Creamy Low-Carb White Chicken Enchiladas: A Comforting Tex-Mex Dinner Without the Carbs

When comfort food cravings hit, Tex-Mex dishes are often at the top of the list. Enchiladas in particular are loved for their warm tortillas, creamy sauces, and generous layers of melted cheese. The problem? Traditional versions can be heavy on carbs and leave you feeling sluggish afterward. That’s where these creamy low-carb white chicken enchiladas come in.

Save

This dish delivers everything people love about classic white enchiladas—tender chicken, a rich cream sauce, and that irresistible baked-cheese finish—while staying friendly to a low-carb lifestyle. It’s hearty, satisfying, and feels indulgent without straying from your nutritional goals. Whether you’re cooking for family, planning meals for the week, or simply want a cozy dinner that doesn’t feel restrictive, this recipe fits beautifully into everyday life.

Unlike many “diet” recipes that sacrifice flavor, these enchiladas lean into richness and texture. The sauce is smooth and velvety, the filling is savory and well-seasoned, and the tortillas hold everything together without overpowering the dish. It’s the kind of meal that makes you forget you’re eating low-carb at all.

Why These Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Work So Well

What makes this recipe stand out is balance. Each component plays a role in building flavor while keeping carbs in check. The chicken provides protein and substance, the cheese and cream bring richness, and the mild green chilies add a subtle Tex-Mex character without excessive heat.

Another reason this dish is so popular is how approachable it is. You don’t need hard-to-find ingredients or complicated techniques. Everything comes together in familiar steps, making it ideal even for busy weeknights. Once baked, the enchiladas come out bubbling, creamy, and golden on top—exactly what you want from a comfort-food classic.

This recipe is also highly adaptable. You can adjust the spice level, swap cheeses, or add low-carb vegetables to the filling. It works just as well for a casual family dinner as it does for serving guests who may not even realize it’s low-carb.

Ingredients for Creamy Low-Carb White Chicken Enchiladas

This recipe relies on simple, satisfying ingredients that work together to create a rich final dish. Each one has a purpose, and understanding their role helps ensure perfect results every time.

Low-Carb Tortillas
Choose soft, flexible tortillas designed for low-carb or keto cooking. They should be sturdy enough to roll without cracking and able to absorb sauce while baking. Homemade versions also work well if you prefer to control every ingredient.

Cooked Shredded Chicken
Shredded chicken gives the filling its hearty texture. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option, but leftover roasted or poached chicken works just as well. Finely shredded chicken blends more evenly with the sauce and cheese.

Monterey Jack Cheese
This cheese melts smoothly and has a mild flavor that complements the creamy sauce. It’s used both inside the enchiladas and on top, creating layers of gooey richness.

Butter and Cream Cheese
These two ingredients form the foundation of the white sauce. Butter adds depth, while cream cheese creates thickness and that signature creamy texture associated with white enchiladas.

Heavy Cream and Chicken Broth
Heavy cream enhances richness, while chicken broth lightens the sauce just enough to make it pourable. Together, they create a smooth sauce that coats the enchiladas without becoming overly thick.

Diced Green Chilies
Green chilies bring gentle heat and classic Tex-Mex flavor. They add interest without overpowering the dish, making the enchiladas approachable for most palates.

Optional Toppings
Sour cream and fresh cilantro add contrast at the end. The cool creaminess and fresh herbal notes balance the richness of the baked enchiladas perfectly.

How to Prepare Creamy Low-Carb White Chicken Enchiladas

This dish comes together in a few simple steps, making it practical even on nights when time is limited. Preparing everything in advance ensures a smooth cooking process.

Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the enchiladas to bake evenly and ensures the cheese melts properly without drying out the tortillas.

Prepare the Chicken
If your chicken isn’t already cooked, prepare it ahead of time. Once cooked, shred it into small, even pieces. This helps the filling distribute evenly and makes rolling the tortillas easier.

Make the Creamy White Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cream cheese together. Stir gently as they soften, then slowly add the heavy cream. Once smooth, stir in most of the shredded cheese, followed by the chicken broth and green chilies. Continue stirring until the sauce is creamy, cohesive, and slightly thickened.

This sauce is the heart of the recipe. Taking the time to let everything melt and blend properly ensures a smooth texture and rich flavor.

Assemble the Enchiladas
Lay out the tortillas and add a portion of shredded chicken and cheese to each one. Roll them gently and place seam-side down in a baking dish. This keeps them from opening while baking and helps them hold their shape.

Add Sauce and Bake
Pour the warm sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas, making sure each one is well covered. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, then transfer the dish to the oven. Bake until the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese is fully melted.

For a lightly golden top, finish the dish under the broiler for a few minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions and Meal Ideas

These creamy low-carb white chicken enchiladas are satisfying on their own, but pairing them with the right sides can turn dinner into a complete Tex-Mex experience. Because the enchiladas are rich and cheesy, lighter side dishes work best to balance the plate.

A simple green salad with avocado, lime juice, and olive oil adds freshness and texture. Cauliflower rice seasoned with garlic and cilantro is another great option, soaking up extra sauce without adding unnecessary carbs. If you enjoy bold flavors, roasted low-carb vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli make an excellent accompaniment.

For entertaining, these enchiladas work beautifully as the main dish. Serve them straight from the baking dish, topped with sour cream and chopped cilantro, and let guests help themselves. They feel indulgent and comforting, yet fit seamlessly into a low-carb menu.

Storage, Reheating, and Meal Prep Tips

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how well it fits into meal planning. These enchiladas store and reheat exceptionally well, making them ideal for busy weeks.

Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The sauce thickens slightly as it cools, but the flavor becomes even more developed over time.

Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or place the baking dish back into the oven at 325°F (165°C) until hot. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.

Freezing
You can freeze the enchiladas either before or after baking. For best texture, assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze unbaked. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. This makes them a convenient option for make-ahead dinners.

Save

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can go wrong without a few key considerations. Keeping these tips in mind will help ensure perfect results every time.

• Overheating the sauce: High heat can cause the cheese to separate. Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly for a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Overfilling the tortillas: Too much filling makes them difficult to roll and can cause them to tear.
• Skipping the rest time: Letting the enchiladas rest for a few minutes after baking allows the sauce to set slightly, making them easier to serve.

Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation

These creamy white chicken enchiladas prove that low-carb meals don’t have to feel restrictive or boring. They deliver the same comforting flavors you expect from a classic Tex-Mex dish, with a rich sauce and melty cheese that feels truly indulgent.

The recipe is flexible, family-friendly, and practical for real life. Whether you’re focused on healthier eating, managing carb intake, or simply looking for a satisfying dinner, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again because it works—every single time.

Print