Gluten Free Enchiladas

These gluten-free enchiladas are so simple to throw together, you will have a delicious dinner in no time. 

 

As a mom of 4 who maintains our home and works, I am always in need of dinner ideas that are easy to throw together on the fly or make ahead of time and freeze.  There are seasons where I enjoy spending time crafting a meal, and there are seasons where I just want it to be easy without sacrificing health. 

 

This recipe is very basic yet tastes amazing, so it’s a win-win in my book.  Also, it is a crowd favorite with my kids, which is difficult these days.  Plus, there are so many ways you can change this up with different meats or fillings; it is very adaptable to your family’s tastes.

 

Please leave comments on how this goes for you, and if you do any substitutions, I’m always game for ways to change things up!

 

Why Do Gluten-Free?

 

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives. It helps give dough its elasticity and contributes to the chewy texture of foods like bread, pizza, and pasta. While gluten isn’t inherently bad for most people, there are larger amounts of people avoiding gluten for the following reasons:

1. Celiac Disease

 

• What it is: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which consuming gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. This can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, digestive issues, and long-term health problems.

 

• Why it’s important: For people with celiac disease, gluten is harmful, and avoiding it is a medical necessity.

 

2. Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity

 

• What it is: Some individuals experience symptoms like bloating, stomach cramps, or fatigue after consuming gluten, even though they don’t have celiac disease. This condition is often referred to as non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), but it’s harder to diagnose and not fully understood.

 

• Why it’s important: People with NCGS find relief by cutting out gluten from their diets, though it doesn’t cause the intestinal damage seen in celiac disease.

 

3. Wheat Allergy

 

• What it is: A wheat allergy is an allergic reaction to proteins found in wheat, including gluten. It can cause symptoms ranging from mild (hives or swelling) to severe (anaphylaxis).

 

• Why it’s important: Individuals with a wheat allergy need to avoid wheat products to prevent allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening.

4. Health Trends and Perceptions

 

• What it is: In recent years, there has been a rise in the perception that gluten-free diets are inherently healthier. Some people avoid gluten as part of a wellness trend or in the belief that it will help with weight loss or improve digestion, even if they don’t have a specific gluten-related condition.

 

• Why it’s important: While avoiding gluten might make people feel better or help with some digestive discomfort, there’s little evidence to suggest that a gluten-free diet benefits people without gluten sensitivities or allergies.

 

• It is important to note here that most gluten-free processed foods can be lower in fiber and higher in sugar or fat.  It is not safe to assume that because it’s gluten-free, it’s healthy.  Check out my post on uncovering bad ingredients to learn more about how to read labels and what to watch out for.

5. Better Digestive Health

 

• What it is: Some people find that eliminating gluten helps alleviate digestive issues like bloating, gas, or discomfort, even if they don’t have an official diagnosis like celiac disease or NCGS.

 

• Why it’s important: The exact reasons aren’t always clear, but some people feel that removing gluten reduces inflammation in the gut or helps with symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

 

6. Digestive and Immune System Factors

 

• What it is: Some individuals might choose to avoid gluten because they believe it can irritate the digestive system or lead to inflammation, even without a formal diagnosis of any gluten-related condition.

 

• Why it’s important: At this point, I am a firm believer in eating what makes you feel good.  As you start to clean up your diet, you will notice that some foods give you energy and some zap it out.  Eat what makes you feel good!

 

Should You Avoid Gluten?

 

• For most people, gluten isn’t harmful, and there’s no need to avoid it completely unless you have a medical reason (like celiac disease or gluten sensitivity).  However, some people may feel better or experience fewer digestive issues when they remove gluten from their diet.

 

• If you’re considering going gluten-free, be careful that you are not simply substituting one over-processed food for another.  Learn how to read ingredients and eat real food.

 

Why Make Dinner Ahead of Time?

 

When you plan and make your dinner ahead of time, it is easier to ‘grab something at home’ rather than on the go. This will save you money and surely have healthier ingredients than anything you could pick up at a restaurant. 

 

Making food ahead of time, also known as meal prepping, can be beneficial for several reasons:

 

1. Saves Time: It helps you save time throughout the week. Instead of cooking every day, you can prepare meals in bulk and just heat them up when needed.
2. Healthier Choices: When you prep meals ahead of time, you’re more likely to make healthier decisions. You can control ingredients and portion sizes and avoid relying on unhealthy takeout or fast food.
3. Reduces Stress: Having meals ready to go can reduce the stress of figuring out what to eat, especially on busy days or after a long day at work. It removes the “what’s for dinner?” question.
4. Saves Money: Meal prepping allows you to buy ingredients in bulk and avoid the temptation to eat out or purchase convenience foods. This can help reduce food costs over time.
5. Portion Control: By preparing meals in advance, you can better control portions, which can help with weight management and reducing food waste.
6. Improved Variety: You can plan for a variety of meals, which helps you avoid getting stuck in a routine of eating the same thing every day.
7. Fewer Decision Fatigues: Pre-making meals reduces decision fatigue, which is the mental strain from constantly making choices, like what to eat. It frees up mental energy for other things.
8. Prevents Overeating: Having meals prepared and ready to eat makes it easier to stick to your planned servings and avoid overeating.

 

These chicken enchiladas come together very easily and will freeze beautifully for up to 3 months or stay in the fridge for 3 days prior to cooking. Since the meat is already cooked, you are essentially just warming it up when you make it. 

 

Why I Love This Recipe

 

Fast

This recipe comes together in 20 minutes, plus cook time.  It doesn’t get much better than that. 

 

Time is always of importance because we have busy lives with a lot going on.  Making your meals ahead and finding recipes that are fast and healthy will make your meal prep so much easier. 

 

Gluten Free

This recipe is very healthy and gluten-free when you use the Siete tortillas.  Besides the cheese, all ingredients are fresh and meet Whole 30 and paleo standards.  

 

Filling and Flexible

Sometimes, healthy stuff doesn’t always hit the spot or fill you up.  This does both of those things.  Plus, there are so many ways you can alter this to your liking and switch it up for the next batch!

 

Tools You Need

 

Large Baking Dish

The one in the pictures is very similar to this.  Mine is bigger than 9×13, as this one is.  You could certainly use a 9×13 pan; I just find that, as a family of 6, it is never quite enough!  Plus, I’m a big fan of leftovers. 

 

Ingredients Needed for Gluten-Free Chicken Enchiladas

 

Rotisserie Chicken

This just makes everything easier.  I take it apart while it’s still warm so it comes off the bones easier.  You will get a decent amount of chicken and only need to chop it all up, and you’re ready to go.  Sometimes I add black beans as well, mostly because my kids love them. 

 

Block Cheddar Cheese

You could substitute shredded cheese to save time here, but the real thing is just so much better.  Plus, shredded cheese is often coated in tree fibers to stop it from sticking together. Yuck!

 

Salsa Verde or Taco Seasoning

The salsa verde is mild and adds great flavor.  Alternatively, you can just do a taco seasoning packet or make your own.  See my seasoning below for the amounts and specifics.  Mom’s Taco Seasoning. 

 

Siete Tortillas

These are a great gluten and corn-free alternative.  If you don’t care about being ‘free’ from anything, then I’d recommend corn tortillas; they keep the best texture and flavor.  

 

Optionally, you could also use your own if you do sourdough.  See my recipe here for Sourdough Tortillas. 

 

Enchilada Sauce

You can buy a can from the store, you will need at least 20 ounces.  Or you can make your own.  See my enchilada sauce recipe below. 

 

 

How To Make Gluten-Free Enchiladas

 

• Take apart your rotisserie chicken and put it onto a cutting board.  Cut the chicken into small pieces and put into a bowl with seasoning or salsa verde.

 

• Make your enchilada sauce if you are doing your own and shred your cheese.

 

• Coat your baking dish with non-stick spray, I prefer avocado oil spray, and spread half of the sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.

 

• Put together your enchiladas.  I take one tortilla at a time, put in a little chicken, top with cheese, and roll it up.  Carefully place your enchiladas in the dish, seam side down.

 

• Top with remaining enchilada sauce and shredded cheese.  Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees, or cover with tin foil and freeze for up to 3 months.