Healthy & Easy Chicken Enchilada Bubble Up Casserole: Your New Weeknight Favorite

Say goodbye to boring weeknight dinners and hello to your new family favorite: the Chicken Enchilada Bubble Up casserole! This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, delivering all the vibrant, comforting flavors of classic chicken enchiladas in a remarkably easy-to-make, healthier package. It’s the ultimate solution for a fun Taco Tuesday or simply a quick and satisfying meal on a busy Wednesday evening. Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly this casserole comes together, providing a delicious and nutritious option that will quickly earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation.

This casserole isn’t just easy; it’s a flavor explosion that cleverly hides its healthy side. Imagine tender shredded chicken, generously coated in a zesty enchilada sauce, nestled between fluffy, buttery biscuit pieces, and crowned with a luscious layer of low-fat cheese. The beauty of this recipe lies in its deceptive nature – you won’t even realize you’re indulging in a dish that’s surprisingly light. Each serving boasts a mere 200 calories while packing a powerful protein punch, making it an excellent choice for those mindful of their diet without sacrificing taste.

Designed to feed six hungry individuals, this Chicken Enchilada Bubble Up is perfect for family dinners. It comes together quickly, allowing you more time to spend with loved ones, and often leaves you with delightful leftovers for a convenient lunch the next day. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, offering a fantastic balance of convenience, flavor, and wholesome ingredients.

Why This Chicken Enchilada Bubble Up is a Must-Try!

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Chicken Enchilada Bubble Up, but let’s highlight three compelling factors that make it an absolute kitchen staple.

It’s Exceptionally Low in Fat

In a world where comfort food often comes with a hefty side of guilt, this Chicken Enchilada Bubble Up stands out. Despite featuring delicious, golden biscuits and savory cheese, each generous serving contains only about 4 grams of fat. This is an incredible achievement for a full dinner meal, especially when you compare it to other popular versions. For instance, a similar Chicken Enchilada Bubble Up recipe found on the Pillsbury website can pack a whopping 19 grams of fat per serving. Our version allows you to savor every cheesy, flavorful bite without the excessive fat content, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy Mexican-inspired cuisine in a health-conscious way.

Unleash Your Creativity with Customizable Toppings

Just like with traditional tacos or enchiladas, the true magic often lies in the toppings! This Chicken Enchilada Bubble Up serves as the perfect canvas for your culinary imagination. You have the freedom to personalize each serving with your favorite fixings, ensuring everyone at the table gets exactly what they crave. From fresh herbs to creamy dollops, the possibilities are endless. Remember to account for any additional nutritional points if you’re tracking, but don’t shy away from experimenting. We’ve included some fantastic topping recommendations below to get your inspiration flowing!

Forget the Fuss: You Won’t Miss the Tortillas!

Let’s be honest, sometimes traditional enchiladas can be a bit tricky. Trying to perfectly roll them, preventing them from falling apart, and then cutting into them neatly after baking can be a challenge. With this innovative Chicken Enchilada Bubble Up, those worries vanish. The tender biscuit pieces create a delightful, easy-to-manage base that’s simple to scoop and eat. You get all the incredible, rich enchilada flavor you love, but with a wonderfully soft, bready texture that eliminates the common hassles of corn or flour tortillas. It’s a game-changer for casual dining and ensures every forkful is as enjoyable as the last.

Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken Enchilada Bubble Up:

Gathering your ingredients for this casserole is straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing dish:

• 7.5 oz package of Great Value biscuit dough (or a similar small-sized biscuit pack. If you can only find larger packs, measure out the needed portion, aiming for approximately 10 small biscuits or an equivalent weight.)
• 2 cups (about 8 oz) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience!)
• 1 cup enchilada sauce (red or green, your preference!)
• 1 diced red pepper (adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color)
• 1 diced tomato (for freshness and tang)
• 1 tsp chili powder (enhances the authentic Mexican flavor)
• 1 cup reduced fat shredded cheese (a Mexican blend or cheddar works wonderfully)
• Green onion for topping (adds a mild onion flavor and garnish)
• Diced avocado (optional) for topping (for creamy richness)
• Diced fresh cilantro (optional) for topping (for bright, herbal notes)

How to Make Chicken Enchilada Bubble Up (Step by Step):

Follow these simple instructions to create a mouth-watering Chicken Enchilada Bubble Up casserole that’s sure to impress!

1. Preheat & Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, take a 9×13 inch casserole dish and spray it thoroughly with a nonstick cooking spray. This will ensure your delicious casserole doesn’t stick and makes for easier cleanup.
2. Biscuit Prep: Take your package of 10 small biscuits and, using a sharp knife, cut each biscuit into 6 evenly sized pieces. These smaller pieces will distribute better throughout the casserole, creating that delightful “bubble up” texture.
3. Sauce the Base: Pour just ¼ cup of your chosen enchilada sauce into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to spread it out evenly, creating a thin layer across the entire bottom surface. This base layer adds flavor and helps prevent sticking.
4. First Biscuit Layer: Carefully arrange half of your cut biscuit pieces over the layer of enchilada sauce in the dish. Try to distribute them as evenly as possible without overlapping too much, forming a fluffy base.
5. Chicken Filling Mixture: In a separate medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the remaining ¾ cup of enchilada sauce. Add the diced red peppers, diced tomato, and chili powder. Stir everything together until the chicken and vegetables are well coated with the flavorful sauce and spices.
6. First Chicken Layer: Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the biscuits in the casserole dish. Gently spread it out with your spoon, ensuring an even layer over the biscuit pieces.
7. Cheese & Repeat Layers: Sprinkle ½ cup of the reduced-fat shredded cheese over the chicken layer. Now, repeat steps 4, 6, and 7: layer the remaining biscuit pieces, followed by the rest of the chicken mixture, and finally top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese.
8. Bake to Perfection: Once all layers are assembled, sprinkle generously with diced green onion. Loosely cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 35 minutes. After 35 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
9. Optional Fresh Toppings: For an extra burst of freshness and flavor, and a beautiful presentation, top the hot casserole with fresh sliced avocado and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro immediately after removing it from the oven.
10. Serve & Enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Cut into 6 equal servings. Each delicious serving will weigh approximately 6.5 oz, ready for you to enjoy!

This recipe makes 6 satisfying servings. Here’s the approximate nutrition information per serving: Calories 201, Fat 4g, Saturated fat 1g, Carbs 28g, Fiber 1g, Sugars 4g, Sodium 709mg, Protein 14g.

Weight Watchers Points Breakdown

For those following the Weight Watchers program, this Chicken Enchilada Bubble Up is a fantastic option that aligns with your wellness goals. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the points for the main ingredients, helping you make informed choices and track your intake accurately:

• Pillsbury Buttermilk Biscuit Dough: 18 points (adjust based on the specific brand and size you use)
• Shredded chicken: 0 points (when using lean, skinless chicken breast)
• Enchilada sauce: 2 points (for a typical reduced-fat or light version)
• Red pepper: 0 points
• Diced tomato: 0 points
• Chili powder: 0 points
• Reduced fat shredded cheese: 14 points (choose your favorite reduced-fat blend)
• Green onion: 0 points
• Diced avocado (optional): ¼ of an avocado is 2 points (a little goes a long way for flavor!)
• Diced fresh cilantro (optional): 0 points

Based on the Weight Watchers app recipe creator, each serving of this Chicken Enchilada Bubble Up comes in at a remarkably low 6 points. This makes it an excellent, satisfying meal option that won’t derail your progress.

If you’re using an older version of WW, here’s a quick reference for your convenience:

• Personal Points: 5-6 points, depending on your individual 0PP foods list.
• SP Freestyle (Blue & Purple plans): Approximately 5 points using the WW recipe builder.
• Smart Points (Green plan): Approximately 6 points using the WW recipe builder.
• Points Plus: Approximately 6 points using the PP calculator.

Always double-check points with your current WW program to ensure accuracy, as values can sometimes vary slightly with product changes or program updates. This recipe’s low point value makes it a smart and delicious choice!

Creative Variations to Customize Your Chicken Enchilada Bubble Up:

One of the best aspects of this casserole is its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are some fantastic ideas to put your own spin on the Chicken Enchilada Bubble Up:

• Enhance Your Toppings: While the casserole is delicious on its own, adding fresh toppings elevates the experience. Beyond sliced avocado and cilantro, consider a dollop of your favorite salsa for a burst of fresh flavor, a drizzle of salsa verde for a tangy twist, or some vibrant pico de gallo. For a creamy, cool contrast, a spoonful of non-fat Greek yogurt makes a fantastic zero-point alternative to sour cream.
• Boost the Bulk and Nutrition: If your dietary points allow, incorporating canned corn or black beans (rinsed and drained) can significantly bulk up the casserole, adding more fiber and texture. These additions meld perfectly with the existing flavors and make the dish even more hearty and satisfying.
• Protein Alternatives: Not a fan of chicken, or simply looking for variety? This recipe is incredibly versatile! You can easily swap out the shredded chicken for lean ground turkey or lean ground beef. Just be sure to cook and drain the ground meat thoroughly before mixing it with the enchilada sauce and vegetables. For a vegetarian option, consider using a combination of plant-based protein crumbles or additional beans and corn.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken mixture. Diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) can also be sprinkled in for an extra kick.
• Cheese Choices: While reduced-fat shredded cheese is recommended for health, you can experiment with different cheese blends like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a sprinkle of cotija cheese after baking for a salty, crumbly texture.

Pro Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Chicken Enchilada Bubble Up:

To ensure your Chicken Enchilada Bubble Up is always a success, and to make your meal prep even smoother, consider these helpful tips and tricks:

• Freezing for Future Meals: This casserole freezes exceptionally well, making it an ideal candidate for meal prepping. You have a couple of convenient options:
  • Whole Casserole Freeze: Bake the entire casserole in a disposable aluminum pan. Once it’s fully baked and cooled, cover it tightly with foil and then a layer of plastic wrap. You can freeze the entire casserole this way. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
  • Individual Portion Freezing: For ultimate convenience, cut the baked and cooled casserole into individual servings. Wrap each serving tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Freezing individual portions is fantastic for grabbing a quick lunch to go, or for thawing just one serving in the refrigerator overnight when you know you’ll be dining solo. This method minimizes waste and maximizes flexibility.
• Storage in the Refrigerator: Leftovers of your Chicken Enchilada Bubble Up will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to seven days. It’s crucial, however, to store it without any avocado on top. Avocado tends to brown and become unappetizing quickly once exposed to air and refrigerated. For the best quality, always keep your avocado whole and slice it just before serving each portion. This ensures that every bite, whether fresh or reheated, is as delightful as the first.
• Cooking Chicken in Advance: To make this recipe even quicker on a busy weeknight, consider cooking and shredding your chicken in advance. You can boil, bake, or use a slow cooker for the chicken, and then shred it and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the casserole.
• Use a Good Quality Enchilada Sauce: The enchilada sauce is a key flavor component. Choose a brand you love, or even better, consider making your own for an extra fresh taste.
• Don’t Overbake: While you want the biscuits to be cooked through and golden, overbaking can make them dry. Keep an eye on the casserole, especially after removing the foil, to achieve that perfect bubbly, tender texture.

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Enjoy:

If you loved this Chicken Enchilada Bubble Up, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few other fantastic recipes that offer similar flavors, convenience, or healthy twists:

• 24 Easiest Ground Beef Crockpot Recipes: Discover more simple and hearty meals perfect for busy schedules.
• Chipotle Chicken vs Pollo Asado: The Fiery Face-Off: Dive deeper into Mexican-inspired flavors with this exciting comparison.
• Quick Weight Watcher Stuffed Peppers: Another healthy and satisfying meal option that’s bursting with flavor.