Effortless & Healthy: 5-Ingredient Chicken and Bean Enchiladas for Your Weeknight Table

Are you searching for a dinner recipe that’s incredibly simple, satisfying, and doesn’t compromise on flavor or health? Look no further than these amazing 5-ingredient Chicken and Bean Enchiladas! This dish is a true family favorite in my household and has been a staple for over a decade, long before I ever thought about sharing recipes online. Its remarkable simplicity often made me wonder if it was “recipe-worthy” enough for a blog. However, given how frequently my husband, our little one, and I devour these enchiladas, I realized this effortless gem deserved its moment in the spotlight. After all, who wouldn’t appreciate a delicious meal made with just five core ingredients?

Beyond their ease and delicious taste, these enchiladas are also an excellent choice for a healthy lifestyle. Each generously-sized enchilada clocks in at just 228 calories, making it a fantastic option for those mindful of their intake. For members of the Weight Watchers community, each enchilada is a mere 4 WW Points, fitting perfectly into your daily budget while keeping you full and satisfied. Ready to enjoy this guilt-free indulgence? You can track this recipe directly in the WW app or site by clicking here!

Making Enchiladas Your Way: A Nod to the Non-Traditional

Let’s address the elephant in the room right away: I know these aren’t your grandmother’s traditional corn tortillas enchiladas. And that’s perfectly okay! The beauty of home cooking is adapting recipes to fit your lifestyle and preferences. For these Chicken and Bean Enchiladas, I typically opt for La Banderita Carb Counter Whole Wheat wraps. These wraps are a game-changer for several reasons:

• Perfect Portion Size: They’re ideally sized for individual enchiladas, making assembly quick and easy.
• Delicious Taste: Despite being a low-carb option, they hold up wonderfully and taste fantastic when baked with the savory filling and sauce.
• Healthier Choice: At just 50 calories (or 1 WW SmartPoint) per wrap, they significantly lighten up the dish without sacrificing texture or flavor.

You can often find these versatile wraps in the “Mexican” aisle of supermarkets like Wegmans, or conveniently order them online via Amazon. If these aren’t available, feel free to use your favorite brand of low-carb or whole wheat tortillas. Just remember that switching tortillas might slightly alter the nutritional information and WW points.

Mastering the Shredded Chicken Component

The chicken is another star in this simple recipe. While you can prepare shredded chicken in various ways, I find the slow cooker method to be the most hands-off and convenient. In the morning, I simply place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in my slow cooker with some water, and by evening, I have perfectly tender, shreddable chicken ready for the enchiladas. If you’d like a detailed guide on this method, you can find one here. However, don’t feel limited! You can boil, bake, or use an Instant Pot to cook your chicken. For an even quicker shortcut, grab a rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store, shred the breast meat, and you’re good to go.

Beyond Enchiladas: More Lightened-Up Mexican Favorites

If these Chicken and Bean Enchiladas spark your love for delicious, lightened-up Mexican-inspired cuisine, you’re in for a treat! My recipe collection is brimming with flavorful options that fit a healthy lifestyle. Explore some of these other fantastic dishes:

• Deep Dish Taco Casserole: A hearty and comforting casserole.
• 7 Layer Dip: Perfect for parties or a satisfying snack.
• Beef Enchilada Pasta Skillet: All the flavors of enchiladas in a quick pasta dish.
• Easy Salsa Rice: A simple and flavorful side dish.
• Fiesta Stuffed Chicken: A vibrant and protein-packed meal.
• Mexican Chicken Cauliflower Rice Skillet: A low-carb, flavor-packed skillet dinner.
• Easy Chicken Quesadillas: Quick and customizable.
• Beef Taco Soup: A warming and hearty soup for any season.
• Taco Chicken Salad: A fresh and zesty salad.
• Spicy Steak Tacos with Guacamole: For those who love a little heat.
• Spicy Beef Taquitos: Crispy, flavorful, and fun to eat.
• Chicken Tamale Bake: A comforting casserole with authentic flavors.
• Cheesy Taco Pasta: A kid-friendly and easy weeknight meal.
• Taco Wonton Cups: Perfect for appetizers or a light meal.

You can find even more delicious ideas in the dedicated Mexican category of my recipe index!

Easy Chicken and Bean Enchiladas

Prep Time: 25 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 55 mins

Yield: 8 enchiladas

These easy 5-ingredient Chicken and Bean Enchiladas are a simple, filling and healthy weeknight dinner!

5 from 7 reviews

Print Recipe
Leave a Review
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 (10 oz each) cans of red enchilada sauce
• 12 oz cooked, shredded boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 8 low calorie/carb tortillas (I use La Banderita Carb Counter Whole Wheat Wraps)
• 1 ½ cups canned fat-free refried beans
• 1 ¼ cups shredded 2% sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Open one can of enchilada sauce and pour ½ cup into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the sauce evenly.
2. Place the shredded chicken in a mixing bowl. Add the remainder of the enchilada sauce from the first can. Mix the chicken and sauce together until thoroughly combined.
3. To build each enchilada, lay a tortilla flat. Spread 3 tablespoons of refried beans in a line down the center. Top the beans with approximately 1.5 ounces of the shredded chicken mixture. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken. Fold one side of the tortilla over the filling and roll tightly until the enchilada is wrapped. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients to form 8 enchiladas.
4. Place the finished enchiladas in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Pour the entire second can of enchilada sauce over the top of the enchiladas. Evenly sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
5. Bake for 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and the enchiladas are heated through. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

To view your current WW Points for this recipe and track it in the WW app or site, click here!

WW Points per enchilada: 4 (calculated using the recipe builder on weightwatchers.com)

Nutrition Information per enchilada:

• Calories: 228 kcal
• Carbs: 28 g
• Sugars: 1 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Fiber: 13 g
• (Nutrition information from myfitnesspal.com)

MyWW SmartPoints per (1 enchilada) serving: (calculated using the recipe builder on weightwatchers.com)

• Green: 6 SmartPoints
• Blue: 4 SmartPoints
• Purple: 4 SmartPoints

Weight Watchers Points Plus:

6 per enchilada (calculated using a Weight Watchers brand PointsPlus calculator and the nutrition information above)

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 228 kcal

Author: Emily Bites

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!

Why You’ll Love These Easy Chicken and Bean Enchiladas

Beyond being incredibly easy, these enchiladas bring a host of benefits to your dinner table. Their simplicity doesn’t mean a lack of flavor; instead, it highlights the quality of each of the five core ingredients. The combination of savory chicken, creamy refried beans, vibrant enchilada sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese creates a symphony of textures and tastes that even picky eaters will appreciate. This recipe proves that you don’t need a lengthy ingredient list or complex techniques to create a truly delicious and comforting meal.

For busy weeknights, the 55-minute total time (including prep!) is a huge advantage. You can even get a head start by prepping the shredded chicken over the weekend. This makes assembling the enchiladas a breeze, perfect for those evenings when you need a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, these enchiladas are not just quick; they’re also substantial. The protein from the chicken and the fiber from the beans and whole wheat tortillas ensure you stay full and satisfied, preventing those unwelcome hunger pangs later in the evening.

Customization & Variations for Every Palate

One of the best aspects of a simple recipe like this is how easily it can be customized. While the 5-ingredient base is perfect, feel free to add your own flair:

• Add Veggies: Stir in some finely diced bell peppers, onions, corn, or even spinach into the chicken mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
• Spice it Up: If you love heat, mix a pinch of chili powder, cumin, or a dash of hot sauce into the chicken and enchilada sauce. You could also use a spicier enchilada sauce.
• Cheese Please: Experiment with different cheese blends like Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile or a bit of a kick.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and replace it with extra refried beans, black beans, or a plant-based protein crumble for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Toppings Galore: After baking, top your enchiladas with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, a dollop of Greek yogurt or light sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of freshness.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

These enchiladas are also excellent for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy healthy, homemade dinners even on your busiest days.

• Prepare Ahead: You can assemble the enchiladas entirely and store them covered in the baking dish in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days before baking. When ready to cook, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
• Freezing Instructions: To freeze, assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-safe baking dish, but do not bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, or bake from frozen (this will significantly increase baking time, potentially to 60-90 minutes, covered for the first half, then uncovered).
• Leftovers: Cooked enchiladas store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

While these chicken and bean enchiladas are filling enough on their own, pairing them with a simple side can elevate your meal:

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette perfectly balances the rich flavors of the enchiladas.
• Mexican Rice: For a more traditional pairing, serve with a side of lightened-up Mexican rice.
• Salsa and Guacamole: Offer fresh salsa, guacamole (or a lighter avocado cream), and extra light sour cream as toppings for an authentic touch.
• Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli or green beans adds extra fiber and vitamins without much fuss.

These 5-ingredient Chicken and Bean Enchiladas are more than just a recipe; they’re a testament to how easy and enjoyable healthy eating can be. Their minimal ingredients, straightforward instructions, and delicious outcome make them a perfect fit for any busy household looking for nutritious and flavorful weeknight meals. Give them a try, and watch them become a new family favorite!