Do you remember when the craze last year was quinoa? Quinoa EVERYTHING!! I had people writing in all the time wanting more quinoa recipes.
Now it's pretty silent when it comes to quinoa.
No requests.
Birds chirping.
Silence.
Today I'm bringing quinoa back with this amazing chicken quinoa enchilada casserole. This time in a family friendly version. I'll be perfectly honest, I CRAVE this casserole a lot. It is that good.
Now let's quick review since it's been awhile since we've posted a quinoa recipe. Quinoa is good for you because:
1. Quinoa is a supergrain. Why do I picture a cape on every single grain of quinoa right now? Maybe I really am that tired.
2. Quinoa contains nine essential amino acids--which also makes it a super protein. Quinoa earns it's cape.
3. Fiber! Quinoa contains a double dose of fiber making it great for your body. Fiber also helps move along things in your body.
4. Quinoa contains vitamins including iron, lysine, magnesium, riboflavin and manganese.
5. It's a 3000 year old grain dating back to the Incas. It's been around...
For this recipe we used Harvestland Brand chicken. Harvestland uses a superior quality of meat that contains no hormones, antibiotics, or steroids. Harvestland meat is also raised on an all vegetarian diet. In addition to chicken, you can also find turkey and pork products. Harvestland products can be easily located at select grocery stores and at most Walmart retailers. You can find other great recipes in addition to this one on their Pinterest board or their Facebook page.
And today, we're giving away $20 worth of Harvestland products for you to try! With the Superbowl around the corner, who couldn't use some meat at the party?
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa (see notes for cooking quinoa below recipe)
- 2 cups cooked Harvestland chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 10.5 oz can mild red enchilada sauce
- 1 4.5 oz can mild diced green chiles, drained
- ½ cup frozen or canned corn (drained if using canned)
- 1 cup cooked or canned black beans, (rinsed if using canned)
- ½ red bell pepper, diced into tiny pieces
- ½ green bell pepper, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½-1 tsp chili powder
- ½-1 tsp taco seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (can substitute 2%)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or monterrey jack cheese (can substitute 2%)
- 1 roma tomato, diced
- 1 avocado, pitted and diced
- 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream
- Cilantro Lime Dressing (see link below)
Instructions
- Cook quinoa according to directions (see link below recipe for several ways to prepare and store quinoa)
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease an 8x8 inch casserole pan.
- In a bowl, mix together the quinoa, enchilada sauce, green chiles, corn, black beans, bell peppers, cumin, chili powder, taco seasoning, salt and pepper, ½ cup cheddar cheese and ½ cup mozzarella or monterrey jack cheese until combined.
- Pour the mixture into the casserole dish and spread it out evenly in the pan with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella or monterrey jack.
- FREEZER MEAL OPTION: At this point, you can wrap the casserole in heavy duty tin foil and freeze. To prepare, thaw in refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed below.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese has melted. Remove casserole from oven, slice and serve. Have the toppings (tomato, avocado, cilantro and sour cream) out for individuals to top with.
Notes
Cilantro Lime Dressing: http://burntapple.com/2013/04/15/cafe-rio-cilantro-lime-dressing/ How to Cook/Freeze Quinoa (Cookin' Canuck): http://www.cookincanuck.com/2013/03/how-to-freeze-quinoa-and-quinoa-recipe-link-up/ How to Cook Quinoa In the Rice Cooker: http://burntapple.com/2012/11/05/how-to-cook-quinoa-two-ways/
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Cilantro Lime Dressing: https://burntapple.com/2013/04/15/cafe-rio-cilantro-lime-dressing/
How to Cook Quinoa/Freezing Quinoa Instructions (Cookin' Canuck): http://www.cookincanuck.com/2013/03/how-to-freeze-quinoa-and-quinoa-recipe-link-up/
Rice Cooker Quinoa: https://burntapple.com/2012/11/05/how-to-cook-quinoa-two-ways/
I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product.
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