Chicken Ranchiladas

Mark and I love Tex-Mex. I used to cook it at home a lot, but then kids happened. We’re lucky that neither of ours are overly-picky eaters, but they’re not into spicy and that nixes a lot of my go-to Tex-Mex.

These were a great in-between. They’re spiced enough that Mark and I enjoyed them, but the kids didn’t find them spicy. (And, served with extra ranch for dipping, they were a huge hit.)

I sped up the prep time by using cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!), but you could also cook chicken breasts in a pot or slow cooker with the broth and seasoning and shred once cooked.

ChickenRanchiladas

Chicken Ranchiladas
(A Kate’s Recipe Box Original)
Serves 4-6

5 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup chicken broth
2 Tbsp. taco-ranch seasoning
3/4 cup salsa
3/4 cup ranch dressing + additional for topping
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, divided
10 tortillas
Shredded lettuce, for serving, optional
Chopped tomato, for serving, optional

Taco-ranch seasoning:
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 1/2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. black pepper
3/4 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 pkg. dry ranch dressing mix

Mix all seasonings together and store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×11″ pan with non-stick spray and set aside.

In a large pot, add chicken, broth and 2 Tbsp. taco-ranch seasoning and heat over low heat until well combined. Remove from heat.

Stir together the salsa and ranch dressing. Pour 1/2 cup into the bottom of the prepared pan and spread evenly.

Mix the remaining salsa-ranch mixture into the chicken, along with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir to combine evenly.

Divide chicken mixture between tortillas and wrap up tightly. Place in the pan seam-side down. Top with additional cheese.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Top with lettuce and tomatoes before serving.

Enchilada Rice Skillet

We’re officially into the phase of Lent where meatless Fridays feel like a chore. The new meals I was most excited to make have already been tried out and I’m trying really, really hard not to just fall back on pizza and fish sticks.

This meal was a bit of a compromise. I had something veggie-packed and healthier planned – but cheesy comfort food sounded much better for the night. And it was.

We topped leftovers with grilled chicken and pulled pork for lunches the next day – both were great!

EnchiladaRiceSkillet.JPG

Enchilada Rice Skillet
(from Budget Savvy Diva)
Serves 4

1 cup rice, uncooked
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 red pepper, diced
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups red enchilada sauce
1/2 cup of green salsa
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. cumin
Pinch of Salt and Pepper
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

Cook rice according to package directions.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the garlic, onion, and pepper and cook until onion is soft and translucent  – about five minutes.

Add in rice, corn, black beans, enchilada sauce, green salsa, and spices. Mix until well combined and cook for an additional five minutes, until everything is heated through.

Sprinkle the cheese over the top and cover. Cook until cheese is melted and serve immediately.