Skinny Chicken Enchiladas (2024)

FAQs

Are enchiladas healthy for weight loss? ›

Nutrition Concerns

The main nutrition drawback with enchiladas is that they can potentially be high in saturated fat, depending on how you prepare them.

Not Dipping the Tortillas in Sauce

Dipping your tortillas in sauce will ensure even distribution — and means you can use less sauce on the bottom of the baking dish, which will prevent them from getting soggy.

Alternately, you can cover them with a damp towel or paper towel nuke them one at a time for 15 seconds to make them soft and moist for soft tacos or enchiladas. The microwave technique will also work for stacks of them,, but you'll have to figure out the timing by experimenting. No fat, no fuss, no mess.

Mexican foods that are lower in calories typically include options like pollo a la plancha (plate of chicken) and shrimp ceviche (a fresh seafood salad). Chicken or veggie tacos with lean protein and many vegetables are also low-calorie options.

Order the grilled chicken, lean steak, or grilled fish on a baked corn tortilla. Those have 70% more fiber and less than half the fat of their white flour counterparts. Skip the chorizo, fried fish, and carnitas (fried pork or beef), which are higher in unhealthy saturated fat.

Arrange enchiladas, seam-side down, in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with taco sauce and remaining 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese. Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, until cheese has melted, about 20 minutes. Let cool briefly before serving.

Corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas, but flour tortillas also work. Choose 7- or 8-inch flour tortillas or 6-inch corn tortillas—they fit best in most pans. Recipes vary, but for a 3-quart rectangular casserole dish, you will need about eight flour or corn tortillas. Get colorful!

Before frying your tortillas, spread about a cup of sauce lengthwise down the center of your baking sheet. After frying the tortillas, dip each side in your sauce to coat the whole surface. This method will ensure even distribution—and less sauce means your tortillas are less likely to fall apart.

Tomato sauce is a good way to replace enchilada sauce if you're looking for a milder alternative. It's easy to take a pre-made tomato sauce and spice it and add other ingredients to get closer to a real enchilada sauce.

Should I fry tortillas before making enchiladas? ›

The corn tortillas must be softened before they are rolled and baked in the casserole. Frying them gently in a little oil both softens the tortillas and also greatly enhances their flavor.

The quick fry does a couple of things.

Second, it adds flavor; the sugar in the tortilla starts to caramelize and the proteins brown. Finally, it adds richness from the oil. But don't stress about the oil—tortillas actually don't soak up too much of it, so your enchiladas won't seem heavy.

According to Kitchen Seer, classic enchiladas should be fried a little before stuffing and baking. This toughens up an otherwise soft tortilla which would become drenched in whatever sauce is used.

Wrap a stack of tortillas in damp paper towels or a damp kitchen towel, then wrap in plastic wrap or place in a microwave-safe resealable plastic bag (keep the bag open to vent). Microwave until warm and flexible, about 1 minute.

Ceviche consists of raw fish or seafood marinated in lemon or lime juice and infused with spices and herbs, such as cilantro, garlic, cumin and chili pepper. It's one of the lowest-calorie Mexican foods that's rich in protein.

For two chicken enchiladas you consume only 374 calories, 13 grams of fat, and 35 carbs.

1 meal of chicken enchilada plate (El Pollo Loco) contains 450 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 53% carbs, 19% fat, and 28% protein. This is a good source of protein (61% of your Daily Value) and fiber (21% of your Daily Value).

Nutritional Comparison

With their larger size and multiple ingredients, burritos tend to be higher in calories. However, they also provide a balanced mix of proteins, carbs, and fats, making them a filling and nutritious option. Quesadillas are generally lower in calories.