Soft tortillas stuffed with refried beans, seasoned ground chicken, and onions, topped with enchilada sauce, melty cheddar, and black olives—a delicious, lighter Tex-Mex favorite!
Servings & Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 enchiritos
Dietary Tags: Family-Friendly, High-Protein, Tex-Mex
📝 Ingredients
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8 flour tortillas (low-carb option for fewer W-W points)
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1 pound ground chicken
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16 ounces refried beans (fat-free or vegetarian to reduce points)
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½ onion, finely diced
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28 ounces red enchilada sauce
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8 ounces cheddar cheese, finely shredded (reduced-fat recommended)
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1 ounce taco seasoning mix
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¼ cup black olives, sliced
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Tortillas
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Place tortillas on a plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 30 seconds to soften.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
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Brown ground chicken in a skillet.
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Stir in taco seasoning and cook until chicken is fully cooked.
Step 3: Fill and Roll
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Spread 2 tablespoons of refried beans down the center of each tortilla.
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Top with ¼ cup of the cooked chicken and some diced onions.
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Roll up and place seam-side down in a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
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Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas.
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Sprinkle finely shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
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Let rest for 5 minutes.
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Top with sliced black olives and serve warm!
💡 Notes & Tips
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Tortilla tip: Use low-carb tortillas or whole wheat for fewer points and more fiber.
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Cheese choice: Reduced-fat cheese lowers fat and points without sacrificing flavor.
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Customizations: Add chopped spinach or zucchini inside the enchiritos for added veggies.
📸 Step-by-Step Guide
(Suggested photo ideas: filling tortillas → rolled tortillas in baking dish → sauce and cheese added → baked and garnished)
Pro Tip: If making individual servings later, microwave single enchiritos for about 2 minutes for a quick meal!
🥄 Ingredient Insights & Swaps
Why these ingredients?
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Ground chicken: Leaner than beef for lower fat and W-W points.
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Refried beans: Provide fiber and creaminess.
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Enchilada sauce & cheese: Classic Tex-Mex flavors that make the dish hearty and satisfying.
Substitutions:
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Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for variety.
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Swap black olives for diced tomatoes or green onions as a fresh topping.
🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas
Flavor Ideas:
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Sprinkle chopped cilantro or jalapeño slices before serving.
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Add a dollop of light sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on top.
Serving Suggestions:
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Pair with a side salad or Mexican-style cauliflower rice for a full meal.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
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Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Microwave individual enchiritos or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
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Freezing: Freeze fully assembled (unbaked) enchiritos and bake directly from frozen, adding 10 extra minutes to the cook time.
🔎 Nutrition & W-W Points (per enchirito estimate)**
Calories: ~330 kcal | Protein: ~23g | Carbs: ~24g | Fat: ~15g
W-W Points (per enchirito):
➡️ 7 Points (with standard tortillas, refried beans, and reduced-fat cheese)
➡️ 5 Points if using low-carb tortillas, fat-free refried beans, and reduced-fat cheddar.
W-W Points can vary based on exact brands and portions. For accuracy, enter your exact ingredients into the W-W app.
Allergens: Wheat, Milk
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes—use gluten-free tortillas and check that your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce are certified gluten-free.
Q: Can I prep this in advance?
A: Absolutely. Assemble enchiritos up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Q: Can I add extra veggies?
A: Definitely. Chopped bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini work well in the filling.
📝 The Story Behind the Recipe
These enchiritos combine the best of enchiladas and burritos into one easy-to-make dish. By swapping ground beef for ground chicken and choosing lower-point ingredients, this recipe offers a lighter version of a Tex-Mex favorite without sacrificing any of the bold, comforting flavors.
🗨️ Let’s Chat!
Tried this recipe? What customizations or toppings did you add? Comment below or tag me—I’d love to see your enchirito creations!