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Zucchini Chicken Enchiladas
Looking for a simple dinner that's great for a family but also for sharing? These cheesy Chicken and Zucchini Enchiladas are smothered in homemade red enchilada sauce and make for an amazing, hearty meal.
Prep Time
45 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 15 enchiladas
Calories: 428 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 red onion finely chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 green bell pepper finely chopped (about 1 ¼ cups)
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 lb. zucchini grated (about 2 cups)
- 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 12 oz. shredded chicken breasts 2 cups (you can bake them OR use a rotisserie chicken)
- 2 cups grated pepperjack cheese 8 oz.
- cayenne pepper to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 15-16 tortillas corn or flour
- 1 ½ cups enchilada sauce homemade or store-bought
Instructions
- Before you make the enchiladas and enchilada sauce, make sure your chicken is cooked through, cooled and shredded. Set is aside when done. You may also purchase and shred a rotisserie chicken for this.
- If you're making the enchilada sauce, do that first. (This is my enchilada sauce recipe, and it is delicious with these enchiladas. However, there's no shame in purchasing a jar from the store!)
Cup of Yum
Make the enchilada filling:
- Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the onion, green bell pepper and garlic to the pan, cooking until the onion is soft. (Be sure to watch this, as you don't want the onion to brown, about 5-6 minutes while stirring occasionally.)
- Add the zucchini and the salt, cumin, basil and oregano to the skillet, stirring into the onion. Cook until the zucchini is tender, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat, and stir in the shredded chicken.
- Add the grated pepperjack cheese and any additional seasonings, stirring until incorporated.
- Allow the filling a few moments to cool before filling the tortillas.
Cup of Yum
Make the enchiladas:
- Grease a large baking dish with nonstick baking spray. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Dollop 4 tablespoons of filling into the tortillas.
- Carefully roll the enchiladas, and transfer to the greased baking dish.
- Repeat until all the filling has been used.
- Cover the enchiladas with the sauce. Add extra cheese to the top.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, and bake for 20 minutes. The sauce will get nice and bubbly.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes to crisp up the cheese, if desired.
- Remove from the oven, and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve on individual plates and spoon the enchilada filling on top of the final enchiladas. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Recipe adapted from The New Enchanted Broccoli Forest Cookbook.
- How to store: In an airtight food storage container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave until they reach the desired warmth.
- Make the recipe work for you. Customize the recipe to your tastes. Use rotisserie chicken (or bake your own.) Make your own enchilada sauce or grab a jar from the store. Use less spicy cheese (colby jack or a Mexican blend are both excellent) if you're concerned about the heat-level of the pepperjack. The options are endless, and you can make this easier on yourself with them.
- This recipe is freezer-friendly. Freeze leftover enchiladas (or an entire pan) in a freezer-safe baking dish. Seal the enchiladas with plastic wrap and foil, and it can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. (I dare you to let it hang out this long!) Freeze the sauce in a separate container.
- Defrost the sauce in the fridge, and pour over the frozen enchiladas.
- When ready to bake, bake covered in a 350°F oven. Bake for 40 minutes, then crank the heat up to 375°F, uncover, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the enchiladas are done.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1 serving
Calories
428kcal
(21%)
Carbohydrates
34g
(11%)
Protein
39g
(78%)
Fat
14g
(22%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
8g
Cholesterol
96mg
(32%)
Sodium
692mg
(29%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 15enchiladas
Amount Per Serving
Calories 428
% Daily Value*
Serving | 1 serving | |
Calories | 428kcal | 21% |
Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
Protein | 39g | 78% |
Fat | 14g | 22% |
Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g | 47% |
Cholesterol | 96mg | 32% |
Sodium | 692mg | 29% |
Fiber | 3g | 12% |
Sugar | 3g | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.