Lightened Up Enchiladas with Quinoa, Chicken and Peach Salsa

 

Quick Overview

If you’re looking for a delicious yet healthier dinner option, these lightened up enchiladas with quinoa, chicken and peach salsa will hit the spot. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this recipe combines tender chicken breast with protein-rich quinoa and a fresh peach salsa that adds a delightful sweetness. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead, these enchiladas are both satisfying and guilt-free.

Ingredient Breakdown

Quinoa

Quinoa is a nutrient-dense grain that serves as an excellent source of protein and fiber. You will need one cup of uncooked quinoa for this recipe. Rinse it well before cooking to remove any bitterness.

Chicken Breast

Use two cups of cooked shredded chicken breast. This lean meat provides essential proteins without excess fat. For convenience, you can use rotisserie chicken or cook your own at home.

Corn Tortillas

You will need eight corn tortillas to wrap around your filling. These tortillas are gluten-free and add a wonderful texture to the dish. They should be warmed slightly before assembling the enchiladas.

Peach Salsa

For the salsa, combine one cup of diced fresh peaches, half a cup of diced red onion, one chopped jalapeño pepper (if you like heat), lime juice from one lime, and salt to taste. This refreshing topping brings a sweet and spicy balance to the dish.

Cheese

Use one cup of reduced-fat shredded cheese to sprinkle on top before baking. Opt for Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese for optimal meltiness while keeping it lower in calories.

Step By Step Recipe: Lightened Up Enchiladas with Quinoa, Chicken and Peach Salsa

Prepare the Quinoa

Start by rinsing one cup of quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve. Add it to a medium saucepan along with two cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth for added flavor. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pan tightly and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.

Cook the Chicken

If using raw chicken breasts instead of pre-cooked ones, season them lightly with salt and pepper. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts; cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let them cool slightly before shredding.

Mix Filling Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with shredded chicken breast. Stir in half of your prepared peach salsa along with any additional seasonings you prefer such as cumin or garlic powder. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.

Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take one corn tortilla at a time and spoon about ¼ cup of the filling mixture into its center. Roll it tightly but gently to avoid tearing. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in a greased baking dish until all tortillas are filled.

Top with Sauce and Cheese

After arranging all enchiladas in the baking dish, pour the remaining peach salsa evenly over them. Sprinkle one cup of reduced-fat shredded cheese on top so that it melts beautifully during baking.

Bake Until Hot

Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning during cooking. Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil last five minutes for that golden cheesy top.

Serving and Storing Tips

Serve Immediately

These lightened up enchiladas are best enjoyed fresh from the oven while they are hot and cheesy. Garnish them further with chopped cilantro or avocado slices if you wish!

Store Leftovers Properly

If you have leftovers after serving your family or guests, allow them to cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator where they can last up to three days.

Reheat Before Serving

To reheat leftover enchiladas, place them back in an oven-safe dish covered loosely with foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through again without drying out.

By following this easy-to-make recipe for lightened up enchiladas with quinoa, chicken and peach salsa, you’ll be delighted by not only their flavor but also how simple they are to prepare! Enjoy your meal guilt-free!

Mistakes to avoid

One common mistake when preparing Lightened Up Enchiladas with Quinoa, Chicken and Peach Salsa is overcooking the chicken. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, ruining the dish’s texture. To avoid this, ensure you cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy and remove it from heat promptly.

Another mistake is using too much cheese. While cheese adds flavor, excessive amounts can turn your enchiladas heavy and unhealthy. Stick to a moderate amount to keep the dish light and flavorful. Instead, focus on using fresh ingredients that complement the enchiladas without making them greasy.

Not preparing the quinoa properly is another pitfall. Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove its natural coating, which can taste bitter. Additionally, follow the correct water-to-quinoa ratio for fluffy results. A common ratio is 2 cups of water for every cup of quinoa.

Failing to season your ingredients adequately can lead to bland flavors. Don’t skip spices or herbs in your chicken mixture or salsa. Proper seasoning enhances the overall taste, making your enchiladas vibrant and delicious.

Lastly, neglecting to let your enchiladas rest after baking can affect their structure. Allowing them to sit for about five minutes helps them set before serving, preventing a messy presentation when you slice into them.

Tips and tricks

To perfect your Lightened Up Enchiladas with Quinoa, Chicken and Peach Salsa, start by choosing high-quality ingredients. Fresh produce significantly impacts the flavor of your dish. Opt for ripe peaches for the salsa; their sweetness pairs beautifully with savory ingredients. Also, consider organic chicken for better taste and health benefits.

When preparing quinoa, cook it in vegetable broth instead of water for added flavor. This simple switch infuses the grains with richness that complements the other components of your enchiladas beautifully. After cooking, fluff it with a fork to maintain its texture.

For enhanced salsa flavor, allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more robust taste profile that elevates your enchiladas.

Consider using corn or whole wheat tortillas instead of traditional flour ones. They provide additional nutrients and fiber while keeping the dish lighter overall. If you want extra crunch in your meal, lightly toast the tortillas in a pan before filling them.

Lastly, experiment with toppings! Adding fresh avocado slices or a dollop of Greek yogurt can create a creamy contrast against the spiced chicken filling and sweet peach salsa. These toppings not only improve flavor but also enhance presentation.

Suggestions for Lightened Up Enchiladas with Quinoa, Chicken and Peach Salsa

To further lighten up your enchiladas while maintaining flavor, consider substituting sour cream with Greek yogurt as a topping. Greek yogurt provides creaminess while being lower in calories and fat than traditional sour cream.

If you’re looking to make this dish vegetarian-friendly, replace chicken with black beans or lentils for protein without sacrificing taste or texture. Both options will blend well with quinoa and peach salsa for a delightful meal.

For added nutrition, sneak in some spinach or kale into your chicken mixture before rolling it into tortillas. These greens boost vitamins without altering the overall flavor profile too much.

Using fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley not only enhances taste but also brightens up your dish visually. Chopped herbs sprinkled on top just before serving introduce freshness that balances out richer flavors.

Finally, serve these enchiladas alongside a light salad made from mixed greens dressed in citrus vinaigrette for a refreshing side that complements everything perfectly.

FAQs

What is the best way to store leftover Lightened Up Enchiladas?

Store leftover Lightened Up Enchiladas with Quinoa, Chicken and Peach Salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to three days when stored properly. Reheat them in an oven preheated to 350°F until warmed through for optimal texture rather than microwaving them directly.

Can I freeze these enchiladas?

Yes! Freezing Lightened Up Enchiladas is possible if you wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They should last up to three months frozen. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking at 350°F until heated thoroughly.

How do I know when my quinoa is done cooking?

Quinoa is cooked when all grains are translucent with tiny spirals (the germ) visible around each grain. Typically this takes about 15-20 minutes on medium heat after boiling water has been added along with rinsed quinoa; don’t forget to cover!

Can I use other fruits in my salsa?

Absolutely! While peaches add sweetness and acidity perfect for these enchiladas; feel free to substitute mangoes or pineapples if desired! Just chop them into small pieces similar size so they mix well together within each bite!

What sides pair well with these enchiladas?

Lightened Up Enchiladas pair wonderfully with black bean salad or corn salad tossed lightly dressed greens! You could also serve them alongside guacamole dip along tortilla chips for extra crunch!

How spicy are these enchiladas?

The spice level comes from any added chili powder or peppers used during preparation; adjust accordingly based on personal preference! For milder options use less chili powder; alternatively add jalapeños if seeking extra heat!

Summary

In summary, crafting perfect Lightened Up Enchiladas with Quinoa, Chicken and Peach Salsa involves avoiding common mistakes like overcooking chicken or failing to season adequately. By incorporating tips such as using fresh ingredients and experimenting with toppings while following proper cooking techniques ensures success every time! Lastly remember storage options extend beyond immediate meals allowing enjoyment later too!

 

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