Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
Our Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family. This delicious meal combines tender chicken, flavorful enchilada sauce, and gooey cheese, all cooked effortlessly in your crockpot. Whether you need a quick dinner option or a hearty meal for a crowd, this casserole fits the bill. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Just toss the ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the work for you.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of spices, chicken, and cheese creates a satisfying meal everyone will love.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute beans or tortillas to suit your dietary needs.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe uses gluten-free ingredients, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking while infusing flavors over several hours.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop ingredients evenly, ensuring even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Sharp knife: A good knife makes slicing through chicken and vegetables quick and effortless.
Ingredients
Our crockpot chicken enchiladas are a crockpot meal packed with chicken, beans, corn, and lots of cheese! This gluten-free dinner is easy to assemble in the morning and can cook all day. Before serving, shred the chicken, add the beans, corn, cheese, and tortillas; dinner is ready!
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (✅)
- 15 ounce red enchilada sauce (✅Hatch organic is gluten-free)
- 14.5 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes (✅Hunt’s is gluten-free)
- 4.5 ounce green chiles (✅)
- 1.25 ounce gluten-free taco seasoning packet
Additional Ingredients
- 15 ounce can black beans, drained (or pinto beans)
- 1 cup frozen corn (or canned)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican or cheddar cheese (✅ )
- 6 small corn tortillas, cut into wedges (or small gluten-free flour tortillas)
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
Step 1: Add Chicken and Seasonings to the Crockpot
- Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pour in the red enchilada sauce, followed by the fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, and sprinkle in the taco seasoning packet.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Step 2: Shred Chicken and Add Remaining Ingredients
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot.
- Add half of the shredded cheese, along with the black beans, frozen corn, and pieces of tortillas.
- Sprinkle on the remaining cheese on top.
- Cover once more and let cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted.
Enjoy your deliciously comforting Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole!
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
Serving Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole can elevate your meal experience. This dish is versatile and can be paired with various sides or toppings to enhance its flavors.
Add Fresh Toppings
- Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices.
- Chopped Cilantro – Fresh cilantro brings a burst of flavor and color.
- Sliced Jalapeños – For those who enjoy heat, jalapeños add a spicy kick.
Accompany with Sides
- Guacamole – Creamy guacamole complements the dish perfectly.
- Pico de Gallo – Fresh tomato salsa provides a refreshing contrast.
- Lime Wedges – A squeeze of lime enhances the overall taste.
Serve with Rice
- Spanish Rice – Flavorful rice pairs well and absorbs the sauce.
- Cilantro Lime Rice – This zesty rice option adds an extra layer of flavor.
How to Perfect Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
Perfecting your Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole is easy with a few tips. These insights can enhance both the preparation and flavor.
- Use Quality Ingredients – Opt for fresh, organic ingredients for the best taste.
- Adjust Spice Levels – Customize the heat by adding more or fewer green chiles.
- Cook Low and Slow – Cooking on low for longer intensifies flavors and tenderizes the chicken.
- Layer Wisely – Ensure even cooking by layering ingredients properly in the crockpot.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
Pairing your Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole with delicious side dishes can create a complete meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Mexican Street Corn Salad – A tangy salad that offers sweetness from corn and zest from lime.
- Refried Beans – Creamy beans add richness and protein, perfect alongside enchiladas.
- Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips with fresh salsa make for a great appetizer or side.
- Fried Plantains – Sweet plantains provide a lovely contrast to spicy flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal veggies adds color and nutrition to your plate.
- Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb alternative that soaks up sauce beautifully while adding texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your experience making the Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping seasoning: Many people forget to add enough seasoning, which can lead to bland flavor. Always use taco seasoning and check taste before serving.
- Overcrowding the crockpot: Adding too many ingredients can prevent proper cooking. Stick to the recipe and avoid overfilling for best results.
- Not shredding the chicken properly: Improperly shredded chicken can lead to uneven distribution of flavors. Use two forks for even shredding throughout the dish.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Using generic brands can affect taste and texture. Opt for high-quality enchilada sauce and cheese for a richer flavor.
- Ignoring cooking times: Cooking for too long or too short can compromise your dish. Follow the suggested cooking times closely for perfect results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
- Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 2–3 months.
Reheating Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole:
How long does it take to prepare Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole?
The prep time is just 5 minutes, making it an easy meal option!
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time slightly.
What toppings work well with this casserole?
You can top it with sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! When using gluten-free taco seasoning and tortillas, this casserole is completely gluten-free.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap beans or use different types of cheese based on your preferences.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole is a delightful meal that offers comfort and convenience. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients easily, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Give it a try today!
Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings. This hearty dish features tender chicken simmered in zesty enchilada sauce, combined with beans, corn, and plenty of gooey cheese—all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. Whether you’re serving it at a casual dinner or a festive get-together, this easy-to-make casserole will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 15 ounces red enchilada sauce
- 14.5 ounces fire-roasted tomatoes
- 4.5 ounces green chiles
- 15 ounces black beans (drained)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
- 6 small corn tortillas (cut into wedges)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot and pour in enchilada sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, and taco seasoning.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.
- Stir in half of the cheese, black beans, corn, and tortilla wedges; top with remaining cheese.
- Cover and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 785mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
