Skinny Slow Cooker Enchiladas ♥

Here is a perfect healthy version of echiladas, in the slow cooker! Pop this in in the morning, come home and you have a healthy, filling dinner enjoy! ♥

For the Chile Gravy Enchilada Sauce:
 
2 tablespoons margarine
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 - 3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
pinch allspice
1 tsp dried Mexican oregano
2 tbsp ancho chili powder
2 cups light sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste

For the Chicken Enchiladas:

1 recipe Easy Crock Pot Tex-Mex Chicken ( see below for recipe)
1 dozen  tortillas
1 cup shredded Oaxaca Cheese*
1 cup shredded Queso Quesadilla Cheese*
Toppings: cilantro, black olives, Roasted Tomatillo ,Guacamole,light sour cream


Directions ♥

Prepare the Easy Crock Pot Tex-Mex Chicken as directed in the recipe. Set aside.

Crockpot Tex Mex Chicken Recipe

Ingredients ♥

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 1/4 teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon coriander
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/3 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup (packed) cilantro leaves, chopped
2 limes
1 large onion, chopped
1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions ♥

Heat the oil in a medium sized sauté pan. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the cumin, chili powder, coriander, paprika and garlic and sauté two more minutes. Deglaze the pan with the chicken broth making sure to scrape up any browned bits. Turn off and set aside.

Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Add to crock pot. Squeeze the lime on top, add the cilantro, jalapeno, and pour the onion and garlic mixture over top.

Cook on low for 3-5 hours, or until cooked through (different crock-pots cook at varying heats) and tender. Remove chicken breasts from the crock pot, shred and place in a bowl. Scoop out the onions and add to the chicken. Depending on the amount of juices produced, you may want to add some or all of the juice back to the shredded chicken.

For fast and easy soft tacos, add this chicken to taco sized flour tortillas with shredded lettuce, avocado, tomato, cilantro, red onion, and cheese (I like cheddar, pepper jack, or feta best). Add a dollop of sour cream and salsa, too, if you like.
Note: You could also prepare this recipe in a pressure cooker. Cook for about 20-30 minutes on high pressure if chicken is thawed, 40-45 minutes if chicken is frozen.

For the Chile Gravy Enchilada Sauce:
In a medium sauce pan, add the butter and oil over medium heat. When the butter has melted, whisk the two to combine. Add the flour and whisk in to form a roux. Add the remaining spices and whisk to combine. Let cook for a minute or two until fragrant.

Then, slowly add the chicken broth making sure to whisk as you pour so as to eliminate any lumps. Add the tomato paste and whisk in to the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.

If the sauce begins to thicken too much, additional broth may be added. It should be the consistency of gravy that you would pour onto a roast or mashed potatoes.

To Assemble the Enchiladas:

Place a small amount of shredded chicken in the center of each fried tortilla, careful not to overstuff. Roll the tortilla up and place it seam side down in a greased baking pan.

You can use a 9x9 baking pan and assemble 2 rows of 6 enchiladas or a 9x13 inch pan and assemble one row of 12 running down the middle of the pan.

Once you have rolled all of the tortillas, pour the sauce on top. Top the sauce with shredded cheese. If desired you may add cilantro leaves before or after baking.

Cover the pan with foil and bake at 425 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubble and the enchiladas are heated through.
Serve with your choice toppings, such as: cilantro, black olives,  Tomatillo Sauce, Guacamole  and/or light sour cream. enjoy! ♥