Imagine a dish that combines the hearty goodness of quinoa, the zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine, and the irresistible comfort of cheesy chicken enchiladas – all in one incredible bake! This Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Quinoa Bake is about to become your new obsession, promising a mouthwatering meal that's both nutritious and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, this recipe is your ultimate culinary solution.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce. Sprinkle in the cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the quinoa mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the quinoa mixture, covering the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden brown, and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and the flavors to meld.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Tips
- Rinse Your Quinoa: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove its natural coating (saponin), which can make it taste bitter.
- Customize Your Protein: While the recipe calls for shredded chicken, feel free to substitute with ground turkey, beef, or even make it vegetarian with additional beans or plant-based protein.
- Enhance the Flavor: For extra depth, consider using homemade enchilada sauce or adding a dash of chipotle powder for a smoky kick.
- Cheese Matters: Use a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar and monterey jack for more complex flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime can elevate the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 65mg
