High Protein Chicken Enchiladas That Are Actually Delicious

Name: High Protein Chicken Enchiladas That Are Actually Delicious
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast (About 1.5 lbs); 1 can (15 oz) black beans (Rinsed and drained); 1/2 cup diced yellow onion; 2 cloves garlic (Minced); 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 2 cups red enchilada sauce (From a 15 oz can); 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (Full-fat recommended); 8 high-protein or whole wheat tortillas (8-inch size); 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

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Forget bland, boring diet food. These High Protein Chicken Enchiladas are packed with flavor, loaded with gooey melted cheese, and smothered in a rich red sauce, all while delivering a massive protein punch to keep you full and satisfied. We’re talking tender shredded chicken, hearty black beans, and a creamy, dreamy sauce with a secret ingredient that boosts protein without sacrificing taste. This is the ultimate guilt-free comfort food you’ll make again and again.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is surprisingly easy to assemble. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the whole family. Let’s dive in and make the best healthy enchiladas of your life.

The ingredients for high protein enchiladas laid out, including chicken, tortillas, cheese, and enchilada sauce. — Simple, wholesome ingredients are the key to this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Chicken Enchilada Recipe

This isn’t just another enchilada recipe; it’s a smarter way to enjoy a classic. We’ve optimized every layer for flavor and nutrition, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and incredibly beneficial.

Incredible Flavor: A savory blend of spices, rich enchilada sauce, and melted cheese makes every bite a flavor explosion.
Packed with Protein: We use a combination of chicken breast, black beans, and Greek yogurt to ensure every serving is loaded with muscle-building protein.
Easy Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for making ahead. Assemble the enchiladas and bake them when you’re ready, or bake the whole batch and enjoy leftovers all week.
Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this cheesy, satisfying dish. It’s a healthy meal you can feel good about serving.

The Key Ingredients for Our High Protein Chicken Enchiladas

The magic of this recipe lies in a few smart ingredient choices that elevate it from a standard dish to a nutritional powerhouse. Here’s what you’ll need to create these amazing enchiladas.

For the Filling:

The filling is the heart of our enchiladas. We combine lean protein with fiber-rich beans and flavorful spices for a satisfying and savory core.

Shredded Chicken Breast: Use a rotisserie chicken for a shortcut or boil and shred your own.
Black Beans: A fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber. Make sure to rinse and drain them well.
Diced Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build the foundational flavor of the filling.
Spices: A warm blend of cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika gives the filling its classic taste.

For the Sauce & Assembly:

Our creamy sauce is where the real protein magic happens. This simple mixture comes together in minutes and coats the tortillas in velvety goodness.

Red Enchilada Sauce: Use your favorite canned variety to keep things simple.
Plain Greek Yogurt: This is our secret weapon! It adds creaminess and a significant protein boost. Choose a full-fat version for the richest texture.
High-Protein Tortillas: Look for tortillas made with added protein or whole wheat for extra fiber and nutrients.
Mexican Cheese Blend: A combination of Monterey Jack, cheddar, and Colby melts beautifully and creates that irresistible cheese pull. For an even bigger protein hit, try using a low-fat cheese.

A close-up shot of healthy chicken enchiladas being served from a ceramic baking dish, showing the cheesy, saucy interior. — Every bite is packed with protein and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these High Protein Chicken Enchiladas is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a perfect bake every time.

Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, rinsed black beans, diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Mix the Sauce: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the red enchilada sauce and the plain Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Enchiladas: Spread a thin layer (about 1/2 cup) of the sauce mixture on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Gently warm your tortillas to make them pliable. Working one at a time, fill each tortilla with a generous scoop of the chicken mixture, roll it up tightly, and place it seam-side down in the dish.
Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend generously over the top.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows them to set and makes them easier to serve. For a different but equally delicious weeknight meal, try this High Protein Italian Pasta Salad.

Expert Tips and Variations

Want to customize your enchiladas or ensure they come out perfectly every time? Here are a few tips from our kitchen.

Don’t Skip Warming the Tortillas: Warming your tortillas in the microwave or a dry skillet for a few seconds makes them flexible and prevents them from cracking when you roll them.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to bulk up the filling with sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
Spice It Up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling or a finely diced jalapeño. If you love spicy dishes, you should also check out our Creamy Cajun Chicken recipe.
Topping Ideas: Serve your enchiladas hot with toppings like fresh cilantro, diced avocado, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or sliced green onions.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These enchiladas are just as good the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for individual portions or place the baking dish back in a 350°F oven until warmed through. This recipe is a great alternative to other comfort foods like our classic tater tot casserole.

FAQs about High Protein Enchiladas

Can I freeze these enchiladas?

Yes, this recipe freezes very well. You can freeze the assembled, unbaked enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the bake time.

Can I make these enchiladas gluten-free?

Yes, absolutely. To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use your favorite brand of certified gluten-free corn or almond flour tortillas. Also, double-check that your enchilada sauce is labeled gluten-free.

How can I add even more protein to these enchiladas?

To boost the protein further, you can add a scoop of unflavored collagen peptides to the sauce, use cottage cheese in place of Greek yogurt, or add a serving of quinoa to the chicken and bean filling.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with blended cottage cheese for a similar protein boost and creamy texture. Sour cream is also a classic choice, though it will have a lower protein content.

What should I serve with chicken enchiladas?

These enchiladas pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Some great options include cilantro-lime rice, a simple avocado and tomato salad, Mexican street corn (elote), or refried beans.

The Perfect Healthy Comfort Food

These High Protein Chicken Enchiladas prove that you don’t have to compromise on flavor to hit your nutrition goals. They are cheesy, savory, and incredibly satisfying. We hope you love making this recipe as much as we do. If you try it, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think! For more delicious recipes, be sure to follow us on Pinterest.