Keto Chicken Enchilada Bowl – This low carb chicken enchilada bowl is packed with tender, juicy chicken, tangy enchilada sauce, and all the toppings you love — without the guilt of high-carb tortillas or rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Keto Chicken Enchilada Bowl brings all the rich, spicy, and savory flavors of classic enchiladas into a single, easy-to-make, low-carb dish. It’s:
- Keto-friendly and low-carb: Keeping you in ketosis while satisfying those Mexican food cravings.
- Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to fit your dietary preferences.
Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this recipe both delicious and keto-approved:
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best flavor and texture.
- Enchilada Sauce: Opt for a low-carb, sugar-free enchilada sauce. You can even make your own if you prefer!
- Cauliflower Rice: A fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional rice.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend works well.
- Spices: Garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and paprika for that extra kick.
- Toppings: Avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges.
Pro Tip: Make sure your enchilada sauce doesn’t contain hidden sugars that can increase the carb count. Always read labels!
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Bowl
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasonings. The spices make this dish shine and give it that authentic enchilada flavor.
- Sear for Flavor: Browning the chicken before shredding adds a layer of caramelized flavor that elevates the dish.
- Customize the Heat: If you love spice, add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the enchilada sauce.
Variations to Try
- Protein Options: Substitute chicken with ground beef, shredded pork, or even shrimp for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. Ensure the enchilada sauce is still keto-friendly.
- Cheese Lovers: Add more cheese on top and broil the assembled bowls until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
How to Serve Your Keto Chicken Enchilada Bowl
These bowls are incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple ways:
- Over Greens: For a fresher take, serve the enchilada mixture over a bed of chopped romaine or mixed greens.
- As Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to make mini enchilada tacos.
- In Avocado Halves: Spoon the chicken mixture into avocado halves for a nutrient-dense meal.
Pro Tip: Pair your meal with a refreshing keto-friendly margarita or sparkling water flavored with lime and mint for a complete Mexican feast!
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. If the cauliflower rice becomes watery, you can quickly sauté it to remove excess moisture.
Freezing Tip: You can freeze the enchilada chicken mixture separately in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and cauliflower rice ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the bowls when you’re ready to serve for maximum freshness.
Is store-bought enchilada sauce keto-friendly?
Most store-bought sauces contain added sugars, so always check the label. Brands like Hatch or homemade recipes often have fewer carbs.
What toppings are keto-friendly?
Top your bowl with avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, and plenty of fresh herbs. Avoid corn and beans as they are higher in carbs.
Can I make my own enchilada sauce?
Yes! To make a simple keto-friendly enchilada sauce, simmer tomato paste, chicken broth, chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Adjust the seasoning and thickness to your liking.
Keto Chicken Enchilada Bowl (Low Carb)
Keto Chicken Enchilada Bowl - This low carb chicken enchilada bowl is packed with tender, juicy chicken, tangy enchilada sauce, and all the toppings you love — without the guilt of high-carb tortillas or rice.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- 4 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 - 10 ounce can diced tomatoes and green chiles, drained
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- ½ cup pico de gallo
- 1 large avocado, cubed
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Sizzle Up That Chicken: In a large skillet, heat up the butter and olive oil over medium to medium-high heat.
- Once sizzling, add the diced chicken. Season generously with taco seasoning, making sure every piece is coated. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauce It Up: Add in the enchilada sauce and drained diced tomatoes with green chiles. Stir well, and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until everything is hot and bubbling. Sprinkle on the mozzarella and cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into a gooey, irresistible layer.
- Whip Up a Zesty Cream: In a small bowl, mix together sour cream, garlic powder, and lime juice. This adds a perfect tangy kick to balance the flavors.
- Assemble Your Bowls: Divide the cheesy chicken mixture evenly into four bowls. Drizzle a bit of extra enchilada sauce, dollop some of that creamy lime sauce, and finish it off with pico de gallo, avocado cubes, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
- Serve and Enjoy: Add some lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus and dig into this vibrant, keto-friendly meal!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1 gramsAmount Per Serving Calories 672Total Fat 35gSaturated Fat 14gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 198mgSodium 1666mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 8gSugar 10gProtein 63g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Chicken Enchilada Bowl is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle. It’s hearty, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable to your preferences. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a keto-friendly dinner, this recipe will surely impress.
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