Description
Spicy Black Bean Chicken Enchiladas with Pumpkin Sour Cream Sauce combine smoky black beans, tender shredded chicken, and warm spices with a creamy, subtly earthy pumpkin-infused sour cream sauce. This baked one-pan dish offers bold, balanced flavors and wholesome ingredients, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or entertaining guests with a unique twist on classic enchiladas.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup sour cream
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 tsp lime juice or 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Other
- 8–10 soft corn or flour tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in a hot skillet until fragrant and translucent. Add the shredded chicken, black beans, chopped chipotle peppers, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir and cook for a few minutes until heated through and the flavors meld.
- Make the Pumpkin Sour Cream Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sour cream, and a pinch of salt. Add lime juice or ground cinnamon if desired for extra flavor. This sauce will be creamy and tangy, complementing the filling perfectly.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Warm the tortillas to make them pliable. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken and black bean filling onto each tortilla, then roll tightly. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in a greased baking dish, arranging them close together.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the pumpkin sour cream sauce evenly over the assembled enchiladas. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top to form a bubbly, golden crust when baked.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the enchiladas uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Remove from oven and let sit for five minutes before serving.
Notes
- Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave to prevent cracking while rolling.
- Use freshly shredded chicken for better flavor absorption and freshness.
- Control the spice level by adjusting the amount of chipotle peppers and chili powder.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; leave space for even baking and sauce distribution.
- Allow enchiladas to rest after baking for cleaner slices and enhanced flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: enchiladas, black beans, chicken, pumpkin sauce, spicy, Mexican, baked, one-dish meal, sour cream sauce