As a child, I never quite understood my mom’s unwavering love for enchiladas. Every time we visited a Mexican restaurant, without fail, she would order them, savoring each bite as if it held the secrets of the universe. Meanwhile, I found them lackluster, wondering what all the fuss was about. Little did I know, my journey with enchiladas was far from over. It took the discovery of green enchilada sauce to completely shift my perspective on this beloved dish.
As an adult, I stumbled upon green enchilada sauce, and it was a game-changer. Its tangy, slightly spicy flavor opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me. No longer bound by the limitations of traditional red sauce, I set out on a mission to transform the classic enchilada into something packed with protein and low in carbs. Thus, the Green Chicken Enchilada Meal Prep was born.
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Unveiling the Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1 15 oz can of green enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt to taste
For the Bowls:
- 20 ounces of chicken breast, seasoned with taco seasoning
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1/3 red onion
- 5 Mission low-carb tortillas
- 1 1/4 cups of Monterey Jack cheese
- 5 tbsp of queso fresco
Crafting the Perfect Blend
The magic begins with the sauce. In a blender, combine the green enchilada sauce, cottage cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, creating a luscious base that will coat every bite with flavor.
Building Flavor, One Layer at a Time
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Now, it’s time to assemble our enchilada bowls. Start by spooning a dollop of the green sauce into the bottom of each oven-safe meal prep container. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the tortillas from sticking to the bottom.
Next, dice the seasoned chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and divide them evenly among the containers. Slice the red bell pepper and red onion, distributing them among the containers as well. Now, it’s time for the star of the show – the tortillas. Cut the Mission low-carb tortillas into strips and layer them over the chicken and veggies.
Bringing It All Together
Pour the remaining green sauce over the assembled ingredients, ensuring that each bowl is generously coated. Top each bowl with a quarter cup of Monterey Jack cheese, spreading it evenly to create a gooey, melty topping that will delight your taste buds.
A Touch of Authenticity
Place the assembled bowls in the preheated oven and let them bake for 40 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the cheese to bubble and brown. Once done, remove the enchilada bowls from the oven and sprinkle a tablespoon of Queso fresco over the top of each bowl for an authentic finishing touch.
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The Final Revelation
With a spoonful of nostalgia and a dash of innovation, the Green Chicken Enchilada Meal Prep has transformed my perception of enchiladas. Packed with protein, low in carbs, and bursting with flavor, this dish is not only a testament to my culinary journey but also a celebration of the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. So, whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or simply craving a taste of home, these enchilada bowls are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you longing for more.
Green Enchilada Meal Prep
Ingredients
For The Sauce
- 1 15 oz can green enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- garlic powder, onion powder, salt to taste
For The Bowls
- 20 oz chicken breast cut into 1 inch pieces and seasoned with taco seasoning
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1/3 red onion diced
- 1 1/4 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
- 5 tbso queso fresco
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Blend the green enchilada sauce, cottage cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt in a blender until smooth.
- Spoon a layer of the sauce into the bottom of each oven-safe meal prep container.
- Dice the seasoned chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and divide them evenly among the containers
- Slice the red bell pepper and red onion, distributing them among the containers.
- Cut the Mission low-carb tortillas into strips and layer them over the chicken and veggies.
- Pour the remaining green sauce over the assembled ingredients, ensuring each bowl is coated.
- Top each bowl with a quarter cup of Monterey Jack cheese, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the assembled bowls in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the enchilada bowls from the oven.
- Sprinkle a tablespoon of queso fresco over the top of each bowl. Enjoy!