
These protein-rich chicken enchiladas give a healthy twist to a classic Mexican favorite while keeping all the flavor. We've thrown in protein-loaded cottage cheese, bumping each serving up to 27g of protein but still maintaining that yummy, creamy, cheesy texture. The combo of soft chicken, smooth cottage cheese, and bold spices creates a filling that's not just tasty but totally satisfying without leaving you stuffed.
I came up with these when I was looking for ways to add more protein to regular enchiladas. The best part? When I served them to my buddies without telling them about the hidden cottage cheese, not one person noticed! They just kept raving about how smooth and delicious the filling was. These have now become a regular in my weekly food plan, particularly during those hectic times when I need fast, protein-packed dinners.
What You'll Need
Gather these items for your Cottage Cheese Chicken Enchiladas:
- Pulled rotisserie chicken: 2½ cups, gives you easy, skinny protein with no extra cooking time.
- 2% low fat cottage cheese: ¾ cup, adds protein punch and smoothness with lower calories.
- Green chilies, diced: ½ of a 4 oz can, adds gentle spice and true Mexican taste.
- Taco seasoning: 1½ tbsp, delivers all those yummy Southwest flavors.
- Salt: To taste, makes all other flavors pop.
- Low carb tortillas: 6 creates the base with fewer carbs.
- Enchilada sauce: ¾ cup, brings that classic zingy tomato flavor.
- Mexican cheese blend, shredded: 1 cup, makes that stretchy, melty topping we all want.
Cooking Directions
Follow these steps for awesome Cottage Cheese Chicken Enchiladas every time:
- Prep Your Dish
- Turn oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread ½ cup enchilada sauce on the bottom.
- Create Your Protein Filling
- Stir together your pulled chicken, cottage cheese, taco seasoning, and green chilies in a bowl. Mix it up good and add salt as you like.
- Wrap Your Enchiladas
- Put ½ cup of chicken mix onto each tortilla, sprinkle some cheese, then roll them tightly and place them crease-down in your dish.
- Add The Finishing Touch
- Pour the remaining ¼ cup of enchilada sauce over your rolled tortillas and scatter the leftover cheese on top.
- Cook Until It Bubbles
- Wrap with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then take the foil off and cook another 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Let It Rest
- Wait 5 minutes before serving. Add fresh cilantro, avocado chunks, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt if you want.

Perfect For Meal Prep
These enchiladas are fantastic for planning ahead. They heat up perfectly in the microwave and stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months.

When I first made these enchiladas, I was totally expecting everyone to catch the cottage cheese right off the bat, but it completely disappears while making everything super creamy. I've tried different proteins since then too. Turkey leftovers are perfect after holiday meals, and black beans make an awesome veggie version. What really gets me about this dish is how it transforms what's normally a cheat meal into something that actually backs up my fitness goals, without feeling like I'm missing out at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which low-carb tortillas should I pick?
- There are heaps of low-carb tortilla options at stores, often made from almond or coconut flour, or blended wheat and fiber. Check out Mission Carb Balance or La Tortilla Factory brands—find ones with 5-8g net carbs to keep it light.
- → Can I use something other than cottage cheese?
- Of course! Ricotta gives the same creamy texture, plain Greek yogurt brings a little tartness, or softened cream cheese makes it richer—just don’t overdo it.
- → How spicy are these enchiladas?
- They have a gentle zing, thanks to the green chilies, but not overpowering. Cut the amount in half for extra mild or toss in a spicy sauce if you love heat.
- → Is freezing them OK?
- Definitely. Assemble everything, skip baking, then freeze well-covered to keep them fresh. They’ll last about three months. Thaw them in the fridge before baking and add a bit more time in the oven!
- → What sides work best with these?
- Stick with low-carb ideas: cauliflower rice, roasted veggies like zucchini, or a fresh salad with avocado. Add toppings like guac, sour cream, or pico de gallo for extra yum.