Effortless Chicken Enchilada Dump Dinner: A Flavor-Packed Weeknight Meal

Are you searching for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner that requires minimal effort? Look no further than this Chicken Enchilada Dump Dinner! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen but still crave a comforting and flavorful meal. It’s a ‘dump and go’ recipe, meaning you simply layer all the ingredients in a baking dish and let the oven do the work. No pre-cooking or complicated steps are required. This recipe also is incredibly versatile, and you can customize it to your liking using different vegetables, beans, or sauces. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this amazing dinner.

## What is a Dump Dinner?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s define what a “dump dinner” is. A dump dinner is a recipe where all the ingredients are simply dumped into a single pot, baking dish, or slow cooker, without the need for any preliminary cooking or intricate preparation. The goal is to minimize prep time and cleanup, making it an ideal solution for busy individuals or families. The beauty of dump dinners lies in their simplicity and convenience, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

## Why You’ll Love This Chicken Enchilada Dump Dinner

This Chicken Enchilada Dump Dinner stands out from other dump dinner recipes for several reasons:

* **Minimal Prep Time:** As the name suggests, this recipe requires very little preparation. You simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish and bake it until bubbly and heated through.
* **Easy Cleanup:** One of the best things about dump dinners is the easy cleanup. Since everything is cooked in one dish, you only have one pan to wash.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to your preferences. You can add different vegetables, beans, or cheeses to customize the flavor and texture.
* **Flavorful:** Despite its simplicity, this dump dinner is packed with flavor. The combination of chicken, enchilada sauce, corn, beans, and cheese creates a delicious and satisfying meal.
* **Budget-Friendly:** This recipe uses affordable ingredients, making it a budget-friendly option for families.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** You can easily make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for a quick and easy meal later in the week.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this Chicken Enchilada Dump Dinner. Feel free to adjust the quantities to your liking.

* **Cooked Chicken:** 2 cups, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great! You can also use leftover cooked chicken or cook chicken breasts ahead of time.)
* **Enchilada Sauce:** 2 (10-ounce) cans (choose your favorite brand and heat level. Red or green enchilada sauce both work well.)
* **Corn:** 1 (15-ounce) can, drained (you can also use frozen corn, just make sure it’s thawed.)
* **Black Beans:** 1 (15-ounce) can, rinsed and drained (pinto beans can also be used.)
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5-ounce) can, undrained (you can use regular diced tomatoes or diced tomatoes with green chilies for extra flavor.)
* **Green Chiles:** 4 ounces, canned, diced (optional, for added spice. Omit if you prefer a milder dish.)
* **Shredded Cheese:** 2 cups (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend all work well. You can also use a combination of cheeses.)
* **Tortilla Chips:** 1 cup, crushed (optional, for topping. This adds a nice crunch.)
* **Optional Toppings:** Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, chopped green onions

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowl (optional, for mixing ingredients)
* Can opener
* Colander (for rinsing beans)
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part: making the Chicken Enchilada Dump Dinner! Follow these simple steps for a delicious and satisfying meal.

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the dish cooks evenly and the cheese melts beautifully.
2. **Prepare Ingredients:** If using canned corn and black beans, drain the corn and rinse and drain the black beans. This removes any excess liquid and helps prevent the dish from becoming soggy. Shred the cooked chicken if you haven’t already. If using rotisserie chicken, simply shred the meat from the bones. If using cooked chicken breasts, you can shred them with two forks or in a stand mixer.
3. **Layer Ingredients:** In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. This prevents the bottom layer from drying out and adds flavor. Then, layer the remaining ingredients in the following order:

* Half of the cooked chicken
* Half of the corn
* Half of the black beans
* Half of the diced tomatoes (undrained)
* Half of the green chiles (if using)
* Half of the shredded cheese
* Drizzle with half of the remaining enchilada sauce

4. **Repeat Layers:** Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients:

* Remaining cooked chicken
* Remaining corn
* Remaining black beans
* Remaining diced tomatoes (undrained)
* Remaining green chiles (if using)
* Remaining shredded cheese
* Drizzle with the remaining enchilada sauce

5. **Bake:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This helps to prevent the cheese from burning and allows the ingredients to heat through evenly. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the enchilada sauce is heated through. If you want the cheese to be more browned, you can broil it for a minute or two, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.
6. **Rest:** Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
7. **Serve:** Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips (if using) over the top and serve hot. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, and chopped green onions. Serve with a side of rice or a simple salad for a complete meal.

## Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this Chicken Enchilada Dump Dinner to your liking:

* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as diced bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms. Sauté them lightly before adding them to the layers for best results.
* **Use Different Beans:** You can substitute pinto beans, kidney beans, or white beans for the black beans.
* **Spice it Up:** For a spicier dish, use hot enchilada sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or use diced tomatoes with green chilies.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the chicken and add more beans or vegetables to make it a vegetarian dish. You can also add crumbled tofu or vegetarian crumbles for extra protein.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, provolone, or mozzarella. You can also use a combination of cheeses.
* **Add Cream Cheese:** For a creamier dish, add a layer of softened cream cheese between the layers of ingredients.
* **Make it in a Slow Cooker:** This recipe can also be made in a slow cooker. Simply layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Top with cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the dump dinner ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure that it’s heated through.
* **Freeze it:** This dish freezes well. Assemble the dump dinner in a freezer-safe dish and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
* **Use Corn Tortillas:** For an even more authentic enchilada flavor, you can cut corn tortillas into strips and layer them between the ingredients.

## Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Enchilada Dump Dinner is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:

* **Rice:** Serve with a side of Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice.
* **Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad or a Southwest salad with black beans, corn, and a lime vinaigrette.
* **Guacamole:** Serve with a dollop of guacamole or sliced avocado.
* **Sour Cream:** Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
* **Salsa:** Serve with your favorite salsa, such as pico de gallo or a roasted tomato salsa.
* **Tortilla Chips:** Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.
* **Mexican Street Corn Salad:** Serve with a side of Mexican street corn salad for a burst of flavor.

## Nutritional Information (approximate)

*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*

* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 30-40 grams per serving
* Fat: 20-30 grams per serving
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams per serving
* Fiber: 5-7 grams per serving

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

* **Can I use raw chicken?** No, it is not recommended to use raw chicken in this recipe as it may not cook through properly. Always use cooked chicken.
* **Can I use fresh corn?** Yes, you can use fresh corn. Cut the kernels off the cob and add them to the layers.
* **Can I use different types of beans?** Yes, you can substitute pinto beans, kidney beans, or white beans for the black beans.
* **Can I make this dish ahead of time?** Yes, you can assemble the dump dinner ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure that it’s heated through.
* **Can I freeze this dish?** Yes, this dish freezes well. Assemble the dump dinner in a freezer-safe dish and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
* **How do I prevent the dish from being too watery?** Make sure to drain the corn and rinse and drain the black beans to remove excess liquid. You can also use a slotted spoon to add the diced tomatoes, leaving the excess juice behind.
* **Can I add rice to this dish?** Yes, you can add cooked rice to the layers for a heartier meal.
* **What can I use instead of enchilada sauce?** If you don’t have enchilada sauce, you can use a combination of tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
* **How do I make this dish vegan?** Omit the chicken and cheese and use plant-based cheese and sour cream alternatives. Add more beans or vegetables for extra protein.

## Conclusion

This Chicken Enchilada Dump Dinner is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, customizable, and incredibly delicious. With minimal prep time and easy cleanup, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a flavor-packed meal that will satisfy your cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!