Creamy Low Carb White Chicken Enchiladas for an Easy Keto Dinner
Finding a dinner that is both comforting and low in carbohydrates can sometimes feel like a challenge, but these Low Carb White Chicken Enchiladas make it incredibly easy. They combine everything people love about traditional white chicken enchiladas with simple keto-friendly ingredients that deliver the same satisfying flavor while keeping the carb count low. Soft low carb tortillas are filled with seasoned shredded chicken, cream cheese, garlic, and melted Monterey Jack cheese before being covered with a rich homemade white sauce made from butter, almond flour, chicken broth, sour cream, taco seasoning, green chilies, and even more cheese. After a short time in the oven, the enchiladas become bubbling hot with a beautifully golden cheese topping that makes them irresistible.
This recipe is perfect when you’re looking for a hearty family dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The ingredients are straightforward, the preparation is simple, and the finished dish tastes like something served at your favorite Mexican-inspired restaurant. Whether you’re following a ketogenic lifestyle, reducing carbohydrates, or simply looking for a comforting casserole that everyone will enjoy, this recipe is an excellent addition to your meal rotation.
Unlike traditional enchiladas that rely on flour tortillas and thick sauces made with wheat flour, this version replaces those ingredients with low carb tortillas and almond flour, creating a rich and creamy sauce while keeping the recipe keto-friendly. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese filling, and smooth white sauce creates layers of flavor that make every bite satisfying.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
One of the reasons these enchiladas are so popular is the balance of textures and flavors. The tortillas stay soft while holding the creamy chicken filling together perfectly. The homemade white sauce coats every enchilada evenly, preventing them from drying out during baking.
The Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully, creating a smooth and creamy filling. Cream cheese adds richness while helping bind the chicken mixture together. Garlic powder provides savory flavor without overpowering the other ingredients, while taco seasoning gives the sauce a subtle Mexican-inspired taste.
Green chilies add just enough mild heat to brighten the sauce without making it spicy. Sour cream finishes the sauce with a creamy tang that complements the rich cheese perfectly.
Why You’ll Love These Low Carb Enchiladas
There are plenty of reasons to keep this recipe in your regular dinner rotation.
The recipe is easy enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to serve guests.
Everything bakes together in one casserole dish, making cleanup simple.
The enchiladas are rich and satisfying without feeling overly heavy.
Since they’re made with low carb tortillas and almond flour, they’re suitable for keto and low carbohydrate meal plans.
The leftovers also taste wonderful, making meal prep much easier throughout the week.
Ingredients That Make the Difference
Each ingredient contributes something important to the finished casserole.
Cooked Chicken
Tender shredded chicken forms the hearty filling. Rotisserie chicken, baked chicken, or boiled chicken all work equally well as long as it is fully cooked before assembling the enchiladas.
Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack creates a smooth, creamy filling with mild flavor, while Pepper Jack adds a gentle spicy kick.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese keeps the chicken mixture moist and creamy while helping everything stay together inside the tortillas.
Garlic Powder
Provides consistent garlic flavor throughout the filling.
Butter
Butter forms the rich base for the homemade white sauce.
Almond Flour
Instead of traditional flour, almond flour thickens the sauce while keeping the recipe low in carbohydrates.
Taco Seasoning
A small amount adds warmth and classic Tex-Mex flavor.
Chicken Broth
Creates a smooth sauce while adding savory depth.
Sour Cream
Sour cream finishes the sauce with a creamy texture and slight tanginess.
Diced Green Chilies
Green chilies provide mild flavor without overwhelming heat.
Low Carb Flour Tortillas
These make it possible to enjoy enchiladas while significantly reducing carbohydrates compared to regular tortillas.
Kitchen Equipment
Preparing this recipe requires only basic kitchen equipment.
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Cheese grater if shredding cheese
- Oven
Preparing the Chicken Filling
The filling comes together quickly once the chicken has been cooked.
Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and place it into a large bowl. Add softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and part of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until everything becomes evenly combined.
The cream cheese melts slightly into the warm chicken, creating a filling that stays moist during baking.
Making the Homemade White Sauce
The sauce is one of the highlights of this recipe.
Begin by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the almond flour and taco seasoning, stirring continuously for about one minute. This step allows the almond flour to blend smoothly into the butter.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until no lumps remain.
Continue cooking until the mixture begins to thicken.
Add part of the shredded cheese and stir until melted.
Finally, remove the saucepan from direct heat before gently stirring in the sour cream and diced green chilies. Keeping the sauce below a boil helps maintain its creamy texture.
Rolling the Enchiladas
Lay each low carb tortilla flat.
Place a generous spoonful of the chicken filling down the center.
Roll each tortilla tightly and arrange them seam-side down inside the prepared baking dish.
Continue until all tortillas have been filled.
The rolled enchiladas should fit snugly together so they stay in place during baking.
Adding the Sauce
Pour the warm white sauce evenly over every enchilada.
Use the back of a spoon to spread the sauce across the entire dish so each tortilla is covered.
Finish by sprinkling the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top.
This final layer creates the golden cheesy crust after baking.
Baking to Perfection
Bake until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese has melted completely.
Finish under the broiler for a few minutes to lightly brown the cheese.
The golden top adds both flavor and beautiful presentation.
Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
Serving Suggestions
These enchiladas pair beautifully with many keto-friendly side dishes.
A crisp green salad provides freshness alongside the rich casserole.
Cauliflower rice makes an excellent low carb alternative to traditional Mexican rice.
Fresh guacamole adds creamy texture.
Low carb tortilla chips served with salsa or queso create a complete Mexican-inspired dinner.
Sliced avocado also complements the creamy white sauce.
Helpful Tips
Cook the chicken ahead of time for faster preparation.
Shred the cheese fresh whenever possible for smoother melting.
Warm the tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent cracking.
Do not boil the sour cream after adding it to the sauce.
Spread the sauce evenly so every enchilada stays moist while baking.
Allow the casserole to rest for several minutes before serving.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container after they have cooled completely.
They keep well in the refrigerator for three to four days.
The flavors continue to develop overnight, making leftovers especially delicious.
Freezing Instructions
These enchiladas freeze exceptionally well.
They may be frozen either before or after baking.
Wrap the casserole tightly before freezing.
When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
Properly frozen enchiladas maintain excellent quality for up to three months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overfilling the tortillas can make rolling difficult.
Allowing the sauce to boil after adding sour cream may cause it to separate.
Using cold cream cheese makes mixing more difficult.
Skipping the broiling step means missing the delicious golden cheese topping.
Adding too little sauce can leave the enchiladas dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate before baking.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Freeze either individual portions or the entire casserole for future meals.
Which cheese works best?
Both Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack melt beautifully and create a creamy filling.
Why use almond flour?
Almond flour thickens the sauce while keeping the recipe low in carbohydrates.
Are these suitable for keto?
Yes. Using low carb tortillas and almond flour helps keep the carbohydrate content low while maintaining excellent flavor.
Description
These Low Carb White Chicken Enchiladas are a creamy, cheesy, keto-friendly dinner made with tender shredded chicken, low carb tortillas, Monterey Jack cheese, and a rich homemade white sauce. Thickened with almond flour instead of traditional flour and finished with sour cream and diced green chilies, this comforting casserole delivers classic enchilada flavor while keeping the carbohydrate content low.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Broil Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Servings: 10 enchiladas
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired / Keto
- Diet: Low Carb, Keto
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken
- 2½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese or Pepper Jack cheese, divided
- 5 ounces cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 10 low carb flour tortillas
For the White Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons almond flour
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 ounces canned diced green chilies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place the cooked chicken in a large mixing bowl. Shred it with two forks if needed.
- Add ¾ cup of the shredded Monterey Jack (or Pepper Jack) cheese, the cream cheese, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the almond flour and taco seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
- Continue cooking until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add ½ cup of the shredded cheese and stir until completely melted.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and gently stir in the sour cream and diced green chilies. Do not allow the sauce to boil after adding the sour cream.
- Spoon a portion of the chicken mixture into the center of each low carb tortilla.
- Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the prepared white sauce evenly over all of the enchiladas.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 22 minutes, or until the enchiladas are hot and the cheese has melted.
- Switch the oven to high broil and broil for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken, baked chicken, or boiled chicken all work well for this recipe.
- Slightly warming the tortillas before filling makes them easier to roll without cracking.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Do not boil the sauce after adding the sour cream to keep it creamy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- Freeze the baked or unbaked enchiladas for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.
- Serve with a green salad, cauliflower rice, guacamole, salsa, or low carb tortilla chips for a complete meal.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 587 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 27g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
- Sodium: 1007mg
- Potassium: 370mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 1383 IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 524mg
- Iron: 2mg