Gluten Free Chicken Enchiladas

Gluten-free chicken enchiladas offer a delightful and straightforward dinner option adored by both children and adults alike. Featuring a hearty combination of chicken, beans, green enchilada sauce, and cheese, these enchiladas are destined to become a family favorite.

Maintaining a healthy eating routine for your family need not be a daunting task. In fact, it should be characterized by simplicity, speed, and robust flavors. Gluten-free chicken enchiladas fit this bill perfectly, serving as a quick, easy, and delectable addition to your repertoire of healthy family meals. So delectable, in fact, that you’ll find yourself keeping the recipe card readily available for whenever the craving strikes. Embrace the ease and taste of these enchiladas as you continue to nourish your loved ones with wholesome and satisfying dishes.

You might also enjoy our Beef Enchilada Casserole and our uber-popular Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas.

Recipe Substitution Ideas

• gluten-free flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas
• shredded beef, pork or turkey instead of chicken
• red enchilada sauce instead of green (the green is SO good though!)
• sour cream instead of Greek yogurt
• shredded Mexican cheese blend or queso instead of cheddar
• boiled chicken thighs, leftover rotisserie chicken, canned chicken instead of fresh cooked chicken

Ingredients

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened ✅ 
• (2) 4 ounce cans mild chopped green chilies ✅ 
• 15 ounces Great Northern beans, undrained
• 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded ✅ 
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder ✅ 
• 14 ounces can green enchilada sauce ✅ 
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided ✅ 
• 1 teaspoon cumin ✅ 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 12-14 corn tortillas

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

How To Make Homemade Chicken Enchiladas

These gf chicken enchiladas come together quickly, even though there are a few steps to follow. Let’s walk through step by step how to make them so your family can enjoy them as much as mine. It’s one of our favorite easy gluten-free dinner recipes for the family.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9 x 13 inch pan with non-stick cooking spray.

In a medium-sized sauté pan, drizzle a small amount of olive oil in a pan and sauté onions on medium-high for about 5 minutes, or until translucent. Place half of the sautéed onions into a medium-sized mixing bowl, leaving the other half in the sauté pan.

Kitchen Tip:  If you’re feeling lazy and don’t want to separate the onions, they can all go into the sauce, no worries! 

Add the enchilada sauce, Greek yogurt, half of the cheese, cumin, and salt to the saute pan. Over low heat, whisk until well blended and cheese is melted.  Do not boil.

In the mixing bowl that you added the sautéed onions to, combine the cream cheese, green chilies, beans, and garlic powder. Mash with potato masher or fork until well blended. Stir in chicken.

Pro Tip: We suggest making boiled chicken breasts for a quick and easy juicy chicken.

Spoon a small amount of the chicken mixture onto a corn tortilla, roll up, and place in a prepared pan. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.

Pour the sauce over the top of the tortillas. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup shredded cheese.

Bake for 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly. Serve hot.

Topping Suggestions

Enjoy gluten-free enchiladas with or without toppings. For inspiration on how to add a pop of color to this family meal before serving, pick any combination of the following:

• sliced avocado
• green onions
• black olives
• tomatoes
• shredded lettuce
• salsa

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Variations in Filling:
  • You can use different types of beans such as black beans or pinto beans instead of Great Northern beans.
  • Add some diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or spinach to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, consider using hot green chilies or adding some diced jalapeños.
• Protein Options:
  • Instead of chicken, you can use shredded beef, ground turkey, or even sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian version.
  • If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken for a convenient and flavorful filling.
  • Corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas, but you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. Just be aware that flour tortillas tend to be larger, so adjust the filling accordingly.
• Toppings:
  • Garnish your enchiladas with chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, or sliced green onions for added freshness and color.
  • Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
• Serving Suggestion:
  • Consider serving your enchiladas with a side of instant pot Mexican rice and crockpot refried beans for a complete meal.
• Adjusting Spice Level:
  • If you prefer milder enchiladas, you can use a mild enchilada sauce and reduce or omit the cumin and green chilies.
• Cheese Variations:
  • Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for a unique flavor twist.
• Customize the Sauce:
  • You can make your own gluten-free enchilada sauce from scratch if you have the time and ingredients. Homemade sauce can add a depth of flavor to your dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storage Instructions

Allow any remaining enchiladas to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container or covering the original baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Refrigerate the leftovers within two hours of cooking. Chicken enchiladas can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.

If you have a larger batch and don’t plan to consume them all within that time frame, consider freezing individual portions. To freeze, wrap the enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in an airtight freezer-safe container. Properly stored, frozen enchiladas can maintain their quality for up to two to three months.

When reheating, ensure that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. Enjoy your enchiladas as delicious leftovers or easy freezer meals.

More Healthy Dinner Recipes

• Easy Crockpot Potato Soup
• Dairy-Free Enchiladas
• Baked Chicken Thighs
• Meatless Baked Spaghetti
• Crockpot Quinoa Chicken

This recipe has been updated in 2022 with new pictures and gluten-free substitutions as compared to when it was first published back in 2018.