Dinner is a special time when we gather around the table, share stories, and savor a delicious meal. Today, I'm sharing an irresistible recipe that's perfect for those cozy family dinners: the keto sour cream chicken enchilada casserole. This dish brings the essence of traditional Mexican food to your plate without the extra carbs.
The Keto Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a delicious, low-carb twist on a traditional Mexican dish. It's made with either chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, low-carb tortillas, a creamy mixture of sour cream and cream cheese, and flavorful green chilies.
This casserole is perfect for those on a keto diet, offering a rich, satisfying meal without the extra carbs. It's versatile, easy to prepare, and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage. Enjoy this Keto Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole as a family dinner or a meal prep option for the week.
What's Special About this Keto Chicken Enchilada Casserole?
This low-carb version of traditional enchiladas uses chicken breast or rotisserie chicken layered with green chilies, cream cheese, and wrapped in low-carb tortillas. Covered with a rich, flavorful sour cream sauce and plenty of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese, this dish is a comforting casserole that the whole family will love.
Key Takeaways:
- Healthy Swap: We're using low-carb tortillas instead of corn or flour tortillas.
- Simple and Easy: This is an easy recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days, making this a great recipe for meal prepping.
The Essential Supplies for Your Keto Enchilada Casserole
Before diving into this scrumptious recipe, ensure you have the necessary supplies. You will need:
- A large mixing bowl
- Casserole dish or baking pan
- Plastic wrap or airtight container for leftovers
- A good-quality knife
- Measuring cups and spoons for exact measurements
Keto Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Now, let's get cooking!
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (chicken breast or rotisserie chicken), shredded
- 1 cup green chiles, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce (keto-friendly)
- 8 low-carb tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil a baking dish with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, green chiles, cream cheese, half of the sour cream, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Divide the chicken mixture evenly among the low-carb tortillas. Roll each tortilla and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the red enchilada sauce over the tortillas. Spread the remaining sour cream on top and sprinkle with Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before garnishing with fresh cilantro and serving.
Nutritional Information
This keto enchilada casserole is a high-protein, low-carb, full-fat meal that fits perfectly into a keto diet. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
- Net Carbs: 5g
Prepping and Serving Your Keto Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Tips and Tricks
Creating a satisfying dish like the keto sour cream chicken enchilada casserole involves a few insider secrets that can significantly enhance your experience. Let's walk through these tips that can make your preparation, cooking, serving, and storage process smoother and your final dish more delectable.
Preparation Tips: Getting Ready for the Culinary Journey
Chicken: Save time by leveraging the convenience of a rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store. It comes pre-cooked, which means your task will be simply shredding it before adding it to your chicken mixture.
Low-Carb Tortillas: Navigating the low-carb diet can be challenging, but low-carb tortillas have become quite popular and are now available in most grocery stores. If you find it hard to source them, or if you prefer homemade versions, consider making your own.
Prep in Advance: Have a busy day tomorrow but still want a home-cooked meal? Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready for dinner, just bake it as per the instructions.
Cooking Tips: Perfecting the Art of Keto Enchiladas
Cooking the Chicken: Be it chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, ensure that it is cooked thoroughly before adding it to the casserole. For chicken breasts, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Adding Cheese to the Sauce: Introduce cheese to the sauce over low heat, stirring constantly. This step prevents the cheese from burning or clumping together, ensuring a smooth, rich, and flavorful sauce.
Baking Watch: Keep a close eye on the casserole during the final broiling step. While the aim is to brown the cheese beautifully, remember that it can burn quickly under high heat.
Serving Tips: Enhancing the Experience
Serve Hot: The best part about this sour cream chicken enchilada casserole is savoring it hot from the oven when the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Customizable Toppings: Elevate your keto enchilada experience by offering a variety of toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or fresh cilantro. This allows everyone at the table to customize their serving to their liking.
Sides: To round out the meal, pair the casserole with a side of cauliflower rice or a fresh green salad.
Storage Tips: Savoring the Goodness Later
Refrigerating Leftovers: Allow any leftover casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This low-carb delight can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing: Freezing this keto casserole is a breeze. You can freeze it either after baking or before. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before covering tightly with plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. If you freeze it before baking, simply prepare the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze.
Reheating: To reheat the casserole, cover it with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For reheating single servings, the microwave comes in handy.
With these preparation, cooking, serving, and storage tips, you'll be well-equipped to create, serve, and savor the perfect keto sour cream chicken enchilada casserole. Enjoy the culinary journey!
Side Dish Suggestions for Your Keto Enchilada Casserole
Choosing a side for this keto sour cream chicken enchilada casserole is a breeze. Below are some keto-friendly options:
| Side Dish | Net Carbs | Complimentarity with Casserole |
|---|---|---|
| Cauliflower Rice | 3g | Mimics the texture of traditional rice, absorbs the enchilada sauce beautifully. |
| Avocado Slices | 2g | Adds freshness and creaminess, balances the rich flavors. |
| Bell Peppers | 4g | Brings a sweet crunch, a good contrast to the soft enchiladas. |
Embrace Mexican Flavors the Keto Way: Enjoy Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole
When the calendar lands on Taco Tuesday or when the craving for tantalizing Mexican flavors strikes, there's no need to worry about carb counts. The keto sour cream chicken enchilada casserole is here to rescue your taste buds without the guilt. This delightful dish mirrors the rich flavors we adore in traditional enchiladas, but without the extra carbs.
Conjuring up an easy dinner that wins the entire family over can be a tough task, but this simple recipe is an assured crowd-pleaser. Not only does it satiate those who follow the keto diet, but it also captivates everyone with its delectable flavors and hearty texture.
What truly sets this casserole apart is its versatility. Whether you decide to use tender chicken breast or convenient leftover rotisserie chicken, it adapts beautifully to your preferences. You can add your twist with a homemade cheese blend or an adventurous taco seasoning. The dish is a canvas waiting for your culinary creativity to take over.
So it's time to gather your low-carb tortillas and preheat your oven. We're about to embark on a culinary journey into the land of delightful Mexican cuisine with our fantastic keto sour cream chicken enchilada casserole. I assure you, your taste buds are in for a delightful surprise. So here's to enjoying a guilt-free, savory, and delicious meal!
FAQ
The Keto Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a low-carb version of a traditional Mexican dish. It's a delicious casserole made with chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, low-carb tortillas, cream cheese, sour cream, and green chilies. It's perfect for those following a keto diet.
The main ingredients in a low carb Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole are cooked chicken (either chicken breast or rotisserie chicken), green chilies, cream cheese, sour cream, low-carb tortillas, and cheese (like Monterey Jack or Cheddar). You can also add spices like chili powder and garlic powder for extra flavor.
To make this Casserole, you first combine cooked, shredded chicken with green chilies, cream cheese, and sour cream. This mixture is then rolled into low-carb tortillas and placed in a baking dish. The enchiladas are covered with a sour cream sauce and topped with cheese before being baked until golden and bubbly.
Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken in Enchilada Casserole. It's a convenient option that saves time since the chicken is already cooked. Just make sure to remove the skin and bones and shred the meat before using it.
If you can't find low-carb tortillas, you can make your own at home using almond flour or coconut flour. Alternatively, you can use lettuce wraps or thinly sliced zucchini as a low-carb substitute.
Leftovers of Keto Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure to let the casserole cool completely before storing it.
Yes, Keto Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole freezes well. You can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. If freezing before baking, prepare the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze.
Some good side dishes to serve with Keto Chicken Enchilada Casserole include cauliflower rice, a fresh green salad, or avocado slices. These sides complement the rich, creamy flavors of the casserole and keep the meal low-carb.
Absolutely! Keto Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a great option for meal prepping. It can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage. It's a convenient, delicious, and satisfying meal option for busy weeknights.
The nutritional information can vary depending on the exact ingredients used. However, a typical serving of Keto Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole might have approximately 450 calories, 30g of fat, 30g of protein, and 5g net carbs. It's a high-protein, low-carb, full-fat meal that fits perfectly into a keto diet.
Yes, you can prepare Keto Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole ahead of time. You can assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake it. This makes it a convenient option for easy dinners or when hosting guests.
Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese works well in Keto Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole. These cheeses melt well and add a delicious, creamy flavor to the dish. However, feel free to use your favorite cheese or a blend of cheeses.
Yes, you can use green enchilada sauce instead of red in Keto Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole. The choice between red and green enchilada sauce is mostly a matter of personal preference. Both will add a delicious flavor to the casserole.
You can make your own low-carb tortillas using almond flour or coconut flour, eggs, and a bit of xanthan gum to help them hold together. There are many recipes available online. Homemade low-carb tortillas can be a great alternative if you can't find store-bought ones.
To reheat Keto Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole, cover it with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If you're reheating a single serving, you can also use the microwave.
Hello, I'm Melissa, the founder and visionary behind Everyday Ketogenic. With more than 12 years of experience in content creation, recipe development, and blogging, I've cultivated this platform into a leading resource for anyone interested in the ketogenic lifestyle. Everyday Ketogenic is my canvas, where I paint with words and ideas, bringing the keto world to life.