How does the cook in the family shed a few pounds while making a meal the whole family will still crave and love? In Gina Homolka’s mind, it’s simple. You just need to get into the kitchen and start cooking.
The challenges of weight loss has been a universal struggle that has made the popularity of Gina’s blog, Skinnytaste, the success that it is since it’s beginnings in 2008. And it’s the same exact reason her new cookbook has soared to the tops of the best-seller lists.
As the creator of both publishing endeavors, Gina Homolka has found the secret ingredient that resonates with her readers: she solves cooking conundrums for dieters by delivering calorie conscious, but still totally crave-worthy, lightened-up family favorite recipes that are painless to plan and create. In fact her Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Broccoli clocks in at just 420 calories per serving. Say what?
Now with her first cookbook, The Skinnytaste Cookbook, legions of devout fans are going offline and straight to the cookbook shelves to discover recipes that she calls, “light on calories, big on flavor.”
This Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup is just one of the many of Gina’s recipes that have been tested, tasted and high five approved and I’m sharing the recipe, plus a giveaway for a copy of The Skinnytaste Cookbook, with you today.
Let’s dig in!
As a skinny teen, Gina didn’t need to worry much about her weight but as happens to a lot of us, the pounds crept on after having babies and growing older. To foil those pounds and get back into her skinny jeans, Gina joined Weight Watchers. Discouraged by the lack of recipes to make for her family, she found new ways to remake and lighten her favorite recipes and started her blog, making it easy for her whole family and online readers easy to follow her lead.
As the mother to two busy girls, she knew changing her daughters’ and husband’s eating styles to fit her weight loss goals would be a challenge. And this girl was up to the task.
As a former graphic designer, Gina was used to creating solutions. She fell in love with digital photo retouching while working for a photography studio and later worked with the creative director for Apple to create their store window designs. A far cry from blogging? Maybe, but it’s those same aesthetics she brings to the table in her blog, photography and creativity with recipes.
There are so many things I love about this cookbook but one of the most important is that Gina worked hand in hand with registered dietician Heather Jones, RD, who evaluated the recipes for nutritional content and that aren’t simply diet food or recipes that starve you of your favorites.
Gina’s recipes for Baked Potato Soup, Butternut Squash Lasagna Rolls and even Double Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies that while low in sugar but still totally craveworthy. The Skinnytaste Cookbook delivers plenty of variety, making it a partner in the kitchen that will be cooked from for many meals to come.
Full disclosure, I’m working my way down the scale as a member of Weight Watchers myself. Like Gina, I want to be able to eat the foods I love, and by doing so in moderation, I still can. Carbs, fats, veggies and all are welcome contenders in the Skinnytaste way of eating so you can bet her cookbook will be getting a workout in my kitchen.
Behind the scenes with Gina of Skinnytaste
What inspired you to create a book? Have you always wanted to be a cookbook author?
I joked years ago about writing a cookbook back when I first started blogging, but never actually dreamed this would one day become a reality. Years later I was constantly getting emails, tweets and comments daily from Skinnytaste fans asking for a cookbook, so this was really something I did for them.
What was your favorite part about the book, and your favorite part about the process?
My favorite part about the book was seeing first hand how my recipes have helped people lose weight. My aunt, who is also a baker, did my recipe testing for the book. Daily she would eat lunch with me and I would send her home with dinner since there was so much food in my house. In the year we worked on the book together, she went from a size 14 to a size 4!
My favorite part about the process was the cookbook shoot with Penny De Los Santos. I’ve always admired her, and as a creative person and someone who dabbles in food photography I was so inspired to be working with her and her team; Simon Andrews the food stylist and Kaitlyn Du Ross the prop stylist.
What did you discover about yourself while writing it?
Writing a cookbook is a lot more work then it seems, and time management was essential to create recipes for both my blog and the book to meet my deadline. I had to get very organized, which is not my strength, but I created a system and discovered I’m a lot more organized than I give myself credit for.
From Gina’s Instagram account, on the Before I Die Wall in Asheville, NC.
“My friend @sandycoughlinre took this photo of me last month in Asheville, NC. For fun I wrote NYTimes Best Seller. Well, this week I’m officially a NYTimes best seller!!! Thank you for making my wishes come true!!!”
And now, my list of 10 Q’s with Gina of Skinnytaste
1. Describe your blog in 3 words:
Figure-friendly, family-friendly and helpful
2. If you could be one food blogger other than yourself, who would you be?
Jessica from How Sweet It Is (adore her!) *See my interview with Jessica here – Heidi
3. Which 3 blogs do you follow/are obsessed with/can’t live a day without?
I wish I had time to read blogs daily, but these 3 are my top 3:
Design Sponge
Reluctant Entertainer
Tartelette
4. What is the one kitchen tool you could never give up?
My spiralizer – I’m obsessed! (See Gina’s recipes here.)
5. What dish are you obsessed with mastering that you just can’t get quite right?
Pie crust!
6. What did you have for dinner last night?
Grilled steaks with Sauteed Shredded Pancetta Brussels Sprouts and a salad.
Gina’s daughter shows off her mom’s handiwork with the special Target edition of Skinnytaste
7. What’s one secret talent outside of the kitchen nobody knows about you:
I used to love to sketching – as a kid I was always drawing. I haven’t picked up a pencil in years so I am pretty rusty, but I don’t think you ever really forget how.
8. You’re happiest when cooking/eating:
A big pot of Colombian Chicken Soup (Sancocho) It’s a meal in a bowl with chicken on the bone, yucca, potatoes, cilantro and served with rice and avocado on the side.
9. For someone starting a lower calorie diet plan by cooking at home, what is your best advice to achieve success?
Plan your meals ahead for the week, make a shopping list and stock your pantry with fruit, healthy snacks and everything you need to set you up for a week of success. Also, if time is an issue, your slow cooker is your best friend – it does all the work for you while your away. Lastly, I like to make my own portioned “frozen meals” on weekends when I have more time to use throughout the month. Soups, stews, and chili all freeze well, and are easy to reheat for lunch and dinner when they are frozen in individual freezer friendly containers.
10. The one secret ingredient to your success is:
Listening to my Skinnytaste fans. I love their opinions and always try my best to answer all their comments and emails.
Thank you Gina! I’m thrilled to share your book and be a part of the Skinnytaste-lover fan club!
Win a Copy of The Skinnytaste Cookbook
Whether you’re counting calories or just thinking about adding more nutritious home cooked meals to your weekly repertoire, The Skinnytaste Cookbook is a must have on your cookbook list and now you can have one of your own.
Just fill in the info in the widget below with one or more entries to be entered to win your own copy of The Skinnytaste Cookbook.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup
This recipe is a shining example of the approachable recipes with a healthy twist you’ll find in the cookbook. In fact this slow cooker soup was so family friendly my daughter ate it for 3 straight meals—at her request!
Chipotle peppers give the soup it’s kick, and while some may anticipate a thicker broth when perusing the recipe, its definitely thinner than what you’d find on traditional enchiladas. It’s skinny-fied!
The slow-cooked chicken came out perfectly tender and super easy to shred. I forgot to put the avocado on the bowls in the photos, but rest assured, it tastes delish when added.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup
Ingredients
For the soup
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 to 2 teaspoons chipotle chile in adobo sauce chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 15-ounce can low-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 14.5-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
- 2 cups frozen corn kernels
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
Toppings
- 3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 medium 4-ounces avocado (optional)
- 6 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream optional
Instructions
For the soup
-
In a medium nonstick sillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring until soft, about 3 minutes. Add to the slow-cooker along with the broth, tomato sauce, chipotle in adobo, cilantro, beans, tomatoes, corn, cumin, and oregano. Add the chicken breasts. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours.
-
Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
For the toppings
-
To serve, ladle into serving bowls and dividing evenly. Top with cheddar cheese, scallions, cilantro, avocado, and sour cream (if using).
Recipe Notes
reprinted with permission by Gina Homolka, The Skinnytaste Cookbook
Find more of Gina on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.
If you try this recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram or Twitter with #foodiecrush!
Portraits: Penny De Los Santos
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Millie l Add A Little says
Looks so delicious – I love Gina’s recipes!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Love the interview and love that Gina wouldn’t give up her spiralizer. For most people it’s a stand mixer or a Vitamix…love her pick! Pinned your soup, looks awesome. And I’d love to see a lightened up hunk of brie and light wine to wash it down with :) Seriously all Gina’s recipes are amazing and I need to check out her book!
Sj Dc says
Tres Leches Cake!
JC says
Gina has already lightend up so many of my favorites. But I really do love classic chicken parmesan, and pasta with tomato sauce, and about a pound of melty cheese on top. I don’t think you cna lighten it up without skipping at least some of the cheese though and that just ruins it.
Jennifer says
I’d love to have a lighter version of a glazed (not iced) cinnamon bun.
Olivia - Primavera Kitchen says
I had so much fan reading this post! I love Gina and her blog. She is such an inspiration for me! Thank for sharing this awesome interview ;-)
Dana S says
sweet noodle kugel
Clara says
Any form of bread. I love sandwiches and often skip out because I don’t trust the bread.
danielle says
Can we lighten up some bread – my downfall
Grace says
I’d like to see a lightened up version of mac and cheese.
Julie says
I love Gina and her website. Her recipes are always delicious.
Patty K says
What a wonderful inspiring interview. And very soon the soup recipe will be simmering in in my slow cooker. Thank you!
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes says
How about lightened up chocolate cake :)
Megan T. says
Chicken Pot Pie!
christina says
wow! this looks delish! I have been hearing about skinnytaste all over but it is nice to get to know her a lil bit! I would love the boook!!!!!
heidi says
I’m glad you liked the Q&A. Gina is as down to earth in real life as she is on the blog. It’s what makes her a success.
Kristina N. says
I would love to see a lightened up lobster mac and cheese. I just can’t imagine not having the cream and cheese in that dish!
Dawn McPherson says
Yummy! Looks great! I would love to have this cook book
Becky S says
Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting – my downfall! Gina’s recipes grace our dinner table weekly and have helped our family transform our diets!
Michelle D says
I could eat a whole pan of baked macaroni and cheese. If there was a lighter version, I’m sure I’d be able to wear smaller pants.
Amy S. says
Cookies for the holidays.
Ashlee Aleshire-Ash says
Tiramisu! I know it’s a dessert but I’ve always avoided it because it’s so ridiculously calorie dense.
cori says
maybe some blondies that don’t have beans or a ton of nut butter in them!
Michelle says
Sloppy Joe’s! I love them but I know they aren’t good for me.
Terri says
I love a good chicken pot pie. Let’s lighten it up.
JoHannah says
Looks fantastic! I can’t wait to try the soup and get a copy of her book!
Desiree DeLaCorte says
I would like to see a decent light pizza!
Sandy @ ReluctantEntertainer says
I love this recipe, adore Gina, and WOW, I’m one of her top 3 to read? I am humbled and grateful … now I wish I could host a dinner party this weekend and invite you all over, Heidi. We’d cook up a storm from Gina’s new fabulous book. BTW, it was a blast taking that pic of Gina writing on the wall. I KNEW that she’d get there … and she did! :)
heidi says
I will take you up on the dinner invite any time! And your blog is totally reader worthy, because you help people solve entertaining dilemmas and inspire us all to spend more time getting together with others. It’s the good part of life~
Kris G says
Don’t think I have any recipes on my wishlist after finding SkinnyTaste!
Becky says
I like to find just about anything to do with Mexican food lightened up…that and fried foods that can be baked instead.
Judy says
I love that you put the weight watchers points on the recipes and the calories
Katrina says
I love her recipes!! How about a lightened up broccoli casserole!
Alyssa says
Boston Cream Pie!
Karen says
love all her recipes!
Aggie says
Love the interview!! Gina’s recipes and I go way back, lol…I was on Weight Watchers a couple of time and finding really good WW friendly recipes were hard, Gina truly nails them! I love reading more about her…and boy does this soup look so good!!
jackie wandell says
Looks so yummy!!! I would love lightened up creamy soups!!!
Rachel J says
I’d like lightened up mac and cheese please!
Kelly Gunderman says
Cinnamon rolls or stuffed shells!
Lindsay says
I love Skinnytaste and can’t wait to read through the cookbook!
Heather R says
We use one of her recipes once to twice a week. Can’t wait to get a copy!
Brandy says
Love Skinnytaste been following her blog for years! I would love to see a lighter version of chili mac.
Kim Garner says
I’d like to see a lightened up Chicken & Dumplings!
Heather R says
Oh, didn’t see question! Banana cream pie. :)
Michelle Zieger says
I can’t wait to try this version of a family favorite!
Linnea Felty says
Love, love, love, Gina and her Skinnytaste! First found her on Facebook and she was/is my “go to guru” for recipe ideas after weight loss surgery last May.[Down 90 lbs!] I usually divide her meals into 4 portions,’ cause I can only eat a 2-3 oz.amount,so the #-numbers-# really work for me!
I’m hooked on Zoodles and Zucchini Boats and just made the Pumpkin Swirl Cupcakes. Slurpalicious!!!!!
Sometimes I tweak the recipes,like the cupcakes, I used a small amount of Graham cracker crumbs, instead of the Vanilla wafers,and Truvia brown sugar instead of the regular, or was that the Pumpkin Cheesecake I’m making for Thanksgiving? so many recipes,so little time!
I need some suggestions for a lighter Mac and cheese.I used the zucchini that I scooped out of the zucchini boats with a melon baller,[Since I’m only making them for myself,that works for me]..They look like gnocchi pasta,and if you cut them in half,they resemble mini pasta shells! I use cheddar soup,shredded cheese and top with sparingly with Panko.I use a tiny amount of milk,but the still come out too watery. Any suggestions ladies?
heidi says
I love that you’ve shared some great tips for us that have worked for you! Congrats on the weight loss, that’s so inspiring! Lighter mac and cheese? Gina has a recipe in the book that uses low fat milk. You could also use light cream cheese to bring in the cream. Thanks for sharing!
Emily says
Cinnamon rolls!
Elizabeth says
This recipe is do-able! And freezeable.
Linda Cooke says
Fettuccini Alfredo
Nikole M. says
Shepherd’s Pie.
Yolonda says
I wouldn’t mind a lighter version of Chicken chuychanga.
Shoshana says
I would love a lightened up version of French Onion soup!
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says
What a fun interview and I’m just going crazy over the enchilada soup recipe!
Jena says
Mac and cheese.. or any super cheesy dish.
Katie says
I love Skinnytaste – every recipe I have tried has turned out delicious!
Bridget @ Champagne Frosting says
I made Gina’s Zucchini Lasagne TWICE this week for dinner parties!! Another chicken casserole recipe for a crowd would be good to have in my arsenal. Can’t wait to see her book!
Catie says
I would love to see a lightened up curry!
Jessica DeMay says
Cheesecake!!
Pam R says
I absolutely love cinnamon rolls but they are mainly a “once in a while treat.” I’d love to see a healthified version of them so I can enjoy them more often!
Catherine Mateyka says
stuffing for chicken/turkey at thanksgiving
Heather Gardner says
Gina’s recipes always look so good!
Christine Mayfield says
pound cake
Tracy | PeanutButter and Onion says
Cheesecake
Kara D says
Lasagna!
Leslie W says
Cassarole recipes. We eat them a lot in the winter.
Donna R says
Would love to see more lightened up dessert recipes! Cookies, cakes, whatever!
natalie says
lasagna!
Kim says
Would love to see a lightened up version of corn bread!
Megan says
More lightened up comfort food. But I have made the enchilada soup and it’s FANTASTIC!
Mary O. says
Pancakes.
Kim Porter says
Oh how I’d love a lighter Creme Brûlée! Is that even possible???
diana berru says
can’t wait to try the soup. looks awesome.
Sarah M says
Anything Mexican! It is my favorite and so fattening!!!
Maribeth M says
I love all of Gina’s recipes! Casseroles would be my vote!
Loretta E. says
I’m not necessarily a fan of “lightening-up” recipes, because I really like cooking with healthy fats, but I would like to find a replacement for any Italian pasta!
melisa says
I love all her recipes!!
Jessica S says
Would love to see lightened up boneless buffalo wings!!
Ann P. says
Gooey butter cake!
Abby Dumont says
Sweet potato pie!
ali says
mac n cheese!
Sara Davis says
Chicken and dumplings.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Lasagna?
Sand says
I would like a lightened version of Clam Chowder.
Leah H. says
Banana pudding!
Alina says
Beef Stew
Sean C says
I’d love to see a skinnier version of Szechuan Chicken Stir-Fry.
Regina P. says
Definitely Mac and Cheese!
Susan P says
Lasagne or mac & cheese! My sister has this cookbook and we made the shrimp & grits recipe on the cover. Let me tell you it is absolutely to die for. I put the book on my Xmas list. Keeping fingers crossed for an early present here!
Kristen Young says
Mac and Cheese!
Kathi Kirk says
Gina’s website was the first blog I ever saw…didn’t even know what a blog was! She was my inspiration to start my own little blog. I’ve been secretly stalking her for years! Oh, and I have recently dropped 25 pounds. I go to her website a lot for inspiration…really does such a lovely job and everything is so simple to make!
Signed,
Your first fan :)
Teri K says
Any chocolate dessert…especially brownies.
Angela says
Cookies and cream ice cream lightened up maybe?
Nikki says
Frito pie
Caitlin says
I would love to see Mac & Cheese lightened up. I’ve tried low-fat recipes before but they always turn out bland. I feel like there’s no good way to make it healthier and still taste good.
Caitlin says
I’d also love to see more Mexican recipes. Everything is always smothered in cheese!
leah says
Chicken parm
Chelsea says
I’d like to see brownies lightened up!
Heather says
I just made this today. I just finished my bowl and I had to come on here and post stat. It is ahhhh-mazing!!!! Loved every bite and didn’t want it to end. Thank you for the recipe :-)
heidi says
So glad you liked it Heather. I hope you remembered the avocado that I forgot to top mine with :)
Hillary says
I would love to see a lightened up pasta bake that is just as cheesy and delicious as the original!
Rhonda says
I always love to see a good lightened up Mac and cheese recipe!
Christy S. says
Lasagna
Susan Broughton says
I would like to see any kind of dessert lightened up enough that a diabetic could eat it.
Lori says
Being from Texas and all good food is Tex – Mex…..I would love to have some lightened up enchiladas.
Rocio says
Lovely person Gina seems to be! Keeping it real. It’s nice that most of us can relate. Great blog post. Congrats
Joan says
These soup dishes are just the thing I want to try at this season. Love, Love, Love soup. And am planning on making large enough batches to freeze extra containers of them. So look forward to this sort of thing on those cold days when no one wants to cook. Also appreciate the effort to make dishes that are high in nutrition but lower in calories.
Joan says
Pancakes….how could you lighten up yummy cold weather pancakes?
Annette says
I’d like to see Indian Butter Chicken lightened up.
Eileen says
I would love to see a lightened schnitzel!
Vanessa Larson says
That chicken enchilada soup looks amazing! And I think we can all relate to needing to change our eating habits as we’ve gotten older.
Tonia L. says
Manicotti! YUM!
Tracy R. says
I would love a lightened version of Shahi Paneer!
Diana says
Chicken rice
Shelby says
Cheesecake!! I love that stuff so much!
Y Novak says
I would like a lighter version of Seafood Fettuccine with Alfredo Sauce!
kiley says
chicken and dumplings
Leslie Williams says
I’m sure there’s gotta be a way to lighten up steak fingers (chicken fried steak) right?! Maybe a baked version or something, lol!
Caroline says
Gina’s recipes are wonderful and this soup is no exception. We love southwestern flavors like this SO much. Pinned to make this week…it’s been so cold and this soup will make a perfect dinner.
Marisa says
This soup looks yummy!
I, too, love Gina’s recipes. Her menus are always stunning.
Love the interview and you too, Heidi.
Christine Zeller says
I would love a copy of the Skinnycookbook as I am trying to lose weight and I have over 150 pounds to lose. I have about 40 pounds off so far and am looking at bariatric surgery to help my weight loss along. My diet I am now is a doctor’s supervised almost mostly liquid diet with a little bit of veges and protein allowed for one meal a day. I also need to feed my family so I want to be able to make recipes that we all can enjoy! Thank you.
Evelyn says
First time on your site. Can’t wait to try the chicken enchilada soup….looks delish. Is the chipotle chili in adobo sauce found in a can?
Jessica Miller says
I made it and it was delicious!!!! I prepped the ingredients the night before, put everything in the crockpot bowl in fridge and turned it on high in the morning. Me, my husband and our buddy John absolutely loved it!
Heidi says
So glad you enjoyed it Jessica !!