Chicken Enchiladas (using quinoa)
This recipe is a staple in our house. I will share with you how I used to make it in the Crockpot, then how I modified the recipe once we got our Instant Pot. At the end of the blog post, I will share how I also modified this into a vegetarian option. I'd love to hear your feedback if you try this out, you can comment below or tag me on IG (@susie_bower_ ) or Facebook!
Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas - Crockpot Version
Prep time: 15 mins Cook time : 3 hours 15 mins Total time: 3 hours 30 mins
This healthy take on a favorite Mexican dish is quick to put together, and it makes enough servings to feed a family or fill up a meal prep menu. Farro adds a nutty taste to the flavorful mix, giving this recipe something extra special to make it really stand out. If you can't find farro, please substitute with quinoa.
Serves: 10 servings, about 1 cup each
(for those using 21 DF this is a rough estimate for 1 serving) = 1 green, 1/2 red, 2 yellow, 1/2 blue
Ingredients/Shopping List: 1 tsp. olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 medium jalapenos, seeded and de-veined, finely chopped 1 lb. raw ground chicken breast
2 (4 oz.) cans of chopped green chilis 1½ cups dry farro, rinsed (or sub with quinoa) 1 (15-oz.) can of black beans, rinsed, drained 1 cup frozen corn (optional, I personally don't use) 1 (15-oz.) can diced fire roasted tomatoes (or petite diced tomatoes), no salt added 1 cup water 1 (10-oz.) can of red enchilada sauce (I use mild, but if you like spicy, go for medium or hot) 1-2 Tbsp. chili powder (depending on how spicy you like your food) 2 Tbsp. ground cumin 2 tsp. ground coriander Sea salt (or Himalayan salt) and ground black pepper (to taste; optional) 1 cup shredded jack (or cheddar or Mexican blend) cheese 3 medium green onions, chopped ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions 1 - Heat oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
2 - Add onion; cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the onion is soft.
3 - Add garlic and jalapenos; cook, stirring frequently, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the jalapenos are soft.
4 - Add chicken; cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
5 - Place chicken mixture, farro, beans, corn, green chilis, tomatoes, water, enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin, and coriander in a 3-quart slow cooker; mix well and cover. Cook on high for 3 hours, or until liquid has been absorbed.
6 - Remove lid and stir the mixture. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Add cheese; mix well. Cover until cheese has melted.
7 - Top with green onions and cilantro; serve.
Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas - InstantPot Version
Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 15-20 mins Total time: 30-40 mins
Ingredients/Shopping List: 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2-3 (4 oz.) cans of chopped green chilis 2 lb. chicken breast or strips (can be frozen or thawed) 1 1/2 cups dry quinoa 2-3 (15 oz.) cans of black beans, rinsed, drained 1 (15 oz.) can diced fire roasted tomatoes (or petite diced tomatoes), no salt added 1 cup water 2 (10-oz.) can red enchilada sauce (I use mild, but if you like spicy, go for medium or hot) 1-2 Tbsp. chili powder (depending on your preferred spice level) 2 Tbsp. ground cumin 2 tsp. ground coriander Sea salt (or Himalayan salt) and ground black pepper (to taste; optional) 1 cup shredded jack (or cheddar or Mexican blend) cheese 3 medium green onions, chopped ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions 1 - Pour the entire can (including the liquid) of black beans, petite diced tomatoes, chopped onions, green chilis, red enchilada sauce, chicken, and garlic into the InstantPot.
2 - Add cumin, chili powder, coriander, and salt. Stir.
3 - Add quinoa and water. Stir.
4 - Select Manual, High Pressure and cook for 15-20 minutes depending on frozen or thawed chicken (sometimes with thicker, frozen breasts I have found it takes 25-30 minutes).
5 - Once it's finished, release the pressure, open the lid and stir.
6 - Make sure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the quinoa is no longer white/cream colored - it becomes translucent. You can serve it immediately or place it in a storage container.
7 - If serving, top with green onions, cheese, and cilantro; serve.
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Vegetarian options
You could simply just remove the chicken from the recipe and call it a day or you remove the chicken and can add an additional can (or two) of beans - kidney beans are a great option.
For a dairy-free version, I use veggie cheese like Daiya shredded mozzarella and cheddar.