Healthy Chicken Enchiladas with Homemade Sauce Recipe

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:

  1. Great flavors: The homemade enchilada sauce adds a depth of flavor that you just can’t get from store-bought versions.
  2. Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can have this dish on the table in no time.
  3. 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:

  1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  2. Stir in tomato sauce, chicken broth, adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. 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.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce in a baking dish.
  5. Fill each tortilla with the chicken filling, roll up, and place seam side down in the baking dish.
  6. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. 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:

  1. Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
  2. For a crispy top, broil the enchiladas for a few minutes after baking.
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!

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Healthy Chicken Enchiladas with Homemade Sauce Recipe

Healthy Chicken Enchiladas with Homemade Sauce Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 50 mins
  • Yield: 46 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Make the Chicken Filling: Sauté onion and garlic, then add chicken, corn, black beans, enchilada sauce, chili powder, cumin, and cilantro.
  3. 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
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