Deli-Style Chicken Enchiladas with Cilantro and Black Olives
Elevate your dinner experience with these delicious Deli-Style Chicken Enchiladas, enriched with the vibrant flavors of fresh cilantro and zesty jalapeño olives. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe leverages the convenience of a rotisserie chicken, allowing you to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy fat-free refried beans complement the tender chicken, while reduced-fat cheese offers a wholesome touch. Serve them hot, topped with fresh tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream for an extra layer of deliciousness. This delightful one-dish meal feeds the whole family and makes dinner a breeze!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh cilantro
12 sprigs (rinsed and coarsely chopped)
Tomato
1 small (finely chopped (optional))
Deli rotisserie-cooked chicken
1 whole (meat removed from bones, discarding skin)
Fat-free refried beans
3/4 cup (none)
Enchilada sauce
2 (10 ounce) cans (none)
Whole wheat tortillas
60 inches (none)
Sliced black olives with jalapeño
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can (drained)
Mexican blend cheese (2% reduced fat)
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly coat a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
In a medium bowl, coarsely chop the fresh cilantro and set aside.
4
If using, finely chop the tomato and set it aside as well.
5
Carefully remove the meat from the deli rotisserie chicken, discarding the skin and bones. Coarsely chop the chicken and add it to the bowl with the cilantro, making sure to wash your hands afterward.
6
Mix in the fat-free refried beans and one can of enchilada sauce until well combined.
7
Spoon an equal amount of the chicken mixture into the center of each whole wheat tortilla, then roll them tightly and place them seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
8
Pour the remaining can of enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.
9
Sprinkle the chopped tomatoes, drained black olives with jalapeño, and shredded Mexican blend cheese over the enchiladas.
10
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese is melted.
11
Remove from the oven and serve hot, optionally offering sour cream on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Deli-Style Chicken Enchiladas?
Deli-Style Chicken Enchiladas are a convenient and flavorful version of traditional enchiladas that utilize a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and whole wheat tortillas for a faster, healthier weeknight meal.
What is the primary shortcut in this recipe?
The primary shortcut is using a deli rotisserie-cooked chicken, which saves time on cooking and seasoning the meat.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before assembling the enchiladas.
What type of baking dish is recommended for this recipe?
A 9-inch square baking dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
How do I prevent the enchiladas from sticking to the dish?
Lightly coat the baking dish with cooking spray before adding the rolled tortillas.
Should I keep the skin on the rotisserie chicken?
No, you should remove and discard the skin and bones, using only the meat for the filling.
What ingredients go into the chicken filling?
The filling consists of coarsely chopped rotisserie chicken, chopped fresh cilantro, fat-free refried beans, and one can of enchilada sauce.
How much enchilada sauce do I need in total?
You will need two 10-ounce cans of enchilada sauce: one for the filling and one to pour over the top.
What kind of tortillas are best for this healthy version?
Whole wheat tortillas are used in this recipe to increase fiber and provide a more wholesome base.
How should I place the tortillas in the baking dish?
Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling and place them seam side down in the dish to prevent them from opening during baking.
What toppings are added before baking?
Before baking, top the enchiladas with the second can of sauce, chopped tomatoes, drained black olives with jalapeño, and shredded Mexican blend cheese.
Is the tomato required for the recipe?
No, the finely chopped tomato is listed as an optional topping.
What kind of olives are recommended?
The recipe calls for sliced black olives with jalapeño for an extra zesty kick.
What type of cheese helps keep this recipe lighter?
Using a 2% reduced-fat Mexican blend cheese helps lower the fat content while still providing great flavor.
How long do the enchiladas need to bake?
Bake the enchiladas for approximately 15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted.
Should the baking dish be covered in the oven?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil before putting it in the oven.
What can I serve as a garnish or side?
You can serve these enchiladas hot with an optional dollop of sour cream on the side.
Can I use corn tortillas instead?
While the recipe specifies whole wheat tortillas, you can substitute corn tortillas if you prefer a gluten-free or more traditional texture.
How much cilantro is needed?
The recipe calls for 12 sprigs of fresh cilantro, rinsed and coarsely chopped.
Are the refried beans vegetarian?
The recipe specifies fat-free refried beans, which are typically vegetarian, but always check the label to be sure.
How many enchiladas does this recipe typically make?
The recipe utilizes 60 inches of tortillas (roughly 6-8 standard tortillas) to feed a whole family.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat depending on the enchilada sauce chosen and the inclusion of jalapeño black olives.
Can I prep the chicken filling in advance?
Yes, you can chop the chicken and cilantro and mix them with the beans and sauce ahead of time to speed up assembly later.
How do I handle the rotisserie chicken safely?
Ensure you wash your hands thoroughly after handling and deboning the chicken meat.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
It is a savory, Mexican-inspired dish with creamy beans, zesty sauce, fresh herbs, and a hint of heat from the olives.
Can I use leftover roasted chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely, any pre-cooked chicken meat will work perfectly in this recipe.
How do I ensure the cheese is perfectly melted?
Baking the dish covered with foil traps the steam, which helps the cheese melt evenly without drying out the tortillas.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is specifically designed for convenience, taking only about 15 minutes of bake time and minimal prep thanks to the rotisserie chicken.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Yes, you can easily add corn, sautéed onions, or bell peppers to the filling for extra nutrition.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the microwave or oven.