You are going to fall in love with these crazy-good keto Zucchini Enchiladas as much as I have! They are the perfect way to enjoy all the yumminess of enchiladas sans the carbs. An ideal solution for a low carb diet, or for anyone wanting to sneak more veggies into their diet.
Zucchini Enchiladas are Just As Good as the "Real Thing"!
To say that I love Mexican food is an understatement.
There was a time in my life when if you had asked me what my favorite food was, my reply would have been “sour cream”!
And cheese! Oh, how I love cheese.
Given how often the two make a joint appearance in Southwestern cuisine, my love comes at no surprise.
I don’t think it matters what part of the country you live in; enchiladas are a favorite dish. It doesn’t get much more delicious than a cheesy, creamy enchilada.
Unfortunately, they also tend to be loaded with carbs.
Since my break up with carbohydrates, I've been working to find ways to enjoy all my favorites without them.
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And these Zucchini Enchiladas allow me to do just that.
I am surprised at just how well zucchini makes a stand-in for tortillas. I knew the recipe was going to hit the mark when it came to flavor but was afraid I'd find myself craving the texture of a tortilla.
Surprisingly, I did not.
It was lighter and more delicate than enchiladas made the traditional way, and the flavors stood out. This is one that is going in my rotation on a regular basis.
Although you can certainly use bought enchilada sauce, I encourage you to make your own. Enchilada sauce can be a hidden source of gluten and carbohydrates, not to mention other ingredients you are better off without. My Keto Enchilada Sauce is super-easy to make and free of the nasties.
How to Make Zucchini Enchiladas
1 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and spray a 13 x 9 baking dish with cooking spray.
2 Use a vegetable slicer to slice long thin strips of zucchini. Sprinkle with salt and let sit on paper towels while you prep the filling.
3 Cook the onion and jalapeño in a large skillet that has been well sprayed with oils. Add garlic and cook one more minute.
4 Transfer the cooked vegetables to a bowl. Stir in chicken, sour cream, and ½ cup of cheese.
5 Place three to four strips of zucchini lengthwise so that they overlap. Add the chicken mixture on top and roll up from one side. Carefully transfer to the baking dish.
6 Pour the Enchilada Sauce on top of the zucchini.
7 Sprinkle with cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an enchilada?
The term is one that is used in different ways, but it generally refers to a tortilla that has been dipped into an enchilada sauce and then stuffed and rolled. They can be filled with cheese, meats, and/or vegetables. Most of the time, the tortillas are fried before they are dipped in the sauce to soften them up.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe does surprisingly well made ahead of time. You can either prep the casserole and cook it when you are ready to serve, or you can reheat already cooked portions. It holds up well for two to three days in a covered dish in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze Zucchini Enchiladas?
No. Due to the high moisture content, zucchini doesn't freeze well. You can freeze the onion and chicken mixture so that you can have it on hand for a quick dinner.
What do you serve with Keto Enchiladas?
- Spanish Cauliflower Rice or Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
- Side salad
All About Zucchini
Zucchini Season
While zucchini is in season in the summer, you can find them in grocery stores throughout the year.
Selecting Zucchini
When selecting zucchini, look for ones that are bright green and are firm and free from soft spots. Smaller squash will be less watery and have fewer seeds. I recommend looking for zucchini that are between 6 and 8 ounces.
Storing Zucchini
Store zucchini in a partially sealed zip-top bag for up to five days. Zucchini does not freeze or can well.
Other Recipes To Try
- Keto Enchilada Sauce is so easy to make and is the best way I know to control the ingredients (and heat) in your enchilada sauce.
- Keto Stuffed Chicken is a dish that is fancy enough for company, but easy enough for a weeknight.
- Low Carb Zucchini Fritters are perfect for when you want to mix up your meal plan. A great vegetarian keto dinner!
- You won't believe how much like the "real thing" this Keto Chile Relleno casserole is! With just a handful of ingredients, it is perfect for busy weeknights.
Zucchini Enchiladas
Ingredients
- 3 zucchini
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- 1 jalapeño seeded and diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 16 ounces chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded (Use my Instant Pot Chicken)
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese divided
- 1 cup enchilada sauce low carb
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13 x 9 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prepare the zucchini.
- If you have a kitchen aid stand mixer and the super veggie tool, use that to make your “tortillas”.
- Otherwise, use a vegetable slicer to slice long thin strips of zucchini. Sprinkle zucchini with salt and allow to drain on paper towels for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, spray a large skillet with oil and add onion and jalapeno. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, add garlic and cook one more minute.
- Transfer vegetables to a bowl and stir in chicken.
- Add sour cream and ½ cup of the cheese and stir to combine.
- To fill the enchiladas, place four strips of zucchini lengthwise so that they overlap. Add chicken mixture on top, Roll up from one side and carefully transfer to the baking dish.
- Top with enchilada sauce, and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the dish is heated through.
Deb Ball says
This looks great, can't wait to try it.
Thank you for sharing your recipes. You are making it easy to go wheat free.
Stacie says
That looks so good! I love this healthier take on an old favorite. i can't wait to try this.
Snehal says
I know someone who is on a keto diet. Gotta share! The dish looks so yummy. I might try myself too.
Subhashish Roy says
Any dish with low carbs appeals to me. This Zucchini Enchiladas seems to be the perfect dish to try & enjoy a great meal.
CherishingFlo says
I’d probably say cheese, sour cream, and guacamole (or avocado in general). I’ve never heard of this kind of enchilada and I have a friend who is on a Keto diet. I may have to pass this along!
Theresa says
My husband started Keto about 3 weeks ago, so I'm definitely saving this recipe. He seems to be growing bored with his menu, but I'm sure this will perk him right back up! Thanks!
artchee says
Your zucchini enchilada looks very delicious and nutritious. This would be a great addition to my diet. :0)
Stacy Liz says
This is a perfect recipe that came along at the right time for me! I’m not on a keto diet but I like to try and eat low carbs as often as I can - especially with summer coming! This dish looks so good!
Heather says
I was just saying that I needed to figure out what to do with the zucchini in our fridge, before it goes bad. I'm making this tonight!
Rosey says
What a great way to use the zucchini. I'm down for trying a zucchini enchilada any day!
Bill Sweeney says
What a twist on a classic recipe. This looks delicious and easy to make. A healthy alternative to traditional enchiladas.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
This will be perfect for our weekend dinners. The kids are home on weekends so it would be nice to have all of us together enjoying a delicious meal. Thanks for the recipe. Saving it and making it for next weekend's dinner.
Sara Welch says
These look so great; I will make these for my picky eaters! They will never know they are eating veggies!
Wendy says
Sneaky veggies is what I call winning around here! Let me know how it goes.
Beth Pierce says
What a great recipe! I love that it's healthy, appetizing and won't mess with my diet!
Wendy says
Thank you! I really love this one.
Megha says
Wow you explained everything so well. It looks so yummy nad mouth watering.
Wendy says
Thanks so much!
Kristine Nicole Alessandra says
An enchilada is an enchilada regardless of how you make it or what goes in it. I like this zucchini version. It is a whole lot healthier and as delicious as the traditional recipe!
Wendy says
Yes, for sure! All of the yum factor without the extra carbs and calories.
Porsha carr says
Wow I would’ve never thought to use zucchini
Wendy says
It is such a great swap! I am surprised at how well it works.
emman damian says
Zucchini Enchiladas look so easy to do and so healthy. I widh I can make this on weekends. I’ll buy the ingredients tomorrow for sure!
Wendy says
Let me know how it goes!
Connie says
WOW! I love that you used zucchini instead! It looks absolutely delicious! I have a friend who's Mexican and needs gluten free recipes so I'll def pass this one along to her.
Wendy says
Thanks so much! And, yes, please do pass it along!
Tanjiro says
I just harvested some zucchinis from my garden and I'm thinking of trying this recipe because this looks so good. I think I'm going to try this tomorrow for our lunch Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Tanjiro says
Perfect! I just harvested some zucchinis yesterday. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Tabitha says
I am vegetarian, what would you suggest substituting the chicken with?
Wendy Polisi says
Are you trying to stick to keto? If so, you could just add more cheese.
Vera says
Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
Judy says
Why not just use low carb tortillas?
Wendy Polisi says
You certainly could, but most have gluten in them which is a no-go for strict keto. Plus, this is a delicious way to get more veggies in your diet.
If you don't have a sensitivity and it works for you, go for it!