When I first transitioned to a low-carb diet, I found myself longing for two things: pizza and enchiladas. However, to my surprise, I soon discovered that these beloved dishes could still be savored while adhering to a low-carb lifestyle, albeit with a slight twist.
What makes these low-carb cream cheese chicken enchiladas remarkable is that you won't even notice the difference compared to their traditional counterparts. They retain all the flavors and textures that make enchiladas so irresistible.
Curious about how this is possible? Well, these cream cheese chicken enchiladas are essentially the same thing!
The only adjustments I've made to my cherished chicken enchilada recipe are using low-carb flour tortillas and seeking out a sauce that is as low in carbohydrates as possible. These simple modifications successfully created cream cheese chicken enchiladas that satisfy my cravings and align with my low-carb dietary goals.
The secret lies in using specially formulated low-carb flour tortillas designed to lower carbohydrates while delivering a comparable taste and texture to traditional flour tortillas. These low-carb alternatives allow me to relish the experience of wrapping the delectable filling in a tortilla, just like with classic cream cheese chicken enchiladas.
Furthermore, I've taken the time to seek out a sauce that caters to my low-carb requirements.
Whether selecting a sauce explicitly crafted to be low in carbohydrates or adapting a traditional sauce recipe to suit my needs, I ensure that my cream cheese chicken enchiladas remain as low-carb as possible while retaining the same luscious and savory flavors I adore.
So, if you've been yearning for cream cheese chicken enchiladas on your low-carb journey, fret no more! With a few simple adjustments and an open mind to exploring low-carb flour tortillas and sauces, you can relish the gratification of enjoying enchiladas without compromising your dietary goals.
Embrace these delightful low-carb cream cheese chicken enchiladas and discover a fresh way to savor this timeless dish while remaining true to your low-carb lifestyle.
Rotisserie Chicken for Enchiladas
Rotisserie Chickens: A Flavorful Foundation for Enchiladas
Suppose you have some leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal. In that case, you'll be thrilled to discover that rotisserie chickens are a fantastic option for creating mouthwatering cream cheese chicken enchiladas.
Regarding rotisserie birds, Costco exemplifies a retailer that never lets them go to waste. Their succulent rotisserie chickens are renowned for their flavorful and tender meat, making them an ideal foundation for a wide range of dishes.
Now, whenever I find myself with an abundance of rotisserie chicken, I've developed a clever culinary technique to make the most out of every delectable bite.
Instead of simply reheating or using it all at once, I enjoy carefully removing the chicken from the skin and preparing it with rich and savory chicken stock. This method infuses the leftover chicken part with even more flavor, enhancing its tenderness and juiciness.
Endless Possibilities
By employing this approach, I've unlocked a world of possibilities for crafting delightful chicken dishes. Whether it involves incorporating the flavorful shredded chicken into cream cheese chicken enchiladas, blending it into a comforting, creamy chicken noodle soup, or tossing it into a vibrant chicken salad, I've discovered that even a tiny amount of leftover rotisserie chicken can go a long way in elevating my culinary endeavors.
Embrace Versatility
So, the next time you find yourself with some leftover cooked chicken, remember the incredible potential within those succulent rotisserie birds. With a dash of creativity and the right combination of ingredients, you can transform them into an array of mouthwatering meals that will have you and your loved ones clamoring for seconds.
Embrace the versatility of rotisserie chicken and embark on a culinary journey brimming with delightful flavors and satisfying gastronomic experiences.
Homemade White Enchilada Sauce
Prepare yourself for an enchilada experience with a homemade white enchilada sauce that is unbelievably simple to make. This smooth and flavorsome enchilada sauce elevates your cream cheese chicken enchiladas, infusing them with a new deliciousness.
With just a handful of essential ingredients and a little time, you can whip up a mouthwatering enchilada sauce that perfectly complements your cream cheese chicken enchiladas.
Crafting your own enchilada sauce gives you complete control over the flavors, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences. You can adjust the seasonings and spices to strike the perfect balance, whether you crave a gentle tang or a fiery kick.
The gratification of concocting a homemade enchilada sauce from scratch is immensely fulfilling. It adds an extra touch of love to your culinary masterpieces.
Recipe Variations
These easy cream cheese chicken enchiladas present many opportunities for personalization, allowing you to adjust it according to your taste preferences.
If cheddar cheese isn't to your liking, please substitute it with Monterey Jack cheese. Renowned for its exceptional melting capabilities and mild flavor, Monterey Jack cheese lends a velvety creaminess to the cream cheese chicken enchiladas below.
Consider garnishing your cream cheese chicken enchiladas with freshly chopped cilantro for freshness and vibrant flavors. This herb introduces a zesty and herbaceous note to the dish, elevating its overall appeal. Sprinkle it generously over the enchiladas just before serving to create an enticing presentation.
Regarding the topping, you have the freedom to select your preferred accompaniment. A dollop of sour cream imparts a creamy and tangy element that harmonizes beautifully with the cream cheese chicken enchiladas flavors. Alternatively, you may opt for some finely chopped parsley, which imparts a refreshing taste and a subtle earthy undertone. Whichever topping you choose, it will add an additional layer of delectability to your enchiladas.
The tortillas can be made of flour or corn to use your own tortillas. I have used flour tortillas in both recipes, and the results are always delicious.
Now, feel free to unleash your creativity and explore the versatility of this easy chicken enchilada recipe. Experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and toppings to curate a personalized enchilada experience tailored to your palate. The possibilities are endless, and the outcome will undoubtedly be an irresistible dish that gratifies your cravings and leaves you yearning for more.
Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
Prepare yourself for a captivating culinary adventure as we delve into the recipe for these tantalizing cream cheese chicken enchiladas. Roll up your sleeves and embrace the art of whisking, stirring, and harmonizing the delightful flavors that will send your taste buds into a joyful dance.
As you embark on this flavorful journey, your kitchen will be infused with an alluring aroma, a testament to the richness and creaminess of the homemade white enchilada sauce.
With each step, you will be transported to a world of extraordinary flavors, where the ingredients unite to create a symphony of taste and texture. Allow yourself to revel in the pure joy of crafting an enchilada dish that exudes authenticity, where every element is meticulously prepared with care and passion.
From the initial sizzle in the pan to the final flourish of garnishes, this recipe guarantees an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you yearning for more.
So, gather your ingredients and let your culinary instincts take the lead as you whisk, stir, and fill your kitchen with the enchanting aroma of the homemade white enchilada sauce. Get ready to immerse yourself in an unparalleled homemade dining experience that will elevate your cream cheese chicken enchiladas to extraordinary heights of flavor and delight.
Prepare to relish each mouthwatering bite as you embark on a captivating culinary voyage that awaits you with open arms.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
- 12 oz package of cream cheese (total fat)
- 2 – 8 oz cans of salsa verde
- 1/2 lb ground beef or shredded chicken, cooked
- 1 cup white onion, chopped
- 1 Tbsp homemade taco seasoning
- 8-10 low-carb flour tortillas
- 12 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
You may also wish to use some chopped green onions as a garnish.
How to Make Cream Cheese Enchiladas
Preparing the Filling:
Preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it reaches the ideal temperature for your cream cheese chicken enchiladas. While the oven preheats, preparing the delicious filling that will highlight your enchiladas is time.
For Chicken Enchiladas:
If you opt for chicken enchiladas, ensure the chicken is pre-cooked and shredded before proceeding. In a pan, caramelize the onions with a teaspoon of butter or your preferred oil until they turn a beautiful golden color. Then, combine the caramelized onions with the shredded chicken and the seasoning.
This flavorful cheese mixture will form the heart of your next cream cheese chicken enchiladas, bursting with deliciousness.
For Beef Enchiladas:
If you prefer beef enchiladas, brown the beef and onions in a pan, incorporating the seasoning as you cook. The aromatic blend of spices will infuse the meat with incredible flavors, resulting in a delectable filling for your beef enchiladas.
Creamy Sauce:
Next, gently mix the cream cheese and salsa verde over medium heat until the cream cheese melts and the ingredients are well combined. This creamy and tangy sauce will add a delightful richness to your cream cheese chicken enchiladas, elevating them to new levels of flavor and satisfaction.
Assembling the Enchiladas:
Now, it's time to assemble your cream cheese chicken enchiladas. Start by spreading approximately 1/4 cup of the cream cheese sauce in the bottom of a shallow baking dish, creating a flavorful base. Then, place 1/4 cup of the prepared meat filling and 1/4 cup of shredded cheese onto each tortilla.
Roll the tortillas tightly and arrange them close together in the baking dish. As the enchiladas bake, the filling, cheese, and corn tortillas will meld together, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors.
Finishing Touches:
Once your enchiladas are assembled, pour the remaining cream cheese sauce evenly over the top, ensuring that every bite has creamy goodness. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese, forming an irresistible cheesy crust that will melt to perfection.
Baking and Broiling:
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Allow the enchiladas to bake for 15-20 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and the cheese to melt.
For an optional finishing touch, remove the foil and set the oven to broil for 2-3 minutes to slightly crisp the cheese on top, adding a delightful golden touch that will enhance the appearance and taste of your enchiladas.
Garnishing and Serving:
Before serving, garnish your enchiladas with freshly chopped green onion for freshness and vibrant color. Allow them to cool slightly, savor each bite as you enjoy these homemade enchiladas' tantalizing flavors and comforting appeal.
How to Keep Flour Tortillas from Getting Soggy
When preparing flour tortillas for enchiladas, I've discovered two distinct methods that I find pretty compelling. These techniques contribute to achieving the desired texture and play a vital role in achieving the ideal balance between sauce and flour tortillas.
By employing these approaches, you can ensure that your enchiladas are well-balanced and avoid the undesirable outcome of them becoming excessively saturated with sauce, preventing them from resembling a dish swimming in a sea of sauce.
Method 1: The Heat Technique
One technique I particularly enjoy involves heating the tortillas and cooking them on both sides until they slightly puff up and acquire a delightful golden hue. This process serves multiple purposes: it warms up the tortillas, reduces their moisture content, and helps them retain their shape and structure.
As a result, the tortillas become less prone to absorbing excessive amounts of sauce during the enchilada assembly, leading to a more controlled and balanced sauce-to-tortilla ratio.
Method 2: Thoughtful Sauce Application
In addition to the heat technique, it's crucial to exercise mindfulness when applying the sauce to the tortillas. Excessive sauce can result in overly saucy enchiladas that resemble a soupy consistency, deviating from the desired texture.
Striking the perfect balance is essential, ensuring that each tortilla receives an appropriate amount of sauce without being overwhelmed. This thoughtful approach to sauce application guarantees that your enchiladas maintain their structural integrity while allowing the flavors to blend harmoniously.
Incorporating these methods into your enchilada preparation can elevate the overall experience and achieve a desirable balance between the tortillas and the sauce. The outcome is a gratifying culinary delight where the tortillas retain their integrity, and the sauce enhances the flavors without overpowering the dish.
So, the next time you make enchiladas, remember to employ these techniques and relish in enchiladas that are perfectly sauced and bursting with delightful flavors.
Crockpot Method: Cream Cheese Chicken Enchilada Recipe
Suppose you find yourself pressed for time or prefer the convenience of a slow cooker. In that case, there's a clever way to prepare your enchiladas beforehand. By partially cooking them in the crockpot, they'll be ready to be finished off when you return home after a hectic day.
Preparing the Chicken
Gather boneless chicken breasts, cream cheese, salsa verde, onion, and seasoning. Combine these ingredients in the crockpot and let them simmer on medium heat for 4-6 hours. As the whole chicken mixture slowly cooks, the flavors meld together, resulting in tender and flavorful meat that will be the star of your enchiladas.
Shredding the Chicken and Preheating the Oven
Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked and quickly shreds apart with a fork, it's time to move on to the next step.
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it's nice and hot. While the oven heats up, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using a fork. The result is juicy, seasoned chicken ready to be incorporated into your cream cheese chicken enchilada recipe below.
Assembling the Enchiladas
Now, following the instructions from the original recipe, assemble your enchiladas using the shredded chicken as the delicious filling. Roll them up tightly and place them in a baking dish.
You can either cover the container and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake or proceed with baking them immediately.
Baking the Enchiladas
When the time comes to enjoy your enchiladas, remove the dish from the refrigerator if you stored it, and place it in the preheated oven.
Allow the enchiladas to bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the cheese melts and becomes wonderfully bubbly. The tortillas have turned a golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.
By taking advantage of the convenience of a crockpot and the option to cook your enchiladas partially in advance, you can effortlessly savor a flavorful and satisfying meal, even on the busiest days. Whether you finish them in the crockpot or oven, the result will be enchiladas bursting with delicious flavors ready to be enjoyed.
Easy Low Carb Cream Cheese Enchiladas
You can still enjoy the creamy goodness of chicken enchiladas while sticking to your low-carb diet.
These irresistible low-carb cream cheese enchiladas are designed to satisfy your cravings without compromising your dietary goals. They have been carefully crafted to be low in carbohydrates, allowing you to relish a delicious meal while staying committed to your healthy eating plan.
Don't hesitate to try them and experience the delectable flavors for yourself. These low-carb cream cheese enchiladas are bursting with taste and feature a velvety filling that will excite your taste buds.
So indulge in this delightful and gratifying dish, knowing you're making choices that align with your low-carb lifestyle.
Easy Low Carb Cream Cheese Enchiladas
Ingredients
- 12 oz package cream cheese full fat
- 2 8 oz cans of salsa verde
- 1/2 lb ground beef or shredded chicken
- 1 cup white onion chopped
- 1 Tbsp homemade taco seasoning
- 8-10 low carb tortillas I use these
- 12 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. While the oven is preheating, prepare the meat.
- If you are using chicken, you will have to make sure it's pre-cooked and shredded. Caramelize the onions in a pan with a tsp or so with butter or the oil of your choice. Combine onions, chicken, and homemade taco seasoning.
- If you are using beef, brown the beef and onions together in a pan, incorporating the homemade taco seasoning during cooking.
- Over medium heat, mix together the cream cheese and salsa verde until the cream cheese is melted and the ingredients are incorporated.
- Spread about 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce in the bottom of as shallow baking dish. Assemble the enchiladas by placing 1/4 cup of meat mixture and 1/4 cup of shredded cheese on each tortilla. Wrap the tortillas tight and line them close together in the baking dish.
- Once the tortillas are assembled, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the enchiladas. Top with remaining cheese.
- Cover pan loosely with tin foil and bake enchiladas for 15-20 minutes at 375 degrees. Optionally, remove the tin foil and set the oven to broil for 2-3 minutes to crisp the cheese slightly on top.
- Garnish with chopped green onion, cool slightly, and serve warm!
Notes
How To Reheat Chicken Enchiladas
If you have some leftover enchiladas and want to enjoy them again, rest assured that you can savor their deliciousness again. You can use several methods to reheat your enchiladas, ensuring the flavors are preserved and taste as good as the first time.
Option 1: Oven Reheating
I suggest transferring your enchiladas to a separate baking dish to reheat the entire dish. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and leave the enchiladas uncovered. Place the container in the oven and let the enchiladas heat until they reach the desired temperature.
The oven reheating method helps to restore a slight crispness to the tortillas and revive the flavors, providing you with a delightful second serving of your enchiladas.
Option 2: Microwave Reheating
The microwave is convenient if you prefer reheating a single serving of enchiladas. Place the desired enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
Heat the enchiladas in the microwave on high power for approximately 30 seconds or until they reach the desired temperature. Keep an eye on them to prevent overheating, as microwaves can vary in intensity.
Whichever reheating method you choose, I recommend checking the enchiladas for doneness and ensuring they reach a safe internal temperature before enjoying. This will help ensure that your reheated enchiladas are thoroughly heated and ready to be savored.
So, whether you decide to reheat your enchiladas in the oven, allowing the flavors to meld together and the tortillas to regain their slight crispness, or opt for the quick and convenient microwave method for a single serving, you can be confident that your enchiladas will bring delight to your taste buds once again.
Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting warmth of your reheated enchiladas, savoring each bite as if freshly made.
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This sounds delicious.