easy skillet chicken enchiladas
We are an enchilada loving household and typically a salsa verde enchilada loving household at that, but this Skillet Chipotle Chicken Enchilada Bake fromGaby Dalkin of What’s Gaby Cooking is a sure thing no matter the preference! We prefer to add in some sweet potatoes for a little additional veggie protein, plus I’ve made my few additional healthy amendments in the recipe below:
INGREDIENTS
✧ 2 pasture raised chicken breasts
✧ 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
✧ 1 jar of Siete brand Red Enchilada Sauce
✧ 1 small can green chiles
✧ 2 chipotles in adobo, chopped
✧ 3 c mozzarella cheese
✧ 4 grain free tortillas
✧ 1 c black beans
✧ 1 c corn removed from the cob - but frozen also works in a pinch!
✧ Scallions, cilantro & avocado to garnish
NOTES
꩜ Shop wild, organic (spices & oils included) & in season whenever possible, plus make sure to fully clean all residue off produce with baking soda prior to cooking.
꩜ Siete’s tortillas are my personal favorite, particularly the cassava flour, as it sits the best with me; I recently also discovered a new fave with Coyotas Organic Cassava Tortillas.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Combine the chicken, sweet potatoes, enchilada sauce, green chiles and chipotle peppers in a heavy bottom pot over medium heat, stir everything to combine, and cook for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
2. Remove the chicken and using 2 forks, shred the chicken. Reserve all of the sauce.
3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
4. In a medium sized skillet, layer the ingredients, starting with a layer of sauce followed by 3 tortillas, half of the chicken, half of the sweet potatoes, half of the black beans, half of the corn, half of the cheese. Repeat for the second layer with the remaining sauce, tortillas, chicken, sweet potatoes, black beans, corn and cheese…feel free to add in any left over bits of tortilla and cover with cheese.
5. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes uncovered, until bubbly and cheese has melted and started to brown on top.
6. Top with scallions and cilantro to serve, enjoy! And PS - this makes for the best leftovers ever!
Some functional food for thought —
ORGANIC PASTURE RAISED CHICKEN
Similar to buying organic produce, it’s critical to seek out organic pasture raised chicken and eggs. Similar to whole organic grass-fed beef, there’s a major pay off on the nutrient and taste front, as well as on the ethics side — and if we have to realize that the ethics, such as filthy living conditions, cross right over into the quality of our food (and health!). Don’t skim on quality, if anything skim on quantity.
This brings me to my next point on the importance of quality animal protein. As I primarily plant based eater, I personally find it challenging to eat enough high quality animal protein. I can pile on the nuts, beans, tofu and seeds, but I can tell that when my energy level is down at certain moments, it’s typically pointing back to my body’s need for a little more protein. My recommendation is that as long as you’re open to it, give yourself the challenge of making a fun new meat dish once or even twice a week. It really ups the kitchen game and also gives a boost to energy, as well as mood and immunity!
CILANTRO
Also known as coriander, cilantro is very polarizing, but it’s hands down one of my absolute favorite herbs! And thankfully, it’s a true superfood. From lowering blood-sugar levels, to heavy metal cleansing, to preventing cardiovascular damage, to possessing anti-anxiety and mood lifting effects, to improving sleep quality, to acting as an antimicrobial and natural internal deodorant — cilantro is simply a super-powered detox herb! Its strong antioxidant properties should also be highlighted, rich with beta-carotene and lutein, both carotenoids known to reduce damage to cells caused by free radicals.
PINK HIMALAYAN SALT
Since pink Himalayan salt is less processed than table salt, your body has an easier time processing it, as it doesn’t require as much water to clear out the excess sodium! It also contains more than 80 minerals and elements, including potassium, iron, calcium and (naturally occurring) iodine, aiding our body’s natural detoxification process and promoting the removal of bacteria. This can even help lower blood pressure, as iodine supports our body’s electrolyte balance, allowing our intestines to absorb more nutrients.
As with everything I make, I love to know the ingredients will fuel not only a beautiful plate, but a beautiful feeling inside. Steeped in the culture of being raised in Japanese and Italian homes, I understand the magnitude of importance food holds. I also believe in the philosophy of eating to live versus living to eat. It really is not about deprivation, it’s about remaining mindful and raising the vibration — no matter how incredible something taste’s, it’s also about how it “tastes” to our minds, bodies and souls that will keep the true “deliciousness” with us long past the moment of actual consumption. Pillars I continue to remind myself:
1. The quality of ingredients matter.
2. Less is always more.
3. Think loving thoughts while cooking and the food will taste better! #truth
4. Remain present while enjoying the intimate act of eating, it’s a game changer.
With love & gratitude, cheers to your good health!
medical disclaimer: all information is intended for general information purposes only and should not be considered as personal medical advice. individuals should always consult their healthcare provider before administering any of the suggestions made on thebalancedcalm.com to ensure they are appropriate for their specific circumstance.
