Despite being a popular Mexican dish, for many people, chicken enchiladas are not considered the healthiest meal because of their high number of calories and fat content. However, they can fit into a healthy diet if you control your portions and ingredients.
By understanding the nutritional information of this food, you can make wise choices and still enjoy a delicious meal. If you’re trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle and you love enchiladas, then chances are it’s been grilling at the back of your brain.
“Are Chicken Enchiladas Fattening?” you wonder. This post is all about answering that question and more!
Are Chicken Enchiladas Fattening?
The short answer is YES – any food with cheese in it will add some fat and calories to your diet. This dish can contain more fat than anticipated because it’s easy for cooks to use cheese and other dairy products when combining ingredients.
However, there are plenty of ways to make these enchiladas healthier, depending on what you put into them. It’s good to know the nutrient of Chicken Enchiladas, and you can adjust the dish to be suitable for your health.
How Many Calories Per Serving?
Mexican food is a staple in most American households, but many people don’t know how many calories they’re eating when ordering a plate of enchiladas. This might leave you feeling slightly guilty about your meal when you see the amount of fat and protein in these dishes.
Chicken Enchiladas average around 236 calories per serving with ¾ pound skinless chicken breast. The dish is usually made with fried tortilla shells and contains lots of sour creams, cheese, and other fattening ingredients.
Although they are calorically dense, they are not very filling and contain ingredients that will not satiate your appetite too well. However, if you want to enjoy a fattening meal, then they can be a good choice for you since they provide adequate portions and are very tasty.
The biggest contributor to the calorie count here is the tortilla shell. The rice, beans, cheese, and chicken will probably sit around 150 calories per serving, and the corn tortillas contribute 50 calories per serving.
Can You Eat Them and Still Keep Your Weight in Check?
If you’ve ever wondered whether Chicken Enchiladas are healthy, we have the answer for you: yes! In general, Mexican food is a healthy diet. But traditional Mexican foods like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas are typically high in calories and fat.
You don’t have to give up tasting this dish that is popular in many Mexican restaurants. The food is among the most flavorful and filling items on the menu, but if it’s too fatty or heavy for your palate, there are a few things you can do to make them healthier.
The low-fat filling is where you can take advantage of the fact that Chicken Enchiladas are usually made with a wide range of ingredients. There are many other fillings that you can use in your enchiladas, like beans, textured vegetable protein (TVP), or ground beef. These will have a lot more flavor than if you base them on using no-fat taco meat or chicken.
The enchiladas can be replaced with a side of chicken without the tortillas. A healthier alternative would be to top off a salad with your favorite enchilada toppings. Or you can try the recipe Chicken Enchiladas with zesty salsa verde. Not only do they hold your weight in check (watch the sauce), but they’re also a simple, fast and tasty dish that can be ready in just under an hour.
To make a healthier chicken enchilada recipe, replace the corn tortillas with whole-wheat tortillas, or use low-fat cheese, sour cream, or non-fat cottage cheese. Yet, remember to avoid fat-free ranch dressing and pizza sauce.
Add ¼ teaspoon of chili powder or cumin to the sauce if you want a little heat to your dish. Also, you can replace half of the shredded cheese with grated Monterey Jack.
What Type of Chicken Meat Is Best to Use for Making This Dish?
Are you looking for the best recipe for Chicken Enchiladas but worried about what type of chicken meat to use? Well, you’ve come to the right place! With so many different options on the market these days, it can be hard to decide. So let’s take a look at a few options.
The first is called white meat, which comes from breast portions. Chicken breasts tend to be the best ingredients for use in these dishes, contain more lean muscles. They also tend to dry out faster during cooking due to their lack of fat.
The second type is dark meat, from the thigh and leg of a bird. The dark meat in chicken has a higher nutritional value than white meat. It also cooks more evenly than white chicken. However, chicken breasts often contain more fat than dark meat, which means that they provide less nutrition when compared to dark chicken.
Otherwise, you can use rotisserie or roast chicken. They are great options for anyone who wants their enchiladas with a moist and flavorful filling. This option is more expensive, but it also has an equally tender and juicy result.
Alternatively, you can also choose to use canned chicken. This option is one of the most popular; you don’t have to worry about the freshness factor if you use a can of chicken for your recipe.
Using canned chicken will also allow you to make enchiladas on a much larger scale. This is perfect for parties and special events where you can get all of your guests to partake in this delicious dish.
When You Should Not Eat Them?
Everyone loves Chicken Enchiladas. They’re a staple in Mexican restaurants as well as American kitchens — but some people shouldn’t eat them.
Many food allergies can cause problems, including gluten and soy. Some people can also be lactose intolerant or have other dietary restrictions that make eating these dishes difficult (if not impossible).
When you experience an allergic reaction to chicken, dairy products, or eggs, then this is not the time for you to eat Chicken Enchiladas. Foods that contain these ingredients can cause a variety of allergic reactions, including skin irritations and stomach aches.
This is particularly important if you plan to eat them on a regular basis. It is possible that the ingredients could cause an allergic reaction, although you have never eaten them before.
You should most definitely not eat this dish when you’re going on a diet or trying to watch your cholesterol levels. The enchiladas are packed with carbs and fat, which will most likely be a health concern if you’re eating them every day.
They are also full of protein, which is the one macronutrient that needs to be watched closely. Protein can slow down weight loss, so it’s important to make sure that your diet is balanced with other good foods that provide nutrients.
What to Do if You Accidentally Eat These Way More Than You Should?
Eating more than the recommended servings of any food, even healthy and nutritious foods, is never a good idea. This is especially true for spicy foods that have more ingredients than just chicken and enchilada sauce. However, if you have eaten too many enchiladas, then there are a couple of things you can do to help yourself feel better.
First, drink lots of water. Consuming too much oil in one sitting can have a dehydrating effect on your body. By drinking plenty of water, you will counteract this effect and speed up eliminating the fats from your system.
Second, eat something that is anti-inflammatory to your system. Since it is likely that you have eaten something spicy and greasy, it is best to eat something that helps to counter those effects. Examples include plain yogurt or even crackers with a little bit of cheese on them.
Third, if you are able, buy some fiber supplements. Fiber supplements can help balance the high levels of sugar and excess fats that are likely in your system after eating too many enchiladas. Since the enchiladas themselves do not contain a ton of fiber, it is often better to buy a supplement.
Finally, try to get some exercise! Exercise is excellent for helping to speed up the elimination of any toxins from your body.
Conclusion
In conclusion, people with weight concerns need to be wary of Chicken Enchiladas. They can contain a lot of calories. However, they can still be consumed in moderation and as part of a healthy diet for people who don’t have an issue with weight.
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For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.