Deliciously Lightened Chicken Enchiladas
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 39 minutes
Total Time: 54 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Description: These Chicken Enchiladas are the epitome of comfort food—rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With a few tweaks to make them a bit lighter, including the use of olive oil and low-fat ingredients, you’ll enjoy a healthier version of this classic Mexican dish without compromising on taste. Perfect for a family meal or casual dinner, these enchiladas are sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 🌿
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion (scallions) 🧅
- 1 clove garlic, minced 🧄
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 🌶️
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies, undrained 🌶️
- 1 cup light sour cream 🍶
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 🧀
- 6 large 12-inch flour tortillas 🌮
- 1 cup 2% low-fat milk 🥛
- 1 cup salsa 🍅
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped 🍗 (about 1 pound)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s hot and ready to bake your enchiladas to perfection.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly spray a large baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
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Cook the Onion and Garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped green onion and sauté until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step will infuse the oil with a lovely onion flavor that will carry through the sauce.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the diced green chilies, ground cumin, and light sour cream. Mix well until everything is combined.
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Prepare the Sauce: Remove 3/4 of the sauce mixture from the saucepan and set it aside. This will be used later to top the enchiladas.
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Add Chicken and Cheese: To the remaining 1/4 of the sauce in the saucepan, add the shredded chicken and 1/2 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is well combined.
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Assemble the Enchiladas: Place a generous amount of the chicken mixture in the center of each flour tortilla. Be cautious not to overfill them to ensure they roll up properly. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
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Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the reserved 3/4 of the sauce with the 2% low-fat milk. This mixture will become the delicious topping for your enchiladas.
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Top the Enchiladas: Spoon the sauce mixture evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese on top for a bubbly, cheesy finish.
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Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 36 minutes. The enchiladas are done when the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
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Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with your favorite toppings such as diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or extra salsa. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors!
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories: 546.4
- Fat: 20.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 8.4 g
- Cholesterol: 56.7 mg
- Sodium: 1109.8 mg
- Carbohydrates: 62.4 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 3.6 g
- Protein: 26 g
These Chicken Enchiladas are a delightful blend of savory and cheesy goodness with a lighter twist. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner or feeding a crowd, this recipe is sure to please. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting texture with a bit less guilt! 🌟👩🍳👨🍳
