HIGH PROTEIN LOW CARB CHICKEN ENCHILADA BAKE

HIGH PROTEIN LOW CARB CHICKEN ENCHILADA BAKE is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 410 calories per serving. Recipe by SHREDHAPPENS on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 55 min

Cost: $12.72 total, $3.18 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless, diced into 1‑inch cubes)
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion (finely diced)
  • 2 cup Broccoli Florets (fresh, finely diced)
  • 2 cup Baby Spinach (fresh, loosely packed)
  • 2 cup High‑Protein Enchilada Sauce (store‑bought or homemade with added protein powder)
  • 2 cup Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese (can substitute low‑fat cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Dice the onion, broccoli, and chicken into uniform 1‑inch pieces. Measure out the spinach, sauce, and shredded cheese.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Sauté Vegetables

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and broccoli; sauté 3‑4 minutes until softened. Add the spinach and cook 1‑2 minutes until wilted.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  3. Cook the Chicken

    Add the diced chicken to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. If using pre‑cooked rotisserie chicken, simply heat through.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑high heat

  4. Preheat Oven & Transfer

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the chicken‑vegetable mixture to an oven‑safe baking dish, spreading it evenly.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 375°F

  5. Add Sauce and Cheese

    Pour the high‑protein enchilada sauce over the mixture, ensuring it covers the surface. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Bake

    Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. For extra color, broil for an additional 2 minutes.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: 375°F

  7. Rest and Serve

    Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes portioning easier.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
410
Protein
42 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: High‑protein, Gluten‑free (if sauce is gluten‑free), Low‑carb

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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HIGH PROTEIN LOW CARB CHICKEN ENCHILADA BAKE

Recipe by SHREDHAPPENS

A quick, healthy, and protein‑packed casserole that combines sautéed chicken, broccoli, spinach, and onion with a high‑protein enchilada sauce, all topped with melted cheese. Each serving delivers about 42 g of protein, making it perfect for meal‑prep or a satisfying dinner.

EasyMexicanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
35m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.72
Total cost
$3.18
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sauté vegetables until softened but not browned
  • Cook chicken to safe internal temperature
  • Ensure sauce fully coats the mixture before adding cheese
  • Bake until cheese is bubbly and golden

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with clean hands and sanitize all surfaces after use.
  • Use oven mitts when removing the hot baking dish.
  • Ensure the skillet is not overcrowded to avoid splattering hot oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chicken enchilada bake in Mexican‑American cuisine?

A

While traditional enchiladas are rolled tortillas filled with meat or cheese, the baked casserole version emerged in the United States as a convenient, family‑friendly way to enjoy the flavors of enchilada sauce without the labor of rolling each tortilla. It reflects the Tex‑Mex tradition of adapting classic dishes for busy home cooks.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of enchilada casserole exist within Mexican and Tex‑Mex cooking?

A

In northern Mexico and Texas, cooks often layer corn tortillas with beans, cheese, and salsa before baking. Some versions add chorizo or use green tomatillo sauce instead of red enchilada sauce. The high‑protein version swaps regular sauce for a protein‑enriched blend, catering to fitness‑focused diners.

cultural
Q

How is chicken enchilada bake traditionally served in Mexican households?

A

It is typically served hot from the oven, garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime. Accompaniments often include Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the cheese and sauce.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations feature chicken enchilada bake in Mexican or Tex‑Mex culture?

A

The dish is popular for casual family gatherings, potlucks, and game‑day meals because it can be made ahead and feeds a crowd. It’s also a go‑to comfort food for weekend dinners and post‑workout meals due to its high protein content.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional enchilada flavor versus acceptable substitutes in this recipe?

A

Authentic ingredients include red chili powder, cumin, garlic, and oregano in the enchilada sauce, as well as Mexican blend cheese. Substitutes like regular tomato sauce with added spices, cheddar cheese, or pre‑made low‑sodium sauce work well for a quicker, health‑focused version.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with chicken enchilada bake from the YouTube channel SHREDHAPPENS?

A

Pair the bake with cilantro‑lime rice, black bean salad, or a simple pico de gallo. For a lighter side, serve a cucumber‑jicama slaw dressed with lime and chili powder, which complements the rich casserole.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken enchilada bake from SHREDHAPPENS?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken before baking, using too much sauce which makes the dish soggy, and not preheating the oven fully. Follow the timing cues and ensure the sauce lightly coats the mixture for the best texture.

technical
Q

Why does this chicken enchilada bake recipe use high‑protein enchilada sauce instead of regular sauce?

A

The high‑protein sauce adds extra protein without extra calories, aligning with the channel’s focus on shredded‑friendly, muscle‑building meals. It also thickens the casserole, preventing a watery final product.

technical
Q

Can I make the chicken enchilada bake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Assemble the casserole through step 5, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked dish; bake directly from frozen, adding 5‑10 minutes to the bake time.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel SHREDHAPPENS specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel SHREDHAPPENS specializes in high‑protein, fitness‑focused meals that are quick, easy, and designed to support muscle growth and fat loss. The channel emphasizes simple cooking techniques, meal‑prep efficiency, and flavorful, nutrient‑dense recipes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel SHREDHAPPENS' approach to Mexican‑style cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

SHREDHAPPENS adapts traditional Mexican flavors into high‑protein, low‑carb formats, often swapping regular cheese for lighter options and incorporating protein powders or lean meats. Other Mexican channels may prioritize authenticity and traditional ingredients, while SHREDHAPPENS tailors recipes for athletes and health‑conscious eaters.

channel

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