Chicken Enchilada Quinoa Bake

Ingredients:

1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water
1 Tbsp olive oil
½ onion, diced
1 jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed, and diced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
2 cups (about 8 oz) chicken, cooked and shredded
1 tsp cumin
1 Tbsp chili powder
¾ tsp salt
1½ cups enchilada sauce (recipe follows)
1 cup (4 oz) 2% cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup (4 oz) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
½ cup cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Enchilada Sauce:
1 tsp olive oil
1 onion, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 Tbsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp sugar
1 (15 oz) can low-sodium tomato sauce
½ cup water

Instructions:

Serves: 8

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Mist a 9-inch by 13-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Combine the quinoa and water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside (keep covered) and allow quinoa to sit an additional 10-15 minutes.

Meanwhile, make the enchilada sauce. Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the onion and cook until softened, 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and sugar, and cook, stirring constantly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato sauce and water, and bring to a simmer. Cook until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove sauce from heat and set aside.

In a small skillet, heat the tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and jalapeño, and sauté until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a large mixing bowl. To the bowl add the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, chicken, cumin, chili powder, salt, 1½ cups of the enchilada sauce, and ⅓ cup of each cheese. Mix well and pour into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Bake 15-20 minutes, then remove foil. Bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and edges begin to brown. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with and cilantro, and serve.

From preventionrd.com