Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal for any occasion? Look no further than these Healthy Chicken Enchiladas with Homemade Sauce! Packed with flavor and simple to prepare, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Great flavors: The homemade enchilada sauce adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get from store-bought versions.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can have this dish on the table in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: These enchiladas are perfect for making ahead of time and reheating for a quick and satisfying meal throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Enchilada Sauce:
- Olive oil: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
- Garlic: Provides a savory aroma and taste.
- Tomato sauce: The base of the sauce, adding a rich tomato flavor.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- Adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers): Adds a smoky and spicy kick.
- Chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, salt, black pepper: A blend of spices that give the sauce its signature flavor.
For the Chicken Filling: - Small yellow onion, garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add flavor to the filling.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Adds protein and heartiness to the dish.
- Corn, black beans: Add texture and fiber to the filling.
- Enchilada sauce: The homemade sauce ties everything together.
- Chili powder, cumin, chopped cilantro: More spices and fresh herbs for extra flavor.
For the Enchiladas: - Whole wheat flour tortillas: The vessel for all the delicious fillings.
- Shredded Mexican cheese: Adds gooey, melty goodness to the top of the enchiladas.
- Fresh cilantro and other favorite toppings: Garnishes to personalize your enchiladas.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato sauce, chicken broth, adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a separate pan, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add chicken, corn, black beans, enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin, and cilantro. Cook until heated through.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce in a baking dish.
- Fill each tortilla with the chicken filling, roll up, and place seam side down in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and your favorite toppings.
Helpful Tips:
- To make this recipe vegetarian, swap the chicken for extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
- If you like your enchiladas spicy, add extra adobo sauce or diced jalapeños to the filling.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- For a crispy top, broil the enchiladas for a few minutes after baking.
- Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Healthy Chicken Enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice, a fresh salad, and a cold glass of agua fresca for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze these enchiladas?
Yes, you can freeze these enchiladas before baking. Simply assemble, cover with foil, and freeze. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed. - Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce instead?
While homemade sauce is recommended for the best flavor, you can use store-bought sauce in a pinch. - Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Conclusion:
These Healthy Chicken Enchiladas with Homemade Sauce are a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think! Enjoy!
Print
Healthy Chicken Enchiladas with Homemade Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy these healthy chicken enchiladas made with a homemade sauce that is bursting with flavor. Filled with a mixture of tender chicken, corn, black beans, and spices, these enchiladas are sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
Ingredients
For the Enchilada Sauce:
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers)
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 2 breasts)
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup black beans
- 1/2 cup enchilada sauce you just made
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
For the Enchiladas:
- 8 (7-inch) whole wheat flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
- Fresh cilantro and other favorite toppings, to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Enchilada Sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan, sauté garlic, then add tomato sauce, chicken broth, adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Make the Chicken Filling: Sauté onion and garlic, then add chicken, corn, black beans, enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin, and cilantro.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Fill tortillas with chicken mixture, roll them up, place in a baking dish, cover with enchilada sauce and cheese, bake until bubbly.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or protein.
- To save time, use store-bought enchilada sauce instead of making it from scratch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
