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Quinoa Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Quinoa Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Protein-rich quinoa makes a satisfying layer in this easy Mexican casserole recipe. If you want to make this dish vegetarian, beans are a nice swap for the chicken. Serve with a green salad tossed with an oregano vinaigrette.

Servings

6 servings

Prep Time

25 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2cups water
  • 3/4cup quinoa
  • 1tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2medium poblano peppers, chopped
  • 1jalapeño pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/2medium onion, chopped
  • 1tablespoon chili powder
  • 2teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1/2teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2cups shredded or cubed cooked chicken
  • 115-ounce can green or red enchilada sauce, divided
  • 3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
  • Chopped tomato, avocado, scallion and/or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat an 8-inch-square baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Combine water and quinoa in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and cook until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
  3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add poblanos, jalapeño, onion, chili powder, cumin and salt. Cook, stirring, until the vegetables are softened and starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Add chicken and 3/4 cup enchilada sauce and cook, stirring, until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. Spread half of the cooked quinoa in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half the cheese and top with the chicken mixture. Spread the remaining quinoa on top of the filling. Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce on top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
  5. Bake until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve topped with tomato, avocado, scallion and/or cilantro, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (recipe makes 6 servings)

Calories 439kcal
Carbohydrate Total 21g
Total Sugars 2g
Added Sugars 0g
Fiber 3g
Total Fat 21g
Saturated Fat 9g
Mono Saturated Fat 8g
Cholesterol 120mg
Sodium 458mg
Protein 39g
Potassium 628mg
Calcium 166mg
Chromium 1mcg
Folate 52mcg
Omega-6 2g
Vitamin B12 1mcg
Vitamin E 3mg
Zinc 2mg
Vitamin B3 15mg

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