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StovetopComplexity

Instant Pot Chicken Enchiladas

This Instant Pot Chicken Enchiladas delivers 23g protein and 230 calories per serving with quick batch preparation. One cooking session yields 12 servings, providing exceptional meal prep efficiency across your entire week. Low calorie density allows flexible portioning around your other meals while maintaining consistent protein delivery.

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Ingredients

12 servings
  • Chicken Breast, Boneless Skinless(680g)

    Boneless skinless. Buy in bulk and freeze — Costco rotisserie packs work too.

  • Chili powder(8g)
  • Cumin, Ground(5g)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Olive oil(15g)

    Regular (not extra-virgin) olive oil for high-heat cooking. EVOO for dressings.

  • ½ cup water
  • Enchilada Sauce, Red, Canned(600g)
  • Tortilla, Corn, 6-Inch
  • Cooking spray (per 1-second spray)(45g)

    Non-stick spray (PAM or store brand). Saves calories vs. pouring oil.

  • Green Onion (Scallion)
  • Greek Yogurt (Nonfat)(120g)

    Plain Greek yogurt — nonfat (0%) or low-fat (2%). Not regular yogurt.

  • Cheese, Monterey Jack, 2%(360g)

Instructions

  1. 1Season both sides of the chicken with the chili powder, cumin salt, and pepper and rub to coat.
  2. 2Set the Instant Pot to SAUTE and add the oil. Once hot and shimmering, add the chicken breasts in a single layer. Sear on each side for 2-3 minutes, just until brown (the chicken does not need to be cooked through). Remove to a plate and set aside.
  3. 3Turn the Instant Pot OFF. Splash the water into the pot and with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, scrape up any stuck-on bits of food. Return the chicken to the pot, then pour a generous ½ cup of enchilada sauce (that’s about half of a 10-ounce can) over the top of the chicken.
  4. 4Lock the lid in place. Cook on manual (high) pressure for 8 minutes. As soon as the time is up, vent immediately. Carefully open the lid. Check the chicken for doneness. It should register 165 degrees F on an instant read thermometer (if it is not done, reseal and cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes as needed; I find that if the chicken is at 160 degrees F, covering it and letting it rest for a few minutes will bring it to temperature.) Remove the chicken to a plate. Turn the Instant Pot to saute and bring the cooking liquid to a simmer. Let simmer until the liquid thickens and reduces by roughly half, about 5 minutes, stirring periodically.
  5. 5Shred the chicken, either with two forks on the plate or place the whole breasts back into the Instant Pot after the sauce has thickened and use a hand mixer on low speed to shred it directly in the Instant Pot.
  6. 6While the chicken cooks, prepare the tortillas. Place racks in the upper and lower thirds of your oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Divide the tortillas between two baking sheets, arranging them in a single layer. Brush the tops of the tortillas lightly with oil or them spray with nonstick spray. Flip and repeat on the other sides. Bake on the upper and lower racks, just until the tortillas are warm and pliable, about 3 minutes. Stack the tortillas on a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Move a rack to the center of the oven and leave the oven heated.
  7. 7Place the shredded chicken back into the Instant Pot (if it is not added already) and stir to coat with the sauce. Stir in half of the green onions, the Greek yogurt, and 3/4 cup Monetary Jack cheese.
  8. 8Spoon about 1/2 cup of the remaining enchilada sauce (or the second half of the 10-ounce can) into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and spread into a thin, even layer. Fill each tortilla with a heaping 1/4 cup of the chicken filling, roll to close, then place it at one end of the pan, seam-side down. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, lining them down the pan as you go (you also can tuck some enchiladas along the sides if they don't all fit down the center). Pour the remaining 1 ¼ cups enchilada sauce (or the remaining 10-ounce can) over the top of the tortillas. Sprinkle with the remaining 3/4 cup Monetary jack cheese.
  9. 9Bake the enchiladas until warmed through and the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining green onions over the top. Serve hot with desired toppings.

Nutrition — Per Serving

230

calories

23g

protein

14g

fat

Carbohydrates
4g
Saturated fat
5.3g
Sodium
557 mg
Dietary fiber
0.6g

12 servings per batch · ~153g each

Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central

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Common questions

How much protein does Instant Pot Chicken Enchiladas have per serving?

Each serving contains 23g of protein and 230 calories with 14g fat and 4g carbs. The smaller protein-per-serving makes this better suited as a side or complement to higher-protein main dishes.

How long does Instant Pot Chicken Enchiladas take to make?

Quick prep designation with 12 servings per batch means exceptional meal prep value — you're getting two full weeks of side dishes or lighter dinners from one stovetop session. This maximizes batch cooking efficiency.

Is Instant Pot Chicken Enchiladas good for fat loss?

At 230 calories per serving with low carbs at 4g, these work as a lower-calorie dinner option during cutting phases, though the 23g protein per serving is moderate. Pair with a higher-protein side to build a complete macrobalanced meal.

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