Keto Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Name: Keto Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 cups red enchilada sauce (divided); 1.7 pounds shredded chicken (or diced chicken, rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey); 12.5 ounces cream cheese; 7 ounces cheddar cheese (grated, or Pepper Jack, or Mexican blend); 7 ounces mozzarella (grated from a firm block or pre-shredded bag (not soft buffalo mozzarella)); 2 green chilies (diced); squeeze of fresh lime juice (to garnish, optional); fresh cilantro (to garnish, optional); 1 avocado (sliced, to garnish, optional)

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Keto Chicken Enchilada Casserole is the Tex-Mex Cheese dream you’ve been craving! Made with simple ingredients like cheese, cream cheese, rotisserie chicken, and enchilada sauce, this easy keto dinner recipe comes together in just 25 minutes. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal to use up leftover chicken or turkey.

serving spoon lifting Keto Chicken Enchilada Casserole out of casserole dish.

Contents hide

1 ✅ Why this recipe works

2 ❤️ Why you will love this recipe

3 🗝️ Key ingredients and substitutions

4 🥣 How to Make Keto Chicken Enchilada Casserole

5 🪄 Recipe notes & tips

6 ✨ Variations

7 🫙 Storage instructions

8 🍽️ What to serve with this recipe

9 ❓ Frequently asked questions

10 😍 More Easy Keto Casseroles To Try

11 😋 More Mexican recipes you will love

12 📖 Recipe

✅ Why this recipe works

This keto chicken enchilada casserole is not just delicious—it’s also crafted with your keto diet in mind: each serving keeps carbs to a minimum. Skipping the tortillas and using a keto-friendly enchilada sauce means you can enjoy bold enchilada flavors without the extra carbs. I love that this recipe is not only easy to make but also a hit on busy weeknights. It’s also great for meal prep for the week, making sure I stick to my keto goals effortlessly.

❤️ Why you will love this recipe

Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, this easy recipe takes just about 25 minutes.
Customizable: Swap out chicken for ground beef or turkey, or adjust the cheese types to your liking.
Keto-Friendly: Every ingredient is chosen to keep carbs low. Just 7g net carbs per serving!
Family Favorite: Even those not on a keto diet will ask for seconds.
Meal Prep: Make ahead for easy weekday lunches.
Comforting and Hearty: Perfect for satisfying your enchilada cravings without the guilt.

🗝️ Key ingredients and substitutions

Red Enchilada Sauce: Provides the classic enchilada flavor. Opt for a low-carb, keto-friendly version like this keto enchilada sauce recipe to keep things on track.
Shredded Chicken: The main protein; use pre-cooked chicken breasts or leftover rotisserie chicken. Leftover turkey works great, too, or you can dice up raw chicken and cook it in olive oil.
Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess to the filling. You can substitute with sour cream for a tangier flavor.
Cheddar Cheese and Mozzarella: These melt beautifully and add a nice stretch to the casserole. Feel free to use Mexican blend cheese, Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, or any meltable cheese you prefer.
Green Chiles: These bring a mild heat and freshness. Swap out for diced bell peppers if you prefer less spice.
Optional Garnishes: Fresh cilantro and lime juice add brightness and a pop of flavor, avocado slices add creaminess. If you’re not a fan, simply skip these.

🥣 How to Make Keto Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Optional: You can begin by making your own enchilada sauce. I made my keto enchilada sauce for this recipe. It’s spicy and absolutely delicious!

Preheat Your Oven: Start by heating your oven to 200°C (390°F) to ensure it’s ready to go.
Mix Cheeses: In a medium-sized bowl, grate and mix the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend 1 cup of enchilada sauce with the cream cheese, half of the mixed shredded cheeses, and the shredded chicken.

Shredded cheese, cream cheese, chicken, and enchilada sauce in a large bowl with a wooden spoon.

Chicken enchilada mixture in a mixing bowl with a wooden spoon.

Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the chicken mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread it evenly across the base.

Chicken enchilada mixture in a casserole dish.

Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, then pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the cheese. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh diced green chilis.

Shredded cheese on top of chicken enchilada mixture in a baking dish.

Enchilada sauce on top of shredded cheese on top of chicken enchilada mixture in a baking dish.

Bake: Place the Mexican casserole in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly at the edges.
Garnish and Serve: Once done, top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and low carb tortillas if desired.

overhead shot of Keto Chicken Enchilada Casserole on a plate and in a baking dish with a stainless steel serving spoon. Fork, cloth and glass of beer also on wooden table.

🪄 Recipe notes & tips

Cheese: For the best melting and flavor, grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect meltability and add unnecessary carbs.
Sauce: Be sure to choose a low-carb, sugar-free enchilada sauce to keep this dish keto-friendly. You can even make your own enchilada sauce to control the ingredients fully.
Baking Dish: Using a 9×13 inch dish helps spread the mixture evenly, allowing every bite to have the perfect ratio of chicken to sauce to cheese.
Add Tortillas: For a denser, more lasagna-like casserole, alternate layers of the chicken mixture with low-carb tortillas before topping with cheese and sauce.
Add Veg: For an even richer flavor, you can add a layer of sautéed onions and bell peppers to the chicken mixture before baking. It will increase the carb count but adds nutrition and fiber, and tastes delicious!

✨ Variations

Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, increase the amount of green chilies, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the recipe for a spicier version.
Extra Veggies: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor.
Different Proteins: Use ground beef, pork, or turkey instead of chicken for a change in texture and taste.
Creamy Twist: Incorporate a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream into the chicken mixture for a creamier texture.
Tortilla Swap: If you’re not strictly keto, you can use whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of low-carb tortillas.
Cheese Variety: Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, smoked gouda, or a Mexican blend to tweak the flavor profile.

🫙 Storage instructions

Cool Before Storing: Allow the low carb enchilada casserole to cool completely before covering it.
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze: You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn.
Reheat: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave for a quick option. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

🍽️ What to serve with this recipe

Vegetables:

Cauliflower Rice: A light and fluffy side that complements the rich flavors of the low carb chicken enchilada casserole. For something a little different, try radish rice or cilantro lime radish rice.
Steamed Broccoli: Simple and nutritious, adding a crunchy texture.
Avocado Salad: Creamy avocados mixed with fresh greens and a zesty dressing.
Other Salads: Keto Mexican Steet Corn Salad or Spicy Mexican Slaw are some great Mexican-inspired low-carb options.

Breads:

Keto Garlic Bread: Made with almond flour for a carb-friendly garlic fix.
Low-Carb Flatbreads or Tortillas: Great for scooping up any extra sauce.

Condiments:

Standards: Sour cream and salsa are my go-to’s for this recipe.
Mexican Sauces: If you want to get fancy while your food bakes, keto guacamole or taco truck green sauce is delicious!

❓ Frequently asked questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What can I use instead of chicken?

This recipe is versatile! Try using ground beef, pork, or even leftover turkey as a delicious alternative.

How can I lower the sodium content in this recipe?

Opt for low-sodium enchilada sauce, cheese, and avoid adding any additional salt to help reduce the overall sodium content.

😍 More Easy Keto Casseroles To Try

Keto Chicken Enchilada Casserole on a plate next to a fork. Casserole dish and lime in background.

😋 More Mexican recipes you will love

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📖 Recipe