Looking for a comforting yet nutritious dinner? This High Protein Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is exactly what you need! Packed with lean chicken breast and a flavorful blend of spices, these enchiladas offer a deliciously satisfying meal that’s also kind to your muscles.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Protein-Packed Goodness: With shredded chicken and cottage cheese inside, this recipe delivers a powerhouse of protein in every bite.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Using classic Mexican spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder brings bold tastes to your table.
Family-Friendly Comfort: Soft tortillas filled with savory chicken and topped with sauce make for a meal everyone loves.
Quick and Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you’ll have dinner ready without stress.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple, focusing on essential ingredients that work harmoniously for great texture and flavor. Each item plays its part, from tender shredded chicken adding protein, to the enchilada sauce providing that classic rich tangy kick.
- Chicken breast: Using pre-cooked and shredded chicken saves time and keeps the dish lean and filling.
- Cottage cheese: Adds creaminess and extra protein without overpowering the flavors.
- Spices (cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder): These create a perfect balance of warmth and zest.
- Corn tortillas: Traditional and gluten-free, they hold the filling without falling apart.
- Enchilada sauce: Provides moisture and that unmistakable tangy depth.
- Optional garnishes (cabbage, jalapeños, cilantro): Freshness and a little heat to brighten and contrast the hearty filling.
How to Make High Protein Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by combining your shredded chicken with the cottage cheese and a delicious blend of spices: cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly ensures every bite is packed with balanced flavor and a creamy texture that creates a perfect filling for the tortillas.
Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
Spoon approximately two tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each corn tortilla. Be careful not to overfill, since too much filling can cause the tortillas to tear. Roll each tortilla tightly and place them seam-side down in a prepared casserole dish. This keeps everything neatly packed and ready for baking.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Bake
Generously drizzle enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, making sure every one is coated to get that inviting saucy goodness. Pop the dish into a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the sauce is bubbling and the tortillas develop a slight golden-brown edge.
How to Serve High Protein Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish to the next level—crisp shredded cabbage adds a lovely crunch, while thinly sliced jalapeños bring that excited spicy kick. Cilantro scattered on top adds color and a bright herbal note, balancing the rich flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your enchiladas with a simple side of Mexican street corn, a refreshing avocado salad, or smoky black beans. Each of these complements the dish’s flavors and adds variety to your plate without overshadowing the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering your enchilada filling in a casserole dish as a dip and bake it for party-friendly servings. Or serve individual enchiladas on colorful plates with vibrant sides and garnishes arranged artistically—making your kitchen table feel like a festive fiesta!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and moist, so you can enjoy a tasty, protein-rich meal even on busy days.
Freezing
If you want to keep your High Protein Chicken Enchiladas Recipe on hand for longer, wrap individual enchiladas tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months. This makes for a perfect ready-to-bake meal when time is short.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through and bubbly. Alternatively, microwave covered portions for about 2-3 minutes, though the oven method keeps the tortillas pleasantly crispier.
FAQs
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Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful shortcut that works perfectly in this High Protein Chicken Enchiladas Recipe. Just ensure it’s well shredded and seasoned as described.
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What makes these enchiladas high in protein?
The combination of lean chicken breast and cottage cheese significantly boosts the protein content, making these enchiladas a great option for those seeking a nutritious, muscle-supporting meal.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Using corn tortillas—which are naturally gluten-free—keeps the dish accessible for gluten-sensitive eaters. Just double-check the enchilada sauce label to ensure it’s gluten-free too.
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Is it possible to add cheese on top before baking?
Definitely! Adding shredded cheese on top before baking creates a melty, golden crust that enhances both taste and texture, making your enchiladas even more irresistible.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about wrapping up a healthy yet indulgent dish like this High Protein Chicken Enchiladas Recipe. Whether it’s for family dinners or meal prep, it’s a recipe that invites warmth, flavor, and satisfaction to your table. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite to make again and again!
Print
High Protein Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 enchiladas (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These High Protein Chicken Enchiladas are a flavorful and nutritious Mexican-inspired dish featuring shredded chicken blended with cottage cheese and spices, rolled in corn tortillas, smothered in enchilada sauce, then baked to perfection. Garnished with fresh cabbage, jalapeños, and cilantro, they provide a satisfying meal packed with protein and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 lb Chicken breast, pre-cooked and shredded
- ½ cup Cottage cheese
- ¼ teaspoon Cumin
- ¼ teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups Enchilada sauce
- 8 Corn tortillas
- Cabbage, for garnish
- Jalapeños, sliced for garnish
- Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 13″x9″ casserole dish by spraying it with cooking spray or greasing it lightly with extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix Chicken Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the pre-cooked shredded chicken, cottage cheese, cumin, onion powder, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly combined, creating a spiced, creamy chicken mixture.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each corn tortilla. Be careful not to overfill to avoid breaking the tortillas. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam side down in the prepared casserole dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling; you should end up with around 8 enchiladas.
- Add Sauce and Bake: Drizzle the 2 cups of enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas in the casserole dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the tortillas are slightly browned at the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh shredded cabbage, sliced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro to add crunch, heat, and bright herbal notes to the dish.
Notes
- Each serving consists of 2 enchiladas.
- Use pre-cooked shredded chicken for convenience; if making shredded chicken yourself, you can refer to the corresponding shredded chicken recipe.
- Adjust seasoning and spice levels according to personal preference.
- If desired, you can add cheese on top before baking for added richness.
- Serve with a side of rice or beans for a complete meal.
