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If you’ve ever craved enchiladas while following a keto lifestyle, you know the struggle. The traditional version is undeniably delicious, but those flour tortillas and sugary sauces can send your carb count soaring. That’s why this Cheesy Baked Chicken Enchiladas recipe is such a game-changer. It brings all the flavor of the classic dish—tender chicken, spicy red sauce, and a melty cheese topping—without all the carbs.
This dish has become a weekly staple in our home. It’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to prepare. Plus, it’s one of those meals that doesn’t scream “diet food.” In fact, most people wouldn’t even know it’s keto unless you told them. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just trying to make smarter meal choices, this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
Why Make These Cheesy Baked Chicken Enchiladas?
These enchiladas are more than just a low-carb version of a comfort food favorite. They are:
Full of Flavor: Seasoned shredded chicken combined with rich enchilada sauce and two types of melty cheese creates an incredibly bold and savory profile.
Low in Carbs, High in Satisfaction: Thanks to low-carb tortillas, this dish delivers on taste while keeping you in ketosis.
Quick and Easy: Using rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken speeds up the process, making this a perfect weeknight dinner.
Meal Prep Friendly: These enchiladas reheat beautifully, making them ideal for lunch the next day or to freeze for a busy week.
Family-Approved: Whether your family is keto or not, these enchiladas are a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.
For more recipes that strike the perfect balance between indulgent and healthy, don’t forget to grab your FREE Keto Cookbook – 21 Delicious Recipes. It’s full of family favorites made keto-friendly.
Ingredients List
To make these keto baked enchiladas, you’ll need simple ingredients that pack a punch. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need:
For the Filling:
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Use rotisserie chicken, leftover baked chicken, or poach and shred your own.1 tablespoon olive oil
For sautéing the aromatics.1 small yellow onion, finely diced
Adds depth and mild sweetness to the filling.2 garlic cloves, minced
For bold aromatic flavor.1 teaspoon chili powder
Brings warmth and subtle spice.1 teaspoon ground cumin
Essential for that authentic Mexican flavor.½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Adds a hint of smokiness.Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
6 low-carb flour tortillas
Choose tortillas with 3–5 grams of net carbs per serving.1½ cups red enchilada sauce
Use store-bought sugar-free enchilada sauce or make your own keto version.1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For Garnish:
2–3 green onions (scallions), chopped
Optional for Serving:
Sour cream or Mexican crema
Guacamole
Sugar-free salsa or pico de gallo
Lime wedges
Chopped cilantro
Read More: Curry Chicken Salad Recipe with Greek Yogurt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray and set it aside.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Add the cooked shredded chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and coat the chicken evenly with the spices and aromatics. Let it cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until everything is warmed through and well-blended. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Enchiladas
Lay your tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon about ⅓ cup of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Roll them tightly and place seam-side down into your prepared baking dish. Make sure they fit snugly to prevent unrolling during baking.
5. Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Use a spoon to spread the sauce so that each tortilla is well-coated. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake Until Bubbly
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and the top is slightly golden.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa if desired.
Looking for more meals that are easy to prepare but still feel like a treat? The FREE Keto Cookbook – 21 Delicious Recipes is filled with recipes like this that taste indulgent but are entirely keto-approved.
Tips and Substitutions
Tortilla Options: Try almond flour tortillas, coconut flour tortillas, or egg wraps for ultra-low carb alternatives.
Make It Creamy: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream to the chicken mixture for a creamier texture.
Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
Cheese Swap: Use a Mexican blend cheese, queso fresco, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
Homemade Sauce Tip: To make a simple keto enchilada sauce, combine tomato paste, chicken broth, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 10 minutes and adjust seasonings to taste.
Read More: Cheesy Keto Ground Beef Enchiladas Casserole
Recipe Variations
Beef Enchiladas: Replace chicken with browned ground beef or shredded brisket.
Vegetarian Enchiladas: Use sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach in place of chicken for a hearty veggie filling.
Green Enchiladas: Use green chile enchilada sauce and pepper jack cheese for a tangier variation.
Enchilada Casserole: Don’t want to roll? Layer the ingredients in a baking dish lasagna-style for an easy casserole.
Love creative recipe spins? The FREE Keto Cookbook – 21 Delicious Recipes is packed with creative twists on keto comfort food classics.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
Calories: 320
Fat: 22g
Protein: 24g
Net Carbs: 5g to 7g (depending on the tortilla used)
Fiber: 3g
Total Carbs: 9g to 11g
Sodium: 580mg
Calcium: 20% DV
Iron: 8% DV
Always check nutritional labels, especially for tortillas and sauces, as carb content can vary widely.
Read More: Keto Cream Cheese Sausage Balls
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Storage:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap individual enchiladas in foil, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2 minutes or bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Serving Ideas:
Serve with cauliflower rice or a simple avocado tomato salad.
Top with fresh cilantro, lime juice, or a dollop of sour cream.
Pair with a keto-friendly margarita or sparkling lime water for a fiesta-style dinner.
The FREE Keto Cookbook – 21 Delicious Recipes also includes meal pairing ideas to help you create balanced and satisfying dinners every night of the week.
Common Questions
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, although freshly shredded or rotisserie chicken gives a better texture. Canned chicken is fine in a pinch, just drain it well.
Is store-bought enchilada sauce keto-friendly?
Many brands contain added sugar and starch. Always check the label. Look for a sauce with fewer than 3g net carbs per serving.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the enchiladas, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
How do I keep the tortillas from getting soggy?
Lightly warming the tortillas before rolling helps prevent sogginess. Also, don’t overfill or oversaturate with sauce.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes. Just use a larger baking dish or two 9×13 pans and increase ingredient quantities accordingly.
Conclusion
Cheesy baked chicken enchiladas are proof that you don’t need to sacrifice comfort food to stay low-carb. This dish is rich, flavorful, and comforting, with all the bold flavors of traditional enchiladas but without the carb overload. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner and satisfying enough for a special occasion.
With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and endless customization options, this recipe is a must-try for anyone following a ketogenic lifestyle.
You May Also Like:
1. Cheesy Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
2. Bacon Egg and Cheese Muffins
3. Easy Keto Taco Bell Chicken Quesadilla
