Craving Mexican comfort food without compromising your low-carb lifestyle? Look no further! This Keto Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, spicy, and satisfying — all while being keto-friendly. Traditional enchiladas are often loaded with carbs due to the use of corn tortillas and sugary sauces, but this version ditches the carbs and replaces them with wholesome, keto-approved ingredients.
These enchiladas are made using low-carb tortillas, tender shredded chicken, a homemade sugar-free enchilada sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese. They’re perfect for dinner, meal prep, or even to impress your guests with a delicious, healthy twist on a Mexican classic.
🥘 Ingredients
For the Enchiladas:
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2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast (rotisserie or homemade)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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6 low-carb tortillas (store-bought or homemade, around 3g net carbs each)
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½ cup chopped onions (optional for extra flavor)
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2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
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¼ cup sour cream (for serving)
For the Keto Enchilada Sauce:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1½ cups chicken broth (unsweetened)
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp chili powder
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Pinch of xanthan gum (optional, for thickening)
🍽️ Equipment Needed
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Large skillet
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Mixing bowls
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9×13 inch baking dish
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
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Oven
⏲️ Timing Summary
Task | Time |
---|---|
Prep Time | 15 minutes |
Active Cooking | 25 minutes |
Resting Time | 5 minutes |
Total Time | 45 minutes |
🍽️ Servings and Calories
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Servings: 6 (1 enchilada per serving)
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Calories per Serving: Approx. 310 kcal
🌎 Cuisine & Course
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Cuisine: Mexican, Keto Fusion
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Course: Dinner, Main Course
🥗 Nutrition Information (Per Serving Approx.)
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Calories: 310
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Total Fat: 21g
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Saturated Fat: 9g
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Carbohydrates: 5g
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Net Carbs: 3g
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Fiber: 2g
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Protein: 24g
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Sugar: 1g
(Nutritional values may vary slightly based on specific brands of tortillas and cheeses used.)
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Keto Enchilada Sauce
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In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and tomato paste.
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Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
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Add chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Let the sauce simmer for about 5–7 minutes until it slightly thickens.
(Optional: Add a pinch of xanthan gum to thicken further. Whisk it in and stir well.) -
Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 3: Mix the Chicken Filling
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In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and chopped onions.
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Add ¼ cup of the enchilada sauce to the mix to keep it moist.
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Mix thoroughly.
Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas
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Take one low-carb tortilla and spoon about ⅓ cup of the chicken filling into the center.
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Roll it up tightly and place seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese
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Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.
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Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Rest
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Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
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Top with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with a dollop of sour cream.
✅ Tips and Variations
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Make It Spicier: Add diced jalapeños to the filling or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
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Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan cheese and coconut cream-based sour cream.
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Freezer Friendly: Prepare the enchiladas and freeze before baking. Just thaw overnight and bake when ready.
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Low-Carb Tortilla Alternatives: Use thin omelets or cheese wraps if you want zero-carb substitutes.
💡 Why You’ll Love This Keto Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
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Low in Carbs: Only 3g net carbs per enchilada.
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High in Flavor: Packed with spices and cheese for an authentic Mexican flavor.
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Quick to Prepare: Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping.
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Family-Friendly: Even non-keto eaters will love this dish.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Microwave on medium power for 1–2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
🥑 Suggested Sides (Low-Carb)
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Mexican cauliflower rice
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Avocado salsa or guacamole
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Keto coleslaw
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Roasted vegetables
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Cilantro lime zucchini noodles
Final Thoughts
This Keto Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is a delicious twist on a beloved classic that won’t kick you out of ketosis. It’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying — perfect for anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic diet who still wants to indulge in Mexican cuisine. Serve it with your favorite keto sides and enjoy a healthy meal that feels anything but restrictive.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a dinner party, or simply in the mood for something cheesy and spicy, this recipe will hit the spot. Give it a try and make it a weekly staple!

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.