Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

Keto Chicken Enchiladas Casserole: 5 Reasons to Love It

By:

Christina R. Jones

keto chicken enchiladas casserole

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Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re on the keto train like I am, you know how vital it is to find delicious recipes that keep your taste buds happy without derailing your diet. That’s where my keto chicken enchiladas casserole comes into play! I’ve always adored the rich, spicy flavors of traditional enchiladas, but when I switched to a low-carb lifestyle, I thought I’d have to say goodbye to that cheesy goodness. Spoiler alert: I didn’t!

This casserole is a game changer. Picture this: tender shredded chicken mixed with creamy cheese and zesty green chilies, all smothered in flavorful enchilada sauce and topped with bubbling cheddar. It’s like a warm hug in a dish! I whipped this up one night after a long day, and it was so easy that I couldn’t believe I hadn’t tried it sooner. The best part? It’s not just keto-friendly; it feels like a celebration on your plate! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding this recipe to your regular meal rotation, just like I did!

keto chicken enchiladas casserole - detail 1

Ingredients for Keto Chicken Enchiladas Casserole

Let’s gather everything we need to make this scrumptious keto chicken enchiladas casserole! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut or cook it fresh; just ensure it’s shredded well.
  • 1 cup cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it blends smoothly into the mixture.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Reserve half for topping later; I love using sharp cheddar for that extra kick!
  • 1 cup diced green chilies: You can use canned or fresh, but make sure they’re drained well if canned.
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous!
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: This adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder: A great complement to the garlic; you can even use fresh onion if you prefer.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key, so don’t be shy!

And just like that, you’ve got your ingredients ready to rock! Gather these items, and let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Keto Chicken Enchiladas Casserole

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: preparing our keto chicken enchiladas casserole! Trust me, it’s easier than it looks, and I promise you’ll be savoring every bite in no time.

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures your casserole bakes evenly right from the get-go. An oven that’s ready to go means no waiting around—just pure, cheesy goodness!

Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, diced green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Now, here’s the fun part: get in there with a fork or a spatula and mix everything together until it’s wonderfully creamy and well-blended. You’re looking for a cohesive mixture that holds together nicely, with bits of chicken and chilies peeking through. If it feels a bit too thick, just give it a couple more minutes of mixing, and it’ll come together beautifully!

Assemble the Casserole

Grab your baking dish and spread a generous layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. This not only prevents sticking but also infuses flavor into the casserole. Now, pour the chicken mixture over the sauce, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Don’t be afraid to really pack it down a bit! Then, drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and finish with the rest of that delicious cheddar cheese. Seriously, can you smell that already? It’s going to be heavenly!

Bake and Serve

Time to pop it in the oven! Bake your casserole for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. You’ll know it’s done when it looks irresistible and the edges are slightly crispy. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps everything set up nicely and keeps you from burning your tongue. Prepare to enjoy a slice of keto heaven!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me share why this keto chicken enchiladas casserole is about to become your new favorite dish:

  • Low-carb delight: This casserole is perfect for anyone on a keto diet, keeping those pesky carbs at bay.
  • Super easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip this up in no time, making it a great weeknight meal.
  • Flavor explosion: Each bite is packed with cheesy goodness, zesty green chilies, and a kick from the enchilada sauce.
  • Meal prep friendly: It stores well, so you can enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week!
  • Family-approved: Even those not on a keto diet will love this comforting, hearty dish!

Tips for Success

Ready to take your keto chicken enchiladas casserole to the next level? Here are some of my favorite pro tips to ensure every bite is perfect:

  • Rotisserie chicken hack: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s delicious and cuts down on prep time!
  • Cheese variety: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add a nice twist to the flavor profile.
  • Spice it up: If you love heat, add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture for an extra kick.
  • Fresh herbs: Toss in some fresh cilantro or parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
  • Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!

With these tips, you’ll be a casserole pro in no time! Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!

Nutritional Information for Keto Chicken Enchiladas Casserole

Now, let’s talk about what’s in each delicious serving of this keto chicken enchiladas casserole! This recipe is not only satisfying but also fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, which is about one-sixth of the total casserole:

  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But you can feel good knowing you’re indulging in a dish that’s both delicious and nourishing!

FAQ About Keto Chicken Enchiladas Casserole

Got questions about my keto chicken enchiladas casserole? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my trusty answers:

Can I substitute the chicken?

Absolutely! While I love shredded chicken, you can easily swap it out for shredded beef or even ground turkey. Just make sure whatever meat you use is cooked through before mixing it into the casserole.

What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?

No problem! You can make a quick substitute by blending diced tomatoes with spices like cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. It won’t be the same, but it’ll still add flavor to your casserole!

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers will last up to three days in the refrigerator. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. I always recommend letting it cool completely before sealing it up!

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! This casserole freezes wonderfully. Just assemble it, cover it tightly with foil, and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

How do I reheat it?

To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but I find that the oven keeps it nice and bubbly!

Hopefully, these FAQs help you feel more confident about making and enjoying this delicious casserole. Happy cooking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After you’ve enjoyed this delightful keto chicken enchiladas casserole, you’ll want to make sure those tasty leftovers are stored properly. To keep them fresh, simply transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days! I always recommend letting the casserole cool completely before sealing it up to avoid any sogginess.

When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is a breeze! For the best results, place the casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but I find the oven keeps the texture just right. Either way, you’re in for a comforting meal that tastes almost as good as when it was first baked!

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keto chicken enchiladas casserole

Keto Chicken Enchiladas Casserole: 5 Reasons to Love It


  • Author: Christina R. Jones
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Description

A delicious and low-carb chicken enchiladas casserole perfect for a keto diet.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup diced green chilies
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, cream cheese, half of the cheddar cheese, green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread a layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
  4. Pour the chicken mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
  5. Top with the remaining enchilada sauce and cheddar cheese.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Serve with avocado or sour cream for extra flavor.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: keto chicken enchiladas casserole

Hi I’m Christina

I’m a creator of delicious air fryer recipes. Air fryer cooking, recipe development, and kitchen consulting are my passion. I love sharing quick, healthy, and crispy dishes—and connecting with people through the food I create.

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