Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas

There’s something utterly irresistible about a plate of warm, cheesy enchiladas, especially when they’re packed with tender chicken, zesty lime, and a hint of sweetness from honey. These Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas are not just a feast for the taste buds but also an easy-to-make dish that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds. With a delightful combination of flavors and textures, this dish is a perfect weeknight dinner that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!

The Upside of Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas

These Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas bring a delightful twist to the traditional Mexican dish. The blend of honey and lime creates a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and tangy, perfectly complementing the savory chicken and hearty black beans. Plus, with the addition of Monterey Jack cheese, every bite is a gooey, melty delight. Not to mention, this dish is versatile and can be tailored to suit various dietary needs, making it a win for everyone at the table!

What Goes In

To make your Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen), cooked
• 1 (16-ounce) bottle salsa verde
• 10 large flour tortillas
• 3 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Sour cream, for serving
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Tools of the Trade

Before we get started, gather the following tools to help streamline your cooking process:

• Large skillet – for cooking chicken and mixing ingredients.
• Baking dish – to assemble and bake your enchiladas.
• Mixing bowl – for combining the filling ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – for mixing and cooking.
• Knife and cutting board – for chopping and shredding.

From Start to Finish: Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas

Now that we have everything ready, let’s walk through the steps to create these delicious Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas!

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Begin by cooking the chicken breasts. In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, cooked corn, half of the Monterey Jack cheese, honey, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of salsa verde at the bottom. Take a flour tortilla, add a generous scoop of the chicken filling to the center, and roll it up tightly. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process until all tortillas are filled and placed in the dish.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Once all the enchiladas are in the baking dish, pour the remaining salsa verde over the top, ensuring all enchiladas are covered. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top of the salsa.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

Once out of the oven, let the enchiladas cool slightly before serving. Top with sour cream and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite!

Tailor It to Your Diet

These Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas can easily be adjusted to fit different dietary preferences:

• For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or additional beans.
• Use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier alternative.
• For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free tortillas and ensure your salsa verde is gluten-free.
• Reduce the cheese for a lower-calorie version or use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

What Not to Do

When making Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas, keep these tips in mind:

• Don’t skip the resting time for the cooked chicken. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it tender and easy to shred.
• Avoid overfilling the tortillas to prevent them from bursting during baking.
• Don’t forget to cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking to keep the enchiladas moist.
• Be cautious with the spices; adjust them to your taste, especially the cayenne pepper if you prefer milder flavors.

Prep Ahead & Store

If you want to get a head start on your Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas, here are some tips:

You can prepare the chicken filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply assemble the enchiladas and bake as directed. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the assembled, unbaked enchiladas. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as usual.

Questions People Ask

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out Monterey Jack cheese for other varieties like cheddar, queso blanco, or pepper jack for a bit of spice. Each will bring a different flavor to your enchiladas.

What can I serve on the side?

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas pair beautifully with a simple side salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans. You can also serve them with guacamole and chips for a complete meal.

Can I make these enchiladas in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the enchiladas ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. They also freeze well for a convenient meal later!

How do I reheat leftovers?

To reheat, simply place the enchiladas in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave them in individual portions if you’re in a hurry.

Try These Next

If you loved these Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas, here are some other delicious recipes to try:

• Cheesy Bean Burritos
• Spicy Chicken Tacos
• Vegetable Fajitas
• Southwestern Chicken Salad

Bring It Home

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. The combination of sweet and savory flavors wrapped in warm tortillas, topped with gooey cheese, creates a dish that is sure to impress. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, these enchiladas will become a staple in your recipe rotation. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let the deliciousness begin!

As you enjoy this delightful dish, you’ll discover that Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas have a way of bringing everyone together around the table. Happy cooking!