If you're looking for a healthy, satisfying meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, these Quick & Easy Healthy Chicken Enchiladas are about to become your new favorite go-to dinner!
Loaded with lean shredded chicken, wrapped in tender tortillas, and topped with a homemade, lightened-up enchilada sauce, these enchiladas offer all the comfort of a classic Mexican dish — without the extra calories.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anytime you're craving something hearty and nourishing, this recipe is designed to be simple, wholesome, and unbelievably delicious.
Ingredients (in grams)
- 400 g cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 8 small whole wheat or low-carb tortillas (about 25 g each)
- 150 g low-fat shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
- 250 g enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought low-sodium)
- 100 g canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 100 g frozen corn kernels, thawed
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped (80 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (6 g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 g)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (2 g)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (2 g)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (1 g)
- ½ teaspoon salt (1 g)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (1 g)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
- Sauté aromatics:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped red onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes). - Season and mix:
Add the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is warmed through and fragrant.
Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
- Prepare the baking dish:
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Spread 2-3 tablespoons of enchilada sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. - Fill the tortillas:
Spoon about 2 heaping tablespoons of the chicken mixture into each tortilla. Sprinkle with a small amount of cheese. Roll them up tightly and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. - Top and bake:
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top. - Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish:
Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the enchiladas before serving. - Serve hot with a side of avocado slices, Greek yogurt (as a healthy sour cream alternative), or a crisp salad.
Nutritional Information (per enchilada, based on 8 enchiladas)
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
(Nutrition may vary depending on specific brands and ingredients used.)
Tips and Tricks
- Use rotisserie chicken: Save even more time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken — just shred and season it!
- Homemade enchilada sauce: Make a quick, healthier enchilada sauce by blending tomato paste, vegetable broth, garlic, cumin, and a dash of chili powder.
- Low-carb swap: Use almond flour or low-carb tortillas to reduce the carbohydrate content further.
- Freeze it: Assemble the enchiladas, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for 30-40 minutes.
- More veggies: Add spinach, sautéed zucchini, or diced bell peppers to the filling for extra nutrition.
- Cheese alternatives: Swap out part of the cheese for a sprinkle of nutritional yeast to boost flavor and lower calories.
My Special Addition to Your Website 🌟
Why readers will love this recipe:
These Healthy Chicken Enchiladas are the perfect balance of comfort and smart eating.
Unlike heavy restaurant versions, this lighter homemade version keeps the flavor high and the calories low — ideal for anyone watching their weight without wanting to feel deprived.
For even more content on your site, you could offer a "Choose Your Sauce" guide: Green enchilada sauce, creamy Greek yogurt-based sauces, or even a chipotle twist for those who love a smoky flavor!
This recipe also fits well into meal prep plans, helping your readers build healthier habits while enjoying food that feels like a treat.
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