Description
This Easy High Protein Chicken Enchiladas recipe features tender shredded chicken blended with aromatic spices and a rich, natural gelling agent-thickened sauce, all wrapped in soft corn tortillas and topped with creamy plant-based cheese. This colorful, flavorful, and wholesome dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, offering a satisfying balance of protein, texture, and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked, shredded lean chicken breast
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp chili powder (natural)
- 1 tsp cumin (natural)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Enchilada Sauce
- 3 tbsp tomato paste (natural)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp chili powder (natural)
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
Assembly
- 8 soft corn tortillas
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken filling: Boil or gently poach chicken breasts until fully cooked and tender. Let cool, then shred finely. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and tomato paste to create a flavorful base. Add shredded chicken, apple cider vinegar, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, mixing well to combine into a rich, spiced filling.
- Make the enchilada sauce: In a separate pan, combine tomato paste with water, chili powder, and natural gelling agent. Simmer gently while stirring until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- Assemble the enchiladas: Warm each corn tortilla individually until pliable. Spoon a generous amount of chicken filling onto each tortilla, sprinkle with plant-based cheese, and roll tightly. Place the rolled enchiladas seam side down in a baking dish. Pour the prepared enchilada sauce evenly over the enchiladas.
- Bake to perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the enchiladas uncovered for about 20 minutes, until the sauce bubbles and the plant-based cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Notes
- Use warm tortillas to prevent tearing when rolling the enchiladas.
- Do not overfill the tortillas to ensure neat, easy-to-handle rolls.
- The enchilada sauce can be prepared up to three days in advance for faster assembly.
- Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- This recipe freezes well; consider making a double batch for convenience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: chicken enchiladas, high protein, plant-based cheese, gluten free, Mexican-inspired, healthy dinner