Healthy Low Calorie Chicken Enchiladas

When you think about comfort food, enchiladas often come to mind with their warm tortillas, flavorful fillings, and cheesy tops. They signify cozy meals shared with loved ones. But if you’re looking to lighten things up a bit while still enjoying that classic flavor, these healthy low calorie chicken enchiladas are a perfect solution. Packed with shredded chicken, black beans, and corn, they offer a nutritious twist on a beloved favorite, allowing you to indulge without the guilt.

Why Make This Recipe

Health-Conscious Choice: These enchiladas are low in calories yet high in flavor and nutrients.
Easy to Prepare: This recipe uses everyday ingredients that can be assembled quickly, perfect for busy weeknights.
Enjoy the benefits of meal prepping with leftovers that taste just as delicious the next day!

Making Healthy Low Calorie Chicken Enchiladas at Home

Creating healthy low calorie chicken enchiladas is a delightful task that doesn’t require a culinary degree. With just a few herbs, spices, and techniques, you can whip up a batch that will impress your family and friends. Here’s how to make them step by step.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Healthy Low Calorie Chicken Enchiladas

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your enchiladas cook evenly and the cheese gets that perfect melt.
Mix Your Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken, half of the enchilada sauce, and 1 cup of black beans which you have rinsed and drained. Add in 1 cup of corn, whether frozen or fresh, along with 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Season it with salt and pepper to suit your taste.
Prepare the Tortillas: Take a corn tortilla and fill it with a generous scoop of the chicken mixture. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in a greased baking dish. This process creates the taco-like rolls that are a hallmark of enchiladas.
Assemble All Tortillas: Repeat the previous step until all of your tortillas are filled and nestled together in the baking dish, forming an enticing row of rolled deliciousness.
Pour Sauce and Top with Cheese: Take the remaining enchilada sauce and pour it over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring they are well-covered. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded low-fat cheese on top to create that gooey, cheesy finish we all love.
Bake to Perfection: Now it’s time to bake! Place your assemblage in the oven and allow it to bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling, producing a golden-brown top.
Final Touch: Once out of the oven, garnish your beautiful enchiladas with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Storing Leftover Healthy Low Calorie Chicken Enchiladas

To ensure you maximize the life of your delicious enchiladas, follow these storage guidelines:

Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days at a temperature of 40°F or lower.
Freezing: For longer storage, these enchiladas freeze well. Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers and they can last for up to 2 months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through.

How to Serve Healthy Low Calorie Chicken Enchiladas

When it comes to serving these enchiladas, the possibilities are endless. Here are some great serving suggestions that complement your healthy meal:

Serve with Dips: A side of homemade guacamole or salsa can elevate the flavor and add a refreshing hint to your meal.
Add a Salad: Pair your enchiladas with a light side salad featuring mixed greens, tomatoes, and avocado for some added crunch and freshness.
Top it Off: Consider dolloping low-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream on top instead of traditional sour cream. It provides creaminess with a lower calorie count.
Family Style: For a more communal experience, serve the enchiladas in the baking dish and let everyone help themselves, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges on the side.

Tips to Make Healthy Low Calorie Chicken Enchiladas

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a time-saver, purchase rotisserie chicken to shred instead of cooking your own.
Spice It Up: Want an extra kick? Add some diced jalapeños to the filling mixture for a spicy surprise.
Make It Veggie: If you want to keep it vegetarian, substitute the chicken with sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms for a colorful filling.
Consider Whole Wheat Tortillas: If you’re looking for a fiber boost, swap corn tortillas for whole wheat ones for added nutritional value.

Variations or Substitutions for Healthy Low Calorie Chicken Enchiladas

If you want to switch things up or accommodate dietary preferences, consider these variations:

Southwestern Twist: For a southwestern flair, add diced bell peppers and onions to the chicken mixture. This not only adds nutrition but also enhances the flavor profile.
Saucy Alternatives: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a green enchilada sauce or a homemade salsa verde to layer on flavors, giving a different dimension to your dish.

FAQs about Healthy Low Calorie Chicken Enchiladas

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas in advance and store them in the refrigerator, then bake them right before serving.

Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: To ramp up the heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced fresh jalapeños to the chicken filling. You can also use a spicier enchilada sauce.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs could be used for a richer flavor, although it will slightly change the calorie count. They do require a longer cooking time if using raw.

Q: Can I substitute the cheese?
A: Certainly! If you’re vegan or dairy-free, you can opt for vegan cheese or skip it entirely. Add some avocado for creaminess instead.

Additional Sections for a Comprehensive Guide

Nutritional Information

A serving of healthy low calorie chicken enchiladas (based on recipe) is around 350 calories, depending on the specific products used. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

Protein: 25 grams
Fat: 10 grams
Carbohydrates: 40 grams
Fiber: 10 grams

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Preheating the Oven: This can affect the melting of the cheese and the overall cooking time.
Overstuffing Tortillas: Too much filling can make it hard to roll up the tortillas properly. Stick to a sensible portion.
Not Greasing the Baking Dish: To prevent sticking, always grease the dish even if you think your tortillas may not stick.

Conclusion

Your quest for a satisfying yet healthy meal ends with these delightful low calorie chicken enchiladas. Not only do they maintain the comfort food essence you crave, but they also nourish and satisfy without compromising your wellness goals. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or meal prep for the week, these enchiladas can seamlessly fit into a healthier lifestyle. So roll up those tortillas and prepare to indulge without the guilt!