Are you tired of bland, boring chicken dinners that leave you craving something more exciting? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our mouthwatering Enchilada Style Baked Chicken - a Mexican-inspired dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your home kitchen! This one-pan wonder combines tender chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and a perfect blend of beans and corn, creating a meal that's not just dinner, but a culinary adventure that will have your family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 can enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup black beans, drained
- 1/2 cup corn
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and cumin, ensuring even coverage.
- Place seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Drain black beans and corn, then mix them together in a small bowl. Scatter the bean and corn mixture around and between the chicken breasts.
- Pour the entire can of enchilada sauce evenly over the chicken and bean mixture, making sure each chicken breast is well-coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the chicken, covering each piece completely.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Serve hot with rice or tortillas.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
- Cheese Melting Hack: For extra crispy, golden cheese topping, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Seasoning Secrets: Don't be shy with the cumin and seasonings - they're the flavor powerhouse of this dish. Feel free to adjust to your taste preferences.
- Make It Your Own: Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack for added kick, or swap black beans for pinto beans.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or preparing ahead of time.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with Mexican rice, warm tortillas, or a fresh side salad to complete the meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 449kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 59g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 200mg
