Butternut squash chicken enchilada bake recipe

Looking for a delicious and healthy way to satisfy your cravings for Mexican food? What if we told you there was a recipe that combined the flavors of enchiladas with the health benefits of butternut squash?

Butternut squash is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while chicken is a lean protein that can help keep you feeling full for longer. Enchiladas, on the other hand, are often loaded with cheese and high-calorie sauces. So how do we get the best of both worlds?

Introducing the Butternut Squash Chicken Enchilada Bake Recipe! This dish is a healthy twist on a classic Mexican favorite, and it’s easy to make at home. With the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So let’s get started and learn how to make this delicious and nutritious dish.

What is a Butternut Squash Chicken Enchilada Bake?

Are you looking for a delicious and hearty dinner recipe that is easy to make and packed with bold flavors? Look no further than a Butternut Squash Chicken Enchilada Bake!

This recipe features tender pieces of chicken combined with cubes of roasted butternut squash, smothered in a flavorful enchilada sauce and layered with corn tortillas and melty cheese. Fresh cilantro and green onion add a pop of fresh flavor, while sour cream provides a creamy contrast to the spicy heat of the dish.

To make this recipe, start by roasting cubes of butternut squash in the oven with olive oil and a sprinkle of chili powder. Next, sauté chopped garlic and seasonings before adding shredded chicken cooked in chicken stock. Layer tortillas and butternut squash cubes in a casserole dish, adding a layer of enchilada sauce and cheese between each layer. Bake in a preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, and can easily be customized with additional ingredients like black beans or salsa. It’s also a great option for meal prep, as it reheats well and can be enjoyed throughout the week.

Whether you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine or simply looking for a flavorful and satisfying dinner option, a Butternut Squash Chicken Enchilada Bake is definitely worth trying. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy all the delicious flavors and textures of this delicious dish!

Ingredients

– Butternut squash

– Chicken breasts

– Enchilada sauce

– Corn tortillas

– Black beans

– Fresh cilantro

– Sour cream

– Garlic cloves

– Olive oil

– Chili powder

– Salt

– Mexican cheese blend

– Salsa

– Chicken stock

– Green onion

Step 1: Preparing the Butternut Squash

One of the most important steps in making a delicious butternut squash chicken enchilada bake is properly preparing the butternut squash. Butternut squash is a versatile vegetable that can be roasted, pureed, or even used in soups and stews to add a sweet and savory depth of flavor.

To start, you will need to carefully peel the tough skin off the squash and cut it into cubes. This can be a bit tricky, as the squash can be quite firm and difficult to cut through. However, with a sharp knife and some patience, this step can be accomplished quickly and safely.

Once the squash is cut into the desired size, toss it in a mixture of olive oil and chili powder. This will help to create a crispy and caramelized exterior while still maintaining a tender and sweet interior. Roasting the squash at a medium-high heat, usually around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit, for 20-25 minutes will ensure that it is fully cooked and ready for the next step in the recipe.

Butternut squash is a great addition to the dish because it provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, while also adding a sweet and nutty flavor to the overall taste of the enchilada bake. The cubed butternut squash can be added to the chicken mixture, enchilada sauce, and cheese layers in the recipe, creating a delicious and savory casserole that will impress even the pickiest eaters.

Overall, preparing the butternut squash is an essential step in making a perfect butternut squash chicken enchilada bake. With a little bit of patience and some flavor-boosting ingredients, this versatile vegetable will become the shining star in your baked dish, providing a healthy and tasty addition to your weeknight dinner repertoire.

Step 2: Assembling the Enchiladas

Now that the butternut squash has been roasted to perfection, it’s time to assemble the enchiladas. This step is where all the different layers come together to create a delicious and hearty casserole that is perfect for any weeknight dinner.

To start, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Then, pour a layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the dish. This will help to keep the tortillas from sticking and will also add a delicious layer of flavor to the finished product.

Next, lay down a layer of corn tortillas, followed by a layer of the chicken mixture. Make sure to evenly distribute the chicken and squash cubes to ensure that each bite has a balanced flavor profile. Then, pour another layer of enchilada sauce over the chicken mixture, followed by a layer of grated cheese. Repeat these steps until you have used up all of your ingredients, making sure to end with a layer of cheese on top.

If you want to add a little extra crunch to your enchilada bake, consider sprinkling some tortilla chips on top of the final layer of cheese. This will provide a great texture contrast to the creamy and melty cheese.

Once your assembly is complete, bake the enchiladas for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the dish cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

The end result is a delicious and hearty enchilada casserole that is sure to please the whole family. The layers of roasted butternut squash, savory chicken mixture, and gooey melted cheese come together to create a flavor explosion in every bite. Give this recipe a try for your next weeknight dinner and you won’t be disappointed!

Step 3: Baking the Enchiladas

Now that you’ve assembled your butternut squash chicken enchilada bake, it’s time to bake it to perfection. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and place your 9×13-inch casserole dish in the oven.

The bake should take between 20-30 minutes to cook fully but can vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the cheese to see when it begins to turn a golden brown color. When the enchiladas are finished baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool in the dish for 10-15 minutes before serving.

The key to a great enchilada bake is allowing the layers to meld together as they bake. The cheese will melt and create a gooey texture, while the enchilada sauce and seasonings will infuse the chicken and squash cubes with a rich, savory flavor.

If you’re looking for an extra crunch with your enchiladas, consider sprinkling some crushed tortilla chips on top of the cheese before baking. This will add a crispy texture to the dish that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese.

In the event that you have leftovers, the enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave and enjoy as a quick and easy weeknight dinner.