FN's Top Recipes, Lightened Up: #5 Chicken Enchiladas

We love Food Network’s Top 50 Recipes of 2009. We took a look at the top 5 and found ways to prepare them a bit on the lighter side. Number 5, Tyler Florence’s Chicken Enchiladas -- they’re healthier than you might think.
Chicken Enchiladas

Tyler Florence’s Chicken Enchiladas.

Photo by: Matt

Matt

Every January, our big sister, FoodNetwork.com, tallies up their most-viewed recipes of the previous year. They've just unveiled their Top 50 Recipes of 2009 -- all scrumptious dishes but not exactly waistline-friendly fare! If you're tempted to try out the best of the best, we don't want you to blow your diet. Every week, we are looking at one of the top five recipes and offering some simple tips for slimming them down without losing their flavor.

Coming in at #5 is Tyler Florence’s Chicken Enchiladas. Good news: This dish is healthier than you might think.

Say Ole!

Mexican dishes don’t have to be heavy. This recipe calls for skinless chicken breast, which is low in fat and high in hunger-fighting protein. It also uses corn tortillas instead of flour, saving 100 calories per serving.

    Our tips for a lighter version:
  • Skim off 50% of the fat by cutting the cheese in half or switching to a lighter version.
  • Use a combo of salsa or chopped tomatoes and less enchilada sauce to cut back on the sodium.
  • Pass on the optional sour cream and use non-fat Greek yogurt instead (or a low-fat sour cream).
  • The recipe makes 16 enchiladas, two per person; stick to one and balance your meal with a veggie-filled salad.

Next Up

7 Delicious Pastas, Lightened Up!

Make these Healthy Pastas Without the Guilt. Find more healthy recipes like this at Food Network.

Best 5 Grilled Chicken Recipes for Summer

Check out these grilled chicken dishes for summertime cooking from Guy, Bobby and Alton more Food Network chefs.

Best 5 Doughnut Recipes

Indulge in Food Network's top-five doughnut recipes with the help of how-tos from Ree Drummond, Ina Garten, Giada De Laurentiis and more chefs.

Alton's Top 5 Tactics to Make Steak

Learn the best ways to make steak with Alton Brown.

Best 5 Pumpkin Bread Recipes

Celebrate the beginning of fall with Food Network's best five pumpkin bread recipes.

5 Easy Pumpkin Muffin Recipes

We’ll be eating these all fall (and beyond).

Best 5 Sangria Recipes for Summer

Food Network’s Best 5 Sangria Recipes for Summer will quench your thirst in the sweltering heat and are sure to serve a crowd.

Make Our Top 5 No-Bake Desserts Before Summer Ends

Suprisingly elegant store-bought solutions mean you don't have to turn on the oven.