Healthy White Chicken Enchiladas
These Healthy White Chicken Enchiladas are a delicious twist on a classic favorite, combining tender shredded chicken, creamy Greek yogurt, and a zesty kick from green chilies. This dish manages to be both guilt-free and satisfying, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. You’ll love how easy they are to make while still being a hit on the dinner table!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 320
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
Why Make This Healthy White Chicken Enchiladas
This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a healthy alternative to traditional enchiladas. By using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and whole wheat tortillas in place of regular ones, you reduce the calorie content without sacrificing flavor. Packed with protein from the chicken and yogurt, they also provide a good dose of fiber from whole grains, making them a nutritious choice for any meal.
How to Make Healthy White Chicken Enchiladas
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced green chilies
- 8 whole wheat tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions:
### Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This initial step ensures your enchiladas bake evenly and come out bubbly and golden.
### Step 2: Mixing
In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, half of the shredded cheese, diced green chilies, garlic powder, cumin, and salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful filling that will pack each tortilla with taste.
### Step 3: Assembling
Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave to make them pliable. This prevents the tortillas from cracking when you roll them. Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll them up tightly, and place them seam side down in a greased baking dish.
### Step 4: Finishing
Pour any remaining Greek yogurt over the rolled enchiladas and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese is bubbly. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
How to Serve Healthy White Chicken Enchiladas
Serve these enchiladas warm, garnished with fresh cilantro. They pair beautifully with a fresh green salad, some sliced avocados, or a side of black beans. You can also top them with a dollop of additional Greek yogurt or a drizzle of salsa for extra flavor.
How to Store Healthy White Chicken Enchiladas
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them for a quicker option.
Expert Tips for Perfect Healthy White Chicken Enchiladas
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken beforehand with lime juice, garlic, and spices.
- If you want a little more heat, add diced jalapeños to the filling or sprinkle some hot sauce on top before baking.
- Swap out the chicken with cooked turkey or even beans for a vegetarian twist.
- For a crispier topping, broil the enchiladas for a few minutes at the end of baking.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken for black beans, sautéed bell peppers, and corn.
- Spicy Enchiladas: Add additional spices or hot sauce to the chicken mixture, or use pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
- Creamy Avocado Sauce: Blend ripe avocados with Greek yogurt, lime juice, and spices for a zesty sauce to serve alongside the enchiladas.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, and it adds lots of flavor.
2. Can I freeze Healthy White Chicken Enchiladas?
Yes! Assemble the enchiladas without baking and freeze them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
3. What cheese works best for this recipe?
Monterey Jack and Cheddar are both great options; they melt nicely and complement the flavors well.
4. Can I use regular flour tortillas instead of wheat tortillas?
Yes, but keep in mind that the overall nutrition profile will change. Whole wheat tortillas provide more fiber and nutrition.
5. What toppings can I add to enhance the flavor?
Feel free to top your enchiladas with fresh salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor and texture.
Conclusion
These Healthy White Chicken Enchiladas offer a wonderful balance of taste and nutrition, making them a fantastic choice for any meal. Their creamy, cheesy filling enveloped in warm, soft tortillas is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll be serving up smiles around the dinner table in no time!
Print
Healthy White Chicken Enchiladas
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Healthy
Description
Delicious and nutritious enchiladas made with shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, and whole wheat tortillas, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced green chilies
- 8 whole wheat tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Greek yogurt, half of the shredded cheese, diced green chilies, garlic powder, cumin, and salt and pepper.
- Warm the tortillas to make them pliable. Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll them up tightly, and place them seam side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour remaining Greek yogurt over the rolled enchiladas and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken beforehand. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
