Healthy Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chili Cream Sauce
Indulge in a healthier twist on classic enchiladas with these flavorful Healthy Chicken Enchiladas. This scrumptious dish combines tender, shredded chicken with zesty diced green chilies and a lightened-up cream sauce that keeps the original deliciousness while fitting into your weight-loss journey. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, these enchiladas are sure to be a hit at your table. Enjoy the melty reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese on top, making every bite satisfying yet guilt-free.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked chicken, chopped
2 cups (cooked and chopped)
diced green chilies
1 (4 ounce) can (canned)
green chili salsa
1 (8 ounce) can (canned)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
fat-free half-and-half
2 cups (for dipping tortillas)
oil
1/4 cup (for frying tortillas)
corn tortillas
12 (softened)
reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
2 cups (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped chicken, diced green chilies, and green chili salsa. Mix well to incorporate.
3
In a large shallow dish, mix the fat-free half-and-half with salt until blended.
4
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry each corn tortilla individually for a few seconds on each side until they blister and soften.
5
Immediately dip each fried tortilla into the half-and-half mixture, thoroughly coating both sides.
6
Place a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture on each tortilla, roll them up tightly, and place them seam-side down in an ungreased baking pan.
7
Once all enchiladas are in the pan, pour any remaining half-and-half mixture over the top and sprinkle shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the enchiladas.
8
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Healthy Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chili Cream Sauce?
This dish is a lightened-up version of classic Mexican enchiladas, featuring shredded chicken, zesty green chilies, and a cream sauce made with fat-free half-and-half and reduced-fat cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What kind of chicken is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of cooked chicken that has been chopped.
Is the cheese used in this recipe low in fat?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests using 2 cups of shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese.
What type of tortillas should I use?
You should use 12 corn tortillas for this recipe.
How long do the enchiladas need to bake?
Bake them uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What is the secret to making the tortillas soft for rolling?
Briefly fry each tortilla in hot oil for a few seconds on each side until they blister and soften, then dip them in the half-and-half mixture.
What goes into the chicken filling?
The filling consists of cooked chopped chicken, a 4-ounce can of diced green chilies, and an 8-ounce can of green chili salsa.
How is the 'cream sauce' prepared?
The sauce is made by mixing 2 cups of fat-free half-and-half with a 1/2 teaspoon of salt, which is used for dipping and then poured over the pan.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased baking pan.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, these enchiladas are excellent for meal prep and can be easily reheated.
How should I position the enchiladas in the pan?
Place them seam-side down to prevent them from unrolling during the baking process.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
The dish uses green chilies and green salsa, which provide a zesty flavor but are generally mild compared to red chili sauces.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this?
Yes, using shredded rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time on the 'cooked chicken' requirement.
What makes this version 'healthier' than traditional recipes?
It utilizes fat-free half-and-half and reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese to lower the overall fat content without sacrificing flavor.
How much oil is needed for the tortillas?
You will need 1/4 cup of oil to fry the 12 corn tortillas.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While specific weight is not provided, the recipe is designed to be divided into 6 equal portions.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Since it uses corn tortillas, it can be gluten-free, but always check the labels on your salsa and half-and-half to be certain.
Can I use flour tortillas instead?
The recipe specifies corn tortillas for the traditional texture and flavor, but flour tortillas could be used though they may have a different nutritional profile.
What do I do with the leftover half-and-half mixture?
Once the enchiladas are rolled and in the pan, pour any remaining half-and-half mixture over the top before adding the cheese.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized under Chicken and Mexican cuisine, often served as a family dinner or comfort food.
Does the recipe include any added sugar?
Based on the ingredient list, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
While the recipe focuses on chicken and chilies, you could easily add sautéed onions or bell peppers to increase the fiber content.
Is this a good recipe for weight loss?
Yes, it is specifically described as a lightened-up version designed to fit into a weight-loss journey.
How much salsa is used?
The recipe requires one 8-ounce can of green chili salsa.
How much salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt, mixed into the half-and-half.
Should the chicken be shredded or chopped?
The instructions mention chopped chicken, but shredded chicken works just as well for the texture of the enchiladas.
Can I freeze these enchiladas?
Yes, enchiladas generally freeze well; however, the dairy-based sauce might separate slightly upon thawing.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor is savory and creamy with a mild tang and heat from the green chilies and salsa.