Spicy Black Bean Chicken Enchiladas 🌶️🌯

If you love bold, zesty flavors and hearty comfort food, these Spicy Black Bean Chicken Enchiladas will be your new favorite Mexican-inspired dish. Packed with shredded chicken, black beans, gooey cheese, and a spicy enchilada sauce, they’re baked to bubbly perfection for a satisfying dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

These enchiladas are perfect for weeknight meals, meal prep, or even feeding a crowd. Best of all, they can be easily customized to suit your spice preference and favorite toppings.

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Why You’ll Love These Enchiladas

• Hearty & filling – Loaded with protein and fiber from chicken and beans.
• Spicy & flavorful – Balanced with smoky enchilada sauce and gooey cheese.
• Family-friendly – Can be adjusted for mild or fiery heat.
• Make-ahead friendly – Assemble ahead and bake when ready.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (red or green, spicy preferred)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 flour or corn tortillas (8-inch size)
• Fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, or avocado for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the filling

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Stir in shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes with chilies, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until well combined.

Step 2: Fill the tortillas

Spread 2–3 tablespoons of filling down the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese, then roll tightly.

Step 3: Assemble the enchiladas

Spread ½ cup enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place rolled tortillas seam-side down in the dish. Pour remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle generously with cheese.

Step 4: Bake

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish & serve

Top with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, sour cream, or avocado slices before serving.

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Tips for the Best Enchiladas

• Make it spicier – Add extra jalapeños, hot sauce, or use spicy enchilada sauce.
• Use rotisserie chicken – A quick shortcut that adds flavor and saves time.
• Tortilla choice – Corn tortillas are more traditional, but flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll.
• Meal prep – Assemble ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

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Variations

• Vegetarian option – Skip the chicken and add extra black beans, corn, or sautéed peppers.
• Green enchiladas – Use green enchilada sauce and top with sliced green chilies.
• Cheesy deluxe – Add cream cheese or queso fresco inside the filling for extra creaminess.
• Low-carb – Use low-carb tortillas or wrap the filling in zucchini slices.

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Assemble enchiladas (without baking), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cook time.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave individual portions.

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Final Thoughts

These Spicy Black Bean Chicken Enchiladas are the perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and hearty. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, they’re satisfying, flavorful, and endlessly customizable.

Serve them with Mexican rice, guacamole, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love! 🌮✨

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