This Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is the perfect healthy twist on a comfort food classic. Combining tender spaghetti squash with shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, and melty cheese, this recipe is packed with flavor while being naturally gluten-free and low-carb. It’s a creative way to enjoy the bold taste of enchiladas without the heavy tortillas!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Sharp knife
- Fork
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Ingredients Overview
- Spaghetti Squash: Acts as a flavorful and nutrient-packed substitute for traditional pasta or tortillas.
- Chicken: Shredded, cooked chicken is ideal for a quick and easy filling. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Enchilada Sauce: Either homemade or store-bought; choose mild, medium, or hot to suit your spice preference.
- Cheese: Shredded Mexican cheese blend adds gooey richness.
- Toppings: Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime take this dish over the top.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Spaghetti Squash
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30–40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
2. Prepare the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- ½ cup black beans (optional)
- ½ cup corn (optional)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Mix until evenly combined.
3. Assemble the Stuffed Squash
- Once the squash is roasted, use a fork to gently scrape the flesh into strands, leaving it in the shell to form a “bowl.”
- Divide the chicken mixture evenly between the squash halves, layering it on top of the strands.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the tops.
4. Bake and Serve
- Return the stuffed squash halves to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before topping with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and lime wedges.
Recipe Tips
- Roast the squash ahead of time to speed up meal prep.
- Customize the spice level by choosing mild or spicy enchilada sauce.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
What to Serve With This Recipe
- A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette.
- Chips and guacamole or salsa.
- Mexican-style rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with extra black beans, corn, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
Can I use a different squash?
Spaghetti squash works best for its noodle-like texture, but you can substitute it with acorn or butternut squash for a different twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 large spaghetti squash (about 3 pounds)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- ½ cup black beans (optional)
- ½ cup corn (optional)
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the spaghetti squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and roast cut-side down for 30–40 minutes.
- Mix the shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, cumin, and chili powder in a bowl.
- Shred the spaghetti squash strands with a fork while keeping them in the shell.
- Fill each squash half with the chicken mixture and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges before serving.
This Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is a satisfying, healthy dinner packed with bold enchilada flavors in every bite!
hicken Enchilada Stuffed Spaghetti
Equipment
- Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Sharp knife
- - Fork
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 1 large spaghetti squash about 3 pounds
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- ½ cup black beans optional
- ½ cup corn optional
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Toppings:
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the spaghetti squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and roast cut-side down for 30–40 minutes.
- Mix the shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, cumin, and chili powder in a bowl.
- Shred the spaghetti squash strands with a fork while keeping them in the shell.
- Fill each squash half with the chicken mixture and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges before serving.
- This Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is a satisfying, healthy dinner packed with bold enchilada flavors in every bite!
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