| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 60 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 520 | 23g | 10g | 38g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 8g | 45g | 1.2g |
As someone born and bred in the sun-soaked valleys of California, there’s something particularly special about this New Mexico Chile Chicken Enchiladas recipe that invigorates my West Coast roots while simultaneously celebrating classic American flavor profiles. This dish, laden with succulent chicken, boldly flavorful New Mexico chile sauce, and a splash of fresh, ray-catching lime, captures the spirit of hearty, comforting American cuisine encased in a health-conscious package.
Nutrient-Rich and Soul-Warming
The overall nutritional profile of this recipe, is impressive, with lean chicken breast providing a substantial punch of high-quality protein. The black beans and corn, on the other hand, offer a significant amount of much-needed dietary fiber which supports digestive health. Additionally, peppers from the New Mexico chile sauce are excellent sources of Vitamin C, essential for boosting our immune systems. And we cannot forget the healthy fats from the cheese and sour cream, contributing to both the flavor and our body’s nutrient absorption.
A Fusion of Flavors
This dish, in all its heart-warming and pantry-friendly glory, is similar to a classic enchilada but is noticeably set apart by its unique fusion of flavors. The sweet corn, with its northern American touch, paired with the Southwestern chile sauce evokes a delightful culinary journey across different regions. The refreshing hint of lime, on the other hand, adds a zesty finish, culminating in a taste experience that’s pretty hard to forget.
If you’re looking for the perfect accompaniment to this meal, consider whipping up a refreshing Green Salad with Avocado or a hearty Roasted Vegetable Soup. Both these dishes enhance the robustness of the chicken enchilada, taking your mealtime to an unmatched level of satisfaction.
All in all, this New Mexico Chile Chicken Enchiladas recipe has proven, time and again, that the ingredients in our pantry, when combined thoughtfully, can transform into a meal that’s not just good for our bodies, but equally soothing for our souls.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups New Mexico chile sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned corn
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime, cut into wedges – for serving
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. While the oven is heating, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts in the skillet, season with salt and pepper and cook until browned and cooked thoroughly. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step Two
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them until they turn soft and translucent. Meanwhile, shred the cooked chicken.
Step Three
Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and add the New Mexico chile sauce, canned corn, and black beans. Stir everything together and let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
Step Four
Take a corn tortilla and spoon some of the chicken mixture onto it. Roll up the tortilla and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat this step with the remaining tortillas.
Step Five
Once all the enchiladas are in the baking dish, pour any remaining chile sauce over the top. Sprinkle evenly with the shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
Step Six
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step Seven
Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Top with dollops of sour cream and the chopped fresh cilantro.
Step Eight
Serve your New Mexico Chile Chicken Enchiladas warm, with lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their serving as desired. Enjoy this delightful fusion of flavors.
