Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Quinoa

I love Mexican food and could eat it every day.

Black beans, enchiladas, fajitas, avocados and guacamole, homemade salsa, the flavors of cumin, cilantro, and lime. And margaritas to wash everything down.

I also have a passion for cheese.

This easy, one-skillet recipe is ready in 30 minutes and has the flavor of chicken enchiladas complete with juicy shredded chicken, onions, red peppers, corn, black beans, and plenty of melted cheese.

Rather than spending time rolling up enchiladas, quinoa is used and it’s the perfect vehicle to marry all the flavors.

It’s such a timesaver not to have to roll enchiladas and quinoa is healthier than carb-heavy flour tortillas. A win-win.

Since the recipe makes a fair amount, lunch the next few days just became that much easier and more convenient with Reynolds™ Heat & Eat Containers. The disposable containers can easily go from freezer to fridge to microwave. Make sure to remove the lid before microwaving.

The dish is satisfying and packed with so much flavor. You won’t miss traditional enchiladas. We couldn’t get enough of it.

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Yield: serves 6 to 8 generously

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Quinoa

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

This easy, one-skillet recipe is ready in 30 minutes and has the flavor of chicken enchiladas complete with juicy shredded chicken, onions, red peppers, corn, black beans, and plenty of melted cheese. Rather than spending time rolling up enchiladas, quinoa is used and it’s the perfect vehicle to marry all the flavors. It’s a timesaver not to have to roll enchiladas and quinoa is healthier than carb-heavy flour tortillas. The dish is satisfying and packed with so much flavor. You won’t miss traditional enchiladas.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups sweet Vidalia or yellow onion, peeled and diced small (about 1 large onion)
• 1 red bell pepper, trimmed, seeded, and diced small; reserve a few pieces for garnishing
• 1 cup quinoa (I used white)
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 3 cups shredded chicken (use about half of one storebought rotisserie chicken to save time; or roast or cook your own chicken in a skillet)
• 1 cup red enchilada sauce
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika may be substituted)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste (will vary based on how salty the brand of enchilada sauce used is, how salty the rotisserie chicken and cheese are, and personal preference)
• pinch cayenne pepper, optional and to taste
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 ripe Hass avocado, peeled, seeded, and diced small, optional for garnishing
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, finely minced, optional for garnishing

Instructions

1. To a large skillet or saucepan, add the olive oil, onions, and sauté over medium-high heat for about 7 minutes, or until onions begin to soften. Stir intermittently.
2. Add the red pepper and sauté over medium-high heat for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until peppers begin to soften. Stir intermittently.
3. Add the quinoa, stir it into the vegetables, and let it toast for about 30 seconds.
4. Add the water, reduce the heat to low, cover pan, and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until all liquid has been absorbed.
5. Add the chicken, enchilada sauce, corn, black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, pepper, salt, optional cayenne, and stir to combine. Cook uncovered over medium heat until all ingredients are warmed through, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir intermittently. Taste and check for seasoning balance. Add more salt, pepper, or spices if desired.
6. Reduce heat to low, evenly sprinkle the cheese, cover pan, and cook until cheese has melted, about 2 to 4 minutes.
7. Optionally, evenly sprinkle with avocado, cilantro, reserved red pepper for garnishing, and serve immediately. Recipe is best fresh but will keep airtight in the fridge in Reynolds™ Heat & Eat Containers for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently as desired.

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Post is brought to you by Reynolds™ and I received Reynolds™ Heat & Eat Containers. The recipe, images, text, and opinions expressed are my own. 

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