Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love? This Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe is a game-changer. With tender chicken, layers of enchilada sauce, cheese, and tortillas, this dish brings all the flavors of classic enchiladas without the hassle of rolling each one individually.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Cooking: Toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
2. Comfort Food Classic: A warm, cheesy, and satisfying dish that hits all the right notes.
3. Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or tweak the ingredients to suit your taste.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep: Great for leftovers and easy to reheat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken
   • Sprinkle the chicken breasts or thighs with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Add to the Slow Cooker
   • Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Pour the Enchilada Sauce
   • Cover the chicken with the enchilada sauce. Add the chicken broth if you prefer a slightly saucier casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Set the Slow Cooker
   • Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
2. Shred the Chicken
   • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the slow cooker and stir to combine.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

1. Add the Tortillas
   • Place a layer of tortilla quarters over the saucy chicken mixture.
2. Add Cheese
   • Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over the tortillas.
3. Repeat Layers
   • Continue layering the chicken mixture, tortillas, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.

Step 4: Cook the Casserole

1. Switch to Low Heat
   • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for an additional 30–40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Check for Doneness
   • Ensure the tortillas have softened and absorbed some of the sauce for the perfect casserole texture.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the Casserole
   • Use a large spoon to scoop out portions of the casserole onto plates or bowls.
2. Add Toppings
   • Top with your favorite garnishes like avocado, cilantro, sour cream, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.

Tips for the Best Chicken Enchilada Casserole

1. Use Corn Tortillas
   • Corn tortillas hold up better than flour tortillas in the slow cooker and provide an authentic enchilada flavor.
2. Customize the Heat Level
   • Adjust the spice by choosing mild or spicy enchilada sauce and adding extra chili powder or jalapeños.
3. Shredding Hack
   • Use a hand mixer to shred cooked chicken quickly and easily.
4. Cheese Choices
   • For a creamier texture, add a layer of cream cheese or queso fresco.
5. Prevent Soggy Tortillas
   • If you prefer a less saucy casserole, reduce the amount of broth or sauce slightly.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Version
   • Swap the chicken for black beans, pinto beans, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
2. Beef Enchilada Casserole
   • Replace chicken with ground beef or shredded beef for a hearty variation.
3. Extra Veggies
   • Add chopped onions, bell peppers, or corn kernels to the layers for added texture and flavor.
4. Creamy Twist
   • Stir in a can of cream of chicken soup or a dollop of sour cream for a richer dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken?

• Absolutely! If you have leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken, shred it and skip the initial slow-cooking step. Simply mix it with enchilada sauce and proceed with layering.

2. Can I Make This Spicier?

• Yes! Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or use a spicy enchilada sauce for an extra kick.

3. Can I Use Store-Bought Enchilada Sauce?

• Yes, store-bought sauce is convenient, but homemade enchilada sauce can elevate the flavors significantly.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe is a surefire way to bring the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine to your table with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you crave a comforting and satisfying meal. Try it today and enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness with your favorite toppings!

Yield: 6

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Print

Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner that the whole family will love? This Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe is a game-changer. With tender chicken, layers of enchilada sauce, cheese, and tortillas, this dish brings all the flavors of classic enchiladas without the hassle of rolling each one individually.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 5 hours

Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
• 1 (10 oz) can green enchilada sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 10-12 corn tortillas, cut into strips
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional Toppings:
• Chopped cilantro
• Diced avocado
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Salsa

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Base
   Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
   Pour in the red and green enchilada sauces and chicken broth. Add the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   
2. Step 2: Cook the Chicken
   Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
   
3. Step 3: Shred the Chicken
   Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
   
4. Step 4: Add Layers
   Stir in the black beans and frozen corn.
   Add the tortilla strips to the slow cooker and gently stir to combine everything.
   Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the mixture and gently fold it in.
   Spread the remaining 1 cup of cheese evenly over the surface.
   
5. Step 5: Finish Cooking
   Cover and cook on low for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
6. Step 6: Serve
   Scoop the casserole into bowls or plates.
   Top with your favorite garnishes like cilantro, avocado, sour cream, or salsa.

Notes

Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Protein Alternatives: Swap the chicken for ground beef, turkey, or even cooked beans for a vegetarian option.