Easy Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas to Try Now
If you’re searching for a meal that’s flavorful, healthy, and easy to prepare, look no further than Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas. This dish combines tender shredded chicken, a rich, spicy sauce, and gooey cheese—all wrapped up in a low-carb alternative to traditional tortillas. Not only does it satisfy your craving for Mexican-inspired comfort food, but it also keeps things light and nutritious. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, these enchiladas deliver big on taste without weighing you down.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that come together seamlessly for a fuss-free meal.
- Health Conscious: Designed to keep carbs low while maximizing protein and flavor.
- Versatile Flavor: Easily adjustable spice levels and toppings to suit any palate.
- Family Friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike, making dinner time a breeze.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Reheats beautifully, ideal for leftovers and weekly planning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating amazing Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas is all about balancing fresh, wholesome ingredients that bring together rich texture, vibrant color, and bold flavors. Each component plays a role in making this dish irresistibly tasty and satisfying.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken: The protein base that absorbs all the delicious seasoning and sauce.
- Low-Carb Tortillas or Wraps: A perfect substitute for traditional corn tortillas, keeping carbs in check.
- Enchilada Sauce: Adds depth with its smoky, spicy tang – you can use store-bought or homemade.
- Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully on top and inside, adding creamy texture and savory richness.
- Chopped Onions and Garlic: Enhance the flavor base and bring aromatic warmth to every bite.
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds a bright, herbal note that lifts the dish.
- Optional Jalapeños or Green Chiles: Great for those who like a bit of heat.
Variations for Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas
Feel free to make this recipe your own! Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas are incredibly adaptable, so whether you have dietary restrictions or specific flavor preferences, you can tweak them without losing any of the deliciousness.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Cheese Swap: Use pepper jack or cotija cheese for a new flavor twist.
- Veggie Boost: Include sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to pack in more nutrients.
- Avocado Sauce: Top with creamy avocado or guacamole for a fresh and cooling contrast.
- Slow Cooker Version: Prepare the chicken and sauce in a slow cooker for effortless cooking.
How to Make Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Begin by shredding cooked chicken—rotisserie works beautifully here—and mix it with sautéed onions, garlic, and a good portion of enchilada sauce to infuse those signature flavors.
Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
Lay out your low-carb tortillas and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into each one. Sprinkle some shredded cheese inside before rolling them up tightly and placing them seam side down in a baking dish.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour additional enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top to create that irresistible, bubbly crust after baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden, and the enchiladas are heated through.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced avocado for extra flavor and presentation.
Pro Tips for Making Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas
- Choose Quality Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie or slow-cooked chicken for tender, juicy results.
- Low-Carb Tortillas Matters: Opt for almond flour or cauliflower-based tortillas for the best carb-friendly wrap.
- Don’t Overload Filling: Use just enough filling to make rolling easier and prevent breakdown during baking.
- Customize Spice Levels: Adjust enchilada sauce or add fresh chilies depending on your heat preference.
- Rest After Baking: Let enchiladas sit a few minutes before serving so the flavors meld perfectly.
How to Serve Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, thinly sliced green onions, and a few jalapeño slices instantly brighten the dish and add layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas with a crisp green salad, cauliflower rice, or roasted vegetables to keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving enchilada stacks layered with avocado slices and fresh salsa or set them up as a casserole for a hearty family meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
Wrap individual enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to freeze for up to 2 months, making it perfect for batch cooking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the texture intact, or microwave with a damp paper towel for a quicker option.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and works perfectly shredded for Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas.
What if I can’t find low-carb tortillas?
You can use lettuce wraps or make homemade cauliflower tortillas as low-carb alternatives.
Is this recipe suitable for keto diets?
Yes, this recipe fits well within keto guidelines due to its low-carb ingredients and high protein content.
Can I make these enchiladas dairy-free?
Definitely, substitute cheese with dairy-free alternatives or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How spicy are these enchiladas?
The spice level is moderate but can be adjusted easily by choosing mild or hot enchilada sauce and adding jalapeños according to taste.
Final Thoughts
Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas offer a delicious blend of comfort food and health-conscious ingredients that you’ll want to make again and again. With simple steps and flexible options, this recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a tasty low-carb meal without compromising on flavor. Grab your ingredients and get cooking—you won’t regret it!
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Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Low-Carb Chicken Enchiladas combine tender shredded chicken, smoky enchilada sauce, and melted cheese wrapped in low-carb tortillas for a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-prepare Mexican-inspired meal perfect for busy weeknights and meal prepping.
Ingredients
Protein Base
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or slow-cooked)
Tortillas
- 8 low-carb tortillas or wraps (almond flour or cauliflower-based)
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: 1/4 cup diced jalapeños or green chiles (for heat)
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, cotija, or cheese of choice)
Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream (optional)
- Sliced avocado or guacamole (optional)
Optional Veggies
- Sautéed bell peppers, spinach or zucchini (to increase veggie content)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Filling: Shred cooked chicken and mix it with sautéed onions, garlic, and about half of the enchilada sauce to infuse rich flavors.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Lay out low-carb tortillas and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture into each. Sprinkle some shredded cheese inside before rolling them tightly and placing seam side down in a baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top to form a bubbly, golden crust when baked.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until cheese melts, browns slightly, and enchiladas are heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and sliced avocado for enhanced flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use shredded rotisserie or slow-cooked chicken for tender and juicy filling.
- Opt for almond flour or cauliflower-based tortillas to keep the dish low-carb.
- Don’t overload the filling to make rolling easier and avoid breaking during baking.
- Customize spice level by adjusting sauce heat or adding fresh chilies.
- Let enchiladas rest a few minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Freeze individual enchiladas wrapped well for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave with a damp paper towel.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: low-carb, chicken enchiladas, keto, Mexican, healthy dinner, meal prep, gluten free
