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–+ servings
Close-up of a lightened-up chicken enchilada being served, showing the creamy sauce layer, shredded chicken filling, and melted cheese with fresh cilantro garnish

Lightened-Up Chicken Enchiladas

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 415 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Blender or immersion blender
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Filling

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast from about 2 medium breasts, poached or rotisserie
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup green enchilada sauce low-sodium, stirred into the chicken filling

For the Creamy Sauce

  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese blended smooth
  • 3/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Assembly

  • 8 whole-wheat flour tortillas 6-inch, warmed
  • 1 cup green enchilada sauce low-sodium, divided — for the pan bottom and topping
  • 3/4 cup reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
  • 1/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt for serving, instead of sour cream
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken Filling

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken breast with the cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
  • Add 1/2 cup of the green enchilada sauce to the seasoned chicken and stir to combine. Set aside.

Make the Creamy Cottage Cheese Sauce

  • Add the low-fat cottage cheese to a blender or use an immersion blender and blend on high speed for 60–90 seconds until completely smooth with no lumps remaining.
  • Transfer the blended cottage cheese to a bowl and whisk in the Greek yogurt, cumin, garlic powder, lime juice, and salt until fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.

Assemble the Enchiladas

  • Spread 1/2 cup of the remaining green enchilada sauce in a thin, even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  • Warm the whole-wheat tortillas wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave for 30–45 seconds to make them pliable.
  • Lay one tortilla flat. Spread a heaping tablespoon of the cottage cheese–yogurt sauce down the center. Top with about 1/4 cup of the chicken filling. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Top and Bake

  • Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of green enchilada sauce evenly over the top of all the rolled enchiladas.
  • Spoon the remaining creamy cottage cheese sauce over the top and spread gently to cover.
  • Sprinkle the shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly golden.

Garnish and Serve

  • Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving — this helps the sauce set slightly.
  • Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions. Serve with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Notes

Make-ahead: Assemble the unbaked dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 extra covered baking minutes if going straight from the fridge.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze individual portions wrapped in foil for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave for 2 minutes, flipping once.
Variations: Swap chicken for black beans + roasted sweet potato for a vegetarian version. Add a chipotle pepper in adobo to the sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.
Tortilla tip: Always warm whole-wheat tortillas before rolling — they crack when cold.

Nutrition

Calories: 415kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 38gFat: 11gSodium: 620mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5g
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