A Burst of Inspiration
My Favorite is Honey Citrus Chicken Enchiladas and One evening, after a long day at work, I found myself craving something different for dinner—something that would lift my spirits with a burst of flavor. As I rummaged through my pantry, I spotted a jar of honey and a couple of lemons. The idea of combining sweet honey with tangy lemon started to take shape in my mind. I knew I had some leftover shredded chicken in the fridge, and that’s when the thought of making Honey Citrus Chicken Enchiladas hit me. It was a new twist on a classic dish, and I couldn’t wait to see how it would turn out.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors
I began by whisking together the honey, fresh lemon juice, a bit of oil, and some chili powder to create a marinade. As I tossed the shredded chicken in this zesty mixture, the kitchen filled with a fresh, citrusy aroma. It was a simple marinade, but I could tell it was going to pack a punch of flavor. While the chicken soaked up the sweet and tangy goodness, I warmed up some corn tortillas and prepared the green chili enchilada sauce, which would add another layer of taste to the dish.
Assembling the Enchiladas
With everything ready, I started assembling the enchiladas. I placed a generous spoonful of the marinated chicken onto each tortilla, rolled them up, and laid them in a dish. Once the enchiladas were nestled snugly together, I poured the green chili sauce over them, letting it seep into every corner. Instead of baking, I decided to microwave the dish—quick and easy for a weeknight meal. As the enchiladas heated through, the scent of lemon and chili filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.
The First Bite
When the microwave dinged, I carefully sprinkled some shredded cheddar cheese over the enchiladas, letting it melt into a golden, gooey topping. A handful of fresh green onions and diced tomatoes added a pop of color and freshness. As I took the first bite, I was delighted by the contrast of flavors—the sweetness of the honey, the tanginess of the lemon, and the mild heat from the chili. The tender chicken, wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in sauce, was pure comfort food. It was a meal that satisfied my cravings and brought a little joy to my evening.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Honey Citrus Chicken Enchiladas
- Ensure the chicken is well-coated with the marinade and let it sit for at least 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 30 minutes if time permits.
- Warming the tortillas before filling makes them more pliable and less likely to tear. Heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
- To avoid uneven cooking, arrange the enchiladas in a single layer. If using a microwave, check them halfway through the cooking time and rotate the dish if necessary.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use regular cheddar cheese instead of reduced-fat. For a different twist, try blending cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella with the cheddar.
- If you opt to bake instead of microwave, cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly, then uncover for the last 10-15 minutes to let it melt and bubble.
Honey Citrus Chicken Enchiladas
4
servings15
minutes13
minutes349
kcal28
minutesDive into the zesty and sweet flavors of Honey Citrus Chicken Enchiladas! This dish combines tender shredded chicken with a delightful honey-lemon marinade, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas and topped with gooey cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving more. Get ready to enjoy a burst of flavors in every bite!
Ingredients
- Marinade
1/4 cup natural honey
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or lime juice)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 teaspoons ground chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic granules
- Chicken
3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- Enchilada Sauce
2 cans green chili enchilada sauce (10 ounces each)
- Tortillas
12 small corn tortillas (6 inches), warmed
- Cheese
3/4 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
- Optional Toppings
Sliced scallions
Diced fresh tomatoes
Directions
- Prepare Marinade – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, vegetable oil, chili powder, and garlic granules until well combined.
- Marinate Chicken – Add the shredded chicken breast to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Assemble Enchiladas – Place about 1/4 cup of the marinated chicken mixture slightly off-center on each warmed tortilla. Roll up each tortilla tightly and place them seam-side down in the prepared dish.
- Microwave Cooking – Microwave on high for 11-13 minutes or until the enchiladas are heated through and the sauce is bubbling and Add Green Onions and Cheese.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- microwave-safe dish
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 349kcal
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 64mg
- Sodium: 698mg
- Potassium: 350mg
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 27g
- Vitamin A: 10IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 10mg
FAQ- Honey Citrus Chicken Enchiladas
Can I use a different type of sauce?
Yes, you can use red enchilada sauce or your favorite homemade sauce instead of green chili enchilada sauce for a different flavor profile.
Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. When ready to cook, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of honey if I need a substitute?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used in place of honey. They will provide a similar sweetness, though the flavor may vary slightly.
Can I freeze these enchiladas?
Yes, you can freeze them before cooking. Wrap the assembled enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then microwave or bake as directed.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
