Elizabeth Kalifeh and her husband PJ recently married in October 2023. They have a blended family comprising the two of them and their children, Emily (16) and Joseph (4).
Both of the Kalifehs are working full-time. PJ is an Associate Extension Professor at Auburn School of Fisheries, and Elizabeth is an aesthetic injectable sales rep for Galderma. When they have downtime the family loves to travel together. PJ enjoys hunting and fishing outdoors, and Elizabeth can be found running and exercising.
The kids are also very involved in after-school activities. Emily is part of the theatre program at UMS Preparatory School, and she also plays softball. Joseph just started his first year of playing sports, really enjoying both T-ball and soccer.
“Weeknights often feel hectic, and we try to make quick, simple, and healthy choices,” said Elizabeth. “Our Simple Chicken Enchilada recipe is in our regular meal rotation, so it seemed appropriate to share it with everyone.”
A friend shared this recipe with Elizabeth because Joseph is a picky eater. These enchiladas were one meal he would eat – sans the beans.
“We love these because they’re easy to make, and we always have leftovers. It’s also a dish I like to take to someone who has had a baby because it’s easy to throw in the oven once prepped,” said Elizabeth.
This new family is excited for their second Christmas together.
“We are still building our own special traditions for the holiday season. Emily has made a homemade gingerbread house every year since she was a year old and Joseph has now joined in on the tradition,” said Elizabeth. “I tend to do a lot of baking this time of year and have requests for my gingersnap, mint chocolate, and salty-sweet cookies.”
When she isn’t in the kitchen baking, Elizabeth can be found cozied up on the couch watching Hallmark Christmas movies. This means PJ is often out hunting.
“Truly, I love celebrating all holidays, and anyone who knows me would tell you I’m extra and over the top when it comes to celebrating,” Elizabeth said. “I love doing all the Christmas activities with the kids and spending time with family.”
Simple Chicken Enchiladas
Ingredients:
- 4 cups coarsely shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 8 8-inch flour tortillas, warmed
For the enchilada sauce:
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 1 small poblano pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon each ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
Instructions:
Enchilada Sauce Instructions (prep first):
1. Heat canola oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and poblano, and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in chicken stock and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Instructions for Assembling and Baking:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9 x 13 baking dish or coat it with nonstick spray.
2. Spoon some of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of the baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, combine chicken, black beans, cilantro, and 1/2 cup enchilada sauce. Stir in 3/4 cup cheese.
4. To assemble the enchiladas, lay the tortilla on a flat surface and spoon 1/2-3/4 cups of the chicken mixture in the center. Roll the tortilla and place the seam side down onto the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and chicken mixture.
5. Top with remaining enchilada sauce and remaining cheese.
6. Place into the oven and bake until bubbly, about 25-30 minutes.
Author: Gabriele Jones
Gabriele has been married to her husband Daniel for 16 years. Together they have three incredible children - two boys, ages 15 and eight, and a sweet girl who joined the family last summer. She is a full time Pink Cadillac Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. When she isn’t spending time with family or building her business, she supports her husband who is the Lead Pastor and Planter of Forward Church in Foley.
