Easy and Pantry Friendly Black Bean Chicken Enchiladas

These Black Bean Chicken Enchiladas are an easy, satisfying meal that can be made with leftover shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish is the perfect weeknight dinner that your family will love. Packed with black beans, shredded chicken, and a flavorful red enchilada sauce, it’s a hearty meal that will satisfy everyone at the table. And by using organic ingredients, you can feel good about what you’re feeding your family without breaking the bank.

Let’s dive into why this recipe is a great choice for your family, how to make it even healthier with organic ingredients, and why homemade or quality tortillas make all the difference!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare:
With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, these black bean enchiladas are quick to assemble and cook. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll appreciate how simple it is to put together this dish.

Flavorful and Filling:
The combination of shredded chicken, black beans, and diced green chilis wrapped in a warm tortilla, drenched in rich homemade enchilada sauce, and topped with gooey shredded grass-fed cheddar is simply irresistible. The blend of flavors is comforting and satisfying.

Versatile:
One of the best things about black bean chicken enchiladas is that they’re customizable. Adjust the spice level by using either green enchilada sauce or red enchilada sauce depending on your preference. You can also add your favorite toppings like homemade pico de gallo, avocado, sour cream, or cilantro. For a twist, try adding a layer of sautéed vegetables or even some rice for extra heartiness!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded organic chicken (leftover or rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 can organic black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can organic diced green chilis
• 1 cup homemade enchilada sauce (or a high-quality store-bought version, check for no added sugars or chemicals)
• 8-10 homemade sourdough tortillas (or Siete brand gluten-free tortillas)
• 2 cups shredded grass-fed cheddar (like Kerrygold or Organic Valley)
• Sour cream or grass-fed Greek yogurt for topping
• Salsa, cilantro, diced scallions, sliced fresh jalapeños, and homemade pico de gallo for extra flavor

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Filling:
   In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, and green chilis.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   Pour 1/4 of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish.
4. Prepare the Tortillas:
   Pour the remaining enchilada sauce into a shallow dish. Dip each tortilla into the sauce, ensuring it’s well coated.
5. Assemble the Enchiladas:
   Place each coated tortilla in a baking dish. Add an equal portion of the chicken, black bean mixture, and sprinkle with a bit of shredded cheese. Roll the tortilla up and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
6. Top with Sauce and Cheese:
   Once all the enchiladas are rolled and placed in the baking dish, pour any remaining enchilada sauce over the top. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the enchiladas.
7. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve with a dollop of grass-fed Greek yogurt, sour cream, or salsa, and top with pico de gallo, cilantro, diced scallions, sliced fresh jalapeños, and avocado.

These Black Bean Chicken Enchiladas are not just a delicious dinner; they are a meal your whole family will love. Simple to make, hearty, and bursting with flavor, they are perfect for any night of the week.

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Using Organic Ingredients: Healthier for You and the Environment

When making a dish like black bean chicken enchiladas, using organic ingredients makes a big difference. Not only do organic ingredients taste better, but they are also free from harmful chemicals and pesticides that are commonly found in conventional foods.

Glyphosate in Non-Organic Ingredients

One of the major reasons to choose organic ingredients for your enchiladas is to avoid harmful chemicals like glyphosate. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in many herbicides, and it’s often sprayed on non-organic crops. It’s been linked to a range of health issues, including cancer, digestive problems, and endocrine disruption. When you choose organic black beans, chicken, and tortillas, you ensure that you are not exposing your family to these harmful chemicals.

Tortillas and Seed Oils

Another reason to go organic is the issue of seed oils and additives in conventional tortillas. Many store-bought tortillas are made with seed oils like canola or soybean oil, which are highly processed and inflammatory. These oils have been linked to numerous health concerns, including heart disease and insulin resistance. Additionally, many conventional tortillas contain gums, preservatives, and artificial flavors to extend shelf life. By using homemade sourdough tortillas or opting for high-quality brands like Siete, you can avoid these harmful additives.

Organic vs. Conventional Tortillas

When choosing tortillas for black bean enchiladas, you can go the extra mile by using homemade sourdough tortillas or Siete brand tortillas, which are both free of glyphosate, seed oils, and artificial ingredients. Siete tortillas are made with clean, gluten-free ingredients, and sourdough tortillas offer a great option for those who prefer a traditional, fermented bread made from organic flour. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, both are excellent choices, providing a cleaner alternative to many processed tortillas on the market.

Toppings: Elevating Your Enchiladas

The right toppings can take your black bean chicken enchiladas from great to spectacular. Here are some delicious, easy-to-make toppings that will add even more flavor and nutrition to this dish:

Homemade Pico de Gallo

Pico de gallo is a fresh, flavorful topping that perfectly complements the richness of the enchiladas. Made with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and a bit of salt, it adds a zesty crunch to your meal. Making your own pico de gallo is simple and quick, and it’s a great way to incorporate fresh, organic produce.

Grass-Fed Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream

For a creamy and tangy topping, you can use grass-fed Greek yogurt or sour cream. Both options offer a lighter, healthier alternative to regular sour cream. Grass-fed Greek yogurt is rich in probiotics, which are beneficial for digestion, while also providing a protein boost. It’s the perfect balance of tangy creaminess to offset the spiciness of the enchiladas.

Avocados

While avocados don’t need to be organic (since they have a thick skin that protects them from pesticides), they are still a fantastic addition to your black bean enchiladas. Sliced or mashed, avocados add creaminess and healthy fats that make the dish even more satisfying. You can also make a quick guacamole with mashed avocados, lime, salt, and a bit of garlic for a more flavorful option.

Organic Salsa

Salsa is an essential topping for enchiladas, and using organic salsa ensures that you’re avoiding any unnecessary additives or preservatives. You can buy organic salsa at most grocery stores, or you can make your own by blending fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and a bit of jalapeño for a kick. Fresh salsa adds a burst of flavor to your meal.

Diced Scallions and Sliced Fresh Jalapeños

Add some freshness and crunch with diced scallions and sliced fresh jalapeños. The scallions provide a mild onion flavor, while the jalapeños give your enchiladas a spicy kick. Both toppings can be added to suit individual taste preferences, making it easy to customize the spice level of your dish.

Cooking Your Own Black Beans: A Budget-Friendly Option

If you want to take your enchiladas to the next level and keep things even more budget-friendly, consider cooking your own black beans instead of using canned. While canned black beans are convenient, they often contain added salt, preservatives, and sometimes BPA in the lining of the cans. Cooking your own beans is not only cost-effective but also allows you to control the seasonings and avoid unwanted chemicals.

Here’s how you can cook your own black beans:

1. Rinse the Beans:
   Start by rinsing your black beans under cold water to remove any dust or debris.
2. Soak the Beans (Optional):
   Soak the beans overnight in plenty of water. This step isn’t necessary but helps reduce cooking time and makes the beans easier to digest.
3. Cook the Beans:
   After soaking, drain the beans and place them in a large pot. Cover with fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1-1.5 hours until the beans are soft and tender. You can also cook them in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low. Season with salt, garlic, and bay leaves for extra flavor.

Cooking your own beans ensures you’re getting a healthier product, and it’s a great way to save money!

Making Your Own Greek Yogurt: The Perfect Topping

A great topping for your black bean chicken enchiladas is homemade Greek yogurt. It’s creamy, tangy, and makes an excellent substitute for sour cream. Plus, it’s super easy to make at home, and you can control the ingredients.

If you have an Instant Pot, making Greek yogurt is a breeze. Simply heat milk to 180°F, cool it to 110°F, add a couple of spoonfuls of plain yogurt (to use as a starter), and set the Instant Pot to the yogurt setting for 8 hours. After it’s done, strain the yogurt through a cheesecloth to get that thick, Greek-style texture. You’ll want to use the full recipe here! The result is fresh, homemade dairy-free yogurt that can be used as a topping or eaten on its own with some honey and fruit.

For a vegan option, you can make cashew yogurt using soaked cashews, water, and a probiotic capsule for the culture.

Side Options to Pair with Your Enchiladas

For a complete meal, consider adding one or more of these side dishes to accompany your black bean chicken enchiladas:

1. Organic Rice:
A simple side of organic rice is a great pairing for enchiladas. You can cook plain rice or make a seasoned rice like Mexican rice, which includes sautéed onions, garlic, and tomato for extra flavor. Check out this easy recipe for homemade Mexican rice (link to the recipe here).

2. Garden Salad:
A fresh garden salad with organic greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the enchiladas. The crispness of the veggies and the acidity of the dressing provide a nice contrast to the warmth and heaviness of the enchiladas.

3. Spanish Rice:
If you prefer a more flavorful side dish, Spanish rice is a great choice. Seasoned with tomatoes, garlic, and cilantro, this side dish is full of flavor and a perfect complement to your enchiladas. Find the recipe within this blog.

4. Refried Beans:
Another great option is refried beans made from organic pinto or black beans. The creamy texture of the beans pairs well with the enchiladas and adds an extra layer of heartiness to the meal.

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Conclusion

These Black Bean Chicken Enchiladas are not only an easy and satisfying meal but also a great opportunity to make healthier choices by using organic ingredients. Whether you’re using homemade sourdough tortillas or opting for Siete gluten-free tortillas, this recipe is an affordable way to serve your family a delicious and nutritious dinner without any harmful additives. Perfect for weeknight dinners, Cinquo De Mayo, or a dinner party with friends, these enchiladas are sure to become a household favorite!

MORE SLOW COOKER RECIPES TO EXPLORE

• Quinoa Enchilada Casserole
• Ritz Ranch Chicken
• Shredded Mexican Beef

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