilada sauce
- 10 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the chicken breasts until done, then shred them.
- Mix the shredded chicken and black beans in a bowl.
- Dip each tortilla in the enchilada sauce, then put some of the chicken and bean mixture in the center. Roll the tortilla and place it in a baking dish.
- Repeat until all tortillas are filled.
- Pour any remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition
Notes
- Try to evenly distribute your fillings in each tortilla to ensure each enchilada has the same amount of chicken and beans.
- Make sure to preheat your oven - it helps the enchiladas cook evenly and in the specified time.
- Be generous with the enchilada sauce. This keeps the enchiladas moist and flavorful.
- Cover the baking dish with foil for the first part of baking to prevent the tortillas from drying out.
- Allow the enchiladas to rest for a few minutes after they come out of the oven. This helps the flavors to meld together.