Easy Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas You’ll Love

Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas

If you’re craving a flavorful, satisfying dinner without the extra carbs, these Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas are your new best friend. This recipe blends tender shredded chicken with savory spices and creamy cheese, all wrapped in low-carb tortillas or alternatives, delivering a meal that’s both healthy and downright delicious. Whether you’re mindful about carbs or just wanting a guilt-free treat, these enchiladas bring that authentic Mexican flair we all love, without the usual carb overload.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Deliciously Low-Carb: Enjoy all the classic flavors of enchiladas without the high-carb tortillas or fillers.
  • Simple Ingredients: No complicated or hard-to-find items, just wholesome, everyday staples.
  • Quick Prep and Cooking: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
  • Customizable Flavor: Easily adapt the spice level and toppings to your personal taste.
  • Family Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will devour happily.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is essential, but don’t worry — this recipe keeps it straightforward. Each component adds texture, richness, or a burst of flavor that ties the dish together beautifully.

  • Shredded Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast or thighs for juicy, flavorful protein.
  • Low-Carb Tortillas: Choose almond flour or coconut flour tortillas, or even make your own to keep carbs minimal.
  • Enchilada Sauce: Opt for a homemade or store-bought low-carb red sauce to add that signature tangy kick.
  • Mexican Cheese Blend: A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella creates a melty, golden top.
  • Onions and Garlic: These aromatics boost depth and enhance overall taste.
  • Spices: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano bring warmth and authenticity.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Adds freshness and color just before serving.
  • Optional Toppings: Sour cream, avocado slices, and jalapeño for extra creaminess and zest.

Variations for Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas

Feel free to make this recipe your own! It’s incredibly easy to tweak ingredients or styles according to what you love or need.

  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a meatless twist.
  • Spicy Kick: Add chopped green chilies or extra cayenne powder to the chicken mix for more heat.
  • Cheese-Free: Swap cheese for a dairy-free alternative if you’re avoiding lactose.
  • Keto-Friendly: Use fathead dough wraps to keep carbs ultra-low and add healthy fats.
  • Green Enchiladas: Replace red sauce with a tangy tomatillo salsa verde for a fresh flavor profile.
Easy Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas You’ll Love

How to Make Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

Start by cooking your chicken if it’s raw, then shred it finely. In a skillet, sauté diced onions and garlic until fragrant, then mix in the chicken with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir in some enchilada sauce to bind it all together with rich flavor.

Step 2: Warm the Tortillas

Lightly warm your low-carb tortillas in a dry pan or microwave. This makes them more pliable and helps prevent cracking when you roll them.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

Spoon a generous amount of the chicken filling onto each tortilla, roll it up tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat for all tortillas.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle the cheese blend on top. This will create a delicious, bubbly, golden crust.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Pro Tips for Making Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas

  • Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for shredding.
  • Prevent Sogginess: Pat the tortillas dry if they’re too moist before assembling to avoid soggy results.
  • Layer Sauce Liberally: Don’t skimp on the enchilada sauce to keep the dish moist and flavorful.
  • Cheese Variety: Mix cheeses for richer flavor and better melt quality.
  • Let it Rest: After baking, let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving to help it firm up.

How to Serve Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, and a few jalapeño slices for that extra punch and beautiful contrast in color.

Side Dishes

Serve with a crisp green salad, cauliflower rice, or a simple side of roasted vegetables to keep your meal balanced and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family meal, serve the enchiladas in individual ramekins or use a cast-iron skillet right at the table for that rustic, cozy vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight.

Freezing

Assemble but don’t bake, then freeze the enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to keep the cheese melty and avoid microwave sogginess. Cover loosely with foil for moist, tender results.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add more flavor, plus they shred easily, making them a great choice for this recipe.

What if I can’t find low-carb tortillas?

You can make your own using almond or coconut flour, or use large lettuce leaves for a super low-carb, fresh alternative.

Is this recipe suitable for keto diets?

Yes, with the right low-carb tortillas and sauce, this recipe fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap the cheese with any plant-based cheese alternative, and skip sour cream or replace it with coconut yogurt.

How spicy are these enchiladas?

The spice level is moderate by default but easy to adjust according to your preference by adding more chili powder or jalapeños.

Final Thoughts

These Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas offer a fantastic way to enjoy a classic favorite while keeping your meals healthy and balanced. They’re packed with flavor, super easy to prepare, and perfect for weeknights or entertaining friends. Give this recipe a try and discover how deliciously comforting low-carb dinners can be!

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Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas

Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas combine tender shredded chicken with savory spices and creamy cheese wrapped in low-carb tortillas, providing a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying Mexican-inspired meal perfect for those watching their carb intake or seeking a guilt-free dinner option.

  • Author: Gloria
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free, Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast or thighs

Tortillas

  • 8 low-carb tortillas (almond flour, coconut flour, or homemade)

Sauce

  • 1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought, low-carb)

Cheese

  • 1 1/2 cups Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella)

Aromatics and Spices

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste

Fresh Herbs and Optional Toppings

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sour cream (optional)
  • Avocado slices (optional)
  • Jalapeño slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Filling: If using raw chicken, cook it thoroughly and shred finely. In a skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Add shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and salt. Stir in about 1 cup of enchilada sauce to bind the mixture with rich flavor.
  2. Warm the Tortillas: Lightly warm the low-carb tortillas in a dry pan or microwave until pliable to prevent cracking during rolling.
  3. Assemble the Enchiladas: Spoon a generous amount of chicken filling onto each tortilla, roll them tightly, and place each seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.
  4. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend generously on top to form a bubbly, golden crust when baked.
  5. Bake Until Bubbling: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding.
  • Pat tortillas dry before assembling if they feel too moist to avoid sogginess.
  • Don’t skimp on enchilada sauce to keep the dish moist and flavorful.
  • Mix different cheeses for richer flavor and better melt.
  • Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes after baking to firm up.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 enchilada
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: low-carb, chicken enchiladas, keto, Mexican, gluten-free, healthy dinner

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