Chicken and Black Bean Verde Enchiladas
Comforting corn tortillas stuffed with shredded chicken, black beans, and Monterey Jack cheese, all baked in a tangy salsa verde. A satisfying Mexican-inspired dinner that comes together easily.
The perimenopause lens
A cautious perimenopause lens
These tags explain why the recipe may appear in Lila. They are prompts for noticing your own patterns—not evidence that this meal treats a symptom.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthCramps
Observe before drawing conclusions
Track timing, movement, hydration and cycle context. A meal or supplement should not replace assessment of persistent cramps.
Track: severity + cycle timing
Low energy
Check how the whole meal lands
Food is one part of energy. Notice meal timing, sleep and symptoms together rather than assigning the result to one nutrient.
Track: energy 1–3 hours later
Mood changes
Watch the whole day
Mood can overlap with sleep, stress and cycle changes. Food and supplements are not substitutes for support when symptoms persist.
Track: mood + sleep + cycle
Before you start
Your 40-minute game plan
Gather everything first, then tap ingredients and steps as you go.
Equipment
Oven · Large skillet
Time saver
Make ahead: You can assemble these enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and store in the fridge, then bake when you're ready for dinner (add 5 minutes to the bake time if cooking from cold).
Do these three things first
- 1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- 2Prep black beans (rinsed)
- 3Set out all ingredients before cooking
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
From Your Pantry
Cook along
One clear step at a time
0 of 7 steps complete
Next: Preheat your oven to 375°F
- 01
Preheat your oven to 375°F
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly coat the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish with a splash of olive oil and a few spoonfuls of salsa verde.
Tap card to mark done - 02
In a skillet over medium heat
In a skillet over medium heat, warm a drizzle of olive oil. Season the chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, and dried cumin or chili powder. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through (about 6 to 8 minutes per side). Transfer to a cutting board and shred using two forks.
Tap card to mark done - 03
In a medium bowl
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, the drained black beans, half of the monterey jack cheese, and about 1/4 cup of the salsa verde to bind the filling together.
Tap card to mark done - 04
Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp…
Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 to 40 seconds until warm and pliable (this prevents them from cracking).
Tap card to mark done - 05
Spoon the chicken and bean filling evenly…
Spoon the chicken and bean filling evenly down the center of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Tap card to mark done - 06
Pour the remaining salsa verde evenly over…
Pour the remaining salsa verde evenly over the rolled enchiladas and top with the rest of the cheese.
Tap card to mark done - 07
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden at the edges. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tap card to mark done
The nutrition underneath
Why this bowl holds together
Pliable tortillas are key
Pliable tortillas are key: If you don't have a microwave, you can briefly warm the corn tortillas one by one in a dry, hot skillet for about 10 seconds per side until soft.
Make ahead
Make ahead: You can assemble these enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and store in the fridge, then bake when you're ready for dinner (add 5 minutes to the bake time if cooking from cold).
Sauce swap
Sauce swap: If salsa verde isn't your favorite, this recipe works beautifully with a traditional red enchilada sauce.
Your symptoms change. Your plan should too.
One good meal is a start. Your whole week is better.
Tell Lila what you like, what you avoid and which symptoms are loud today. She’ll turn that context into meals, targets and small adjustments that fit real life.