Gluten Free Enchiladas w/ Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce!

If you're looking for Gluten Free Enchiladas or Dairy Free Enchiladas, this recipe is the best! Don't skip the Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce!

Living outside of Austin, I have a particular passion for bringing people the joys of Tex-Mex with a lighter, healthier flare. There's no denying that the flavorful cuisine my city is famous for is delicious, but I hate the bloated, weighed down feeling that can come after a Tex-Mex restaurant meal.

My gluten free enchiladas are the answer! You can easily turn these into dairy free enchiladas for an even lighter option. They're designed with the cheese optional. The key there is to commit to making the easy homemade enchilada sauce included in the recipe. You don't need cheese if you have a super fresh, flavorful sauce!

Many enchilada sauce recipes call for flour, but this one is totally grain free and gluten free. It also takes about five minutes to make and is totally delicious!

What is the nutrition like in these Gluten Free Enchiladas?

I love upping the nutritional profile of beloved classics and these gluten free enchiladas are no exception. Here are a few of the nutritional benefits this recipe provides:

• Chicken: In addition to being packed with protein, chicken is a good source of iron, zinc, selenium and B vitamins.
• Onion: Did you know that the humble onion is actually packed with antioxidants? Onions also have vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate and potassium.
• Chili Peppers: Contained in both the chili powder and can of green chiles in this recipe, chili peppers are very high in vitamin C and are also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin B6, potassium and copper.
• Tomatoes: Packed with antioxidants, tomatoes may help reduce the risk of several kinds of cancer. Furthermore, they contain vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and potassium. Bonus tip? Combining tomatoes with healthy fats like the avocado in this recipe boosts absorption of tomatoes' phytochemicals!
• Avocado: Loaded with nutrients like potassium, folate and healthy fats, avocados are good for your heart, your eye health, and even your mood. Moreover, they also benefit your brain, bone density and blood sugar levels.
• Garlic: Garlic has been used in homeopathic remedies for thousands of years and is thought to reduce the risk of heart disease, high cholesterol and some types of cancer.
• Cumin: Cumin is known for a variety of healthy benefits including aiding in indigestion. Cumin is also an excellent source of iron and antioxidants.
• Oregano: Like most herbs, oregano is a super healthy addition to your diet. In addition to being antibacterial, it contains antioxidants, vitamin K, vitamin E, calcium and iron.

What are some tips for this easy homemade enchilada sauce?

My easy homemade enchilada sauce really is easy so you don't need too many tips! Here are a few things to keep in mind though:

• Tomato Sauce: Many canned tomato sauces have added sugar, lots of added salt and sometimes added Italian herbs. Look for the simplest tomato sauce you can find. Ideally, tomatoes will be the only ingredient!
• Spices: Remember that spices lose both their flavor and their nutritional benefits over time. Make sure you have fresh, high quality spices as they're really what flavors this simple enchilada sauce.
• Double and Freeze: While the sauce comes together quickly, I know it can be annoying to get the blender out and clean it. Make a double batch and freeze for the next time a Tex-Mex craving strikes!

Any tips for great dairy free enchiladas?

Yes! My #1 tip for making delicious dairy free enchiladas is don't skimp on the sauce. A pile of cheese can sort of cover up a canned sauce with lackluster flavor. Without the cheese though, you definitely want a delicious sauce that can hold its own. My easy homemade enchilada sauce really does take only a few minutes to make and it's SO worth it, especially with dairy free enchiladas.

I also recommend being generous with your avocado. Avocado is full of healthy fats and gives a nice richness to the dish.

Do these two things and you won't miss the cheese!

How can I turn this into a Paleo enchilada recipe?

Corn tortillas are a no-go for Paleo. So how can we turn these gluten free enchiladas into a Paleo version?

Zucchini! For our Paleo menus, we use this same delicious chicken and green chili filling, along with the enchilada sauce, all baked into zucchini boats.

All you do is cut 4 zucchini in half and scoop out the seeds to make a cavity. Next add 2T of the chicken filling, along with 1T optional shredded cheddar cheese to each zucchini half. Spread 1/4 enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9X13 pan, place the filled zucchini boats on top and top with the remainder of the enchilada sauce. Sprinkle with additional cheese if you like. Bake at 400F for ~20 minutes or until zucchini is soft and chicken is heated through. Top with diced red onion.

This Paleo version is also great for anyone looking for a lower carb enchilada option.

You can of course also simply try the gluten free enchilada recipe with a paleo-friendly tortilla such as those offered by Siete Foods.

FAQ – Everything You want to Know about Gluten Free Enchiladas

Are all enchiladas gluten free?

No, not all enchiladas are gluten free. Enchilada sauce can contain flour and enchiladas are sometimes made with flour tortillas, which contain gluten.

Are corn tortillas gluten free?

Yes, 100% corn tortillas are gluten free. If needed, check to see that the tortillas were processed in a gluten free facility. Also, some tortillas use a mix of corn and wheat flour, so check the ingredients list if you need gluten free tortillas.

What is the secret to good enchiladas?

To me, the secret to good enchiladas is a great, homemade sauce. The canned stuff just can't compare.

What are some other healthy Tex Mex-inspired recipes?

Living in Texas I have plenty of great Tex-Mex inspiration all around me! Our Tex-Mex recipes are always a hit with our subscribers as well. It's hard to go wrong with the bold flavors of the cuisine.

Here are a few of my favorite Tex-Mex inspired recipes we've created over the years: