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Light Chicken Enchiladas With Zesty Lime - Fresh, Bright, and Satisfying

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 2 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
  • Tortillas: 10–12 small corn tortillas (6-inch)
  • Greek yogurt: 1 cup, plain, 2% or nonfat
  • Chicken broth: 1 cup, low-sodium
  • Salsa verde: 1 cup (mild or medium)
  • Lime: 2 limes (zest of 1, juice of both)
  • Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Cilantro: 1/2 cup, chopped
  • Spices: Ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano
  • Cheese (optional but recommended): 3/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Optional toppings: Extra cilantro, sliced jalapeño, diced avocado, thinly sliced radishes

Method
 

  1. Prep the oven and pan: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil or spray a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion with a pinch of salt and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Make the light sauce: Lower heat. Add chicken broth and salsa verde; simmer 2 minutes. Turn off heat and whisk in Greek yogurt, lime zest, and half the lime juice. Season with 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, a pinch of oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust acid with more lime if needed.
  4. Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss shredded chicken with 1/3 cup of the sauce, 2 tablespoons cilantro, a pinch of cumin, salt, and pepper. If using cheese, mix in 1/4 cup.
  5. Soften the tortillas: Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave 30–45 seconds until pliable. Alternatively, toast each in a dry skillet 10–15 seconds per side.
  6. Assemble: Spread a thin layer of sauce across the bottom of the baking dish. Fill each tortilla with a small mound of chicken, roll snugly, and place seam-side down. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
  7. Sauce and cheese: Pour remaining sauce over the enchiladas, covering evenly but not drenching. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top if using.
  8. Bake: Bake 15–18 minutes until warmed through and cheese melts. If you like some color, broil 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  9. Finish with lime and herbs: Let rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Add toppings if you like.
  10. Serve: Pair with a crisp salad, quick slaw, or roasted veggies to keep things light and fresh.