Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot: Easy & Delicious Slow Cooker Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, then you’ve come to the right place! This Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot: Easy & Delicious Slow Cooker Recipe is a favorite in my household. Why? Because it combines tender, shredded chicken with a rich and flavorful sauce, all wrapped up in warm tortillas and topped with gooey cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to spend less time cooking and more time enjoying dinner with your loved ones.

This recipe is not only easy but also versatile enough for family gatherings or casual get-togethers. With just a little prep work in the morning, you can have a delicious meal ready by dinnertime. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy Preparation: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you go about your day!
• Family-Friendly Flavor: Kids and adults alike will love these cheesy enchiladas—it’s a crowd-pleaser!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! Make it ahead of time and reheat for quick dinners throughout the week.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own.
• Delicious Leftovers: These enchiladas taste even better the next day, so enjoy them for lunch or dinner!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need any fancy ingredients here—just simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful slow cooker recipe:

For the Enchiladas

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce (mild, medium, or hot, depending on your preference)
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Optional Toppings

• sour cream
• guacamole
• chopped cilantro
• diced tomatoes
• sliced black olives

Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey instead of chicken breasts for an even quicker option.
• Add some veggies: Toss in some black beans or corn before cooking to bulk up the filling and add extra flavor.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, consider adding jalapeños or using a spicier enchilada sauce.
• Go dairy-free: Substitute vegan cheese for the cheddar if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

How to Make Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot: Easy & Delicious Slow Cooker Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This way, they will soak up all those delicious flavors as they cook!

Step 2: Combine Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the enchilada sauce, cream of chicken soup, diced green chilies (undrained), chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture is what gives our enchiladas their incredible flavor!

Step 3: Pour Sauce

Now pour that wonderful sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. This helps keep the chicken moist and ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Cook

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Cooking it low and slow lets those flavors meld beautifully while making the chicken incredibly tender.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. This step is crucial because shredding allows all that flavorful sauce to coat each piece.

Step 6: Preheat Oven (Optional)

If you’d like crispy edges on your enchiladas (and who doesn’t?), preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) now.

Step 7: Warm Tortillas

Warm up those tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for 30 seconds or heating them in a dry skillet briefly. Warming makes them easier to roll without cracking!

Step 8: Assemble Enchiladas

Lay one warmed tortilla flat on a surface. Spoon about 1/3 cup of shredded chicken mixture onto its center and sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 9: Roll Up

Carefully roll up the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 10: Repeat

Continue assembling until you’ve used all tortillas along with the remaining chicken mixture and cheese.

Step 11: Pour Remaining Sauce

Pour any remaining sauce from your slow cooker evenly over those beautiful enchiladas. This keeps them moist during baking!

Step 12: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle any remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of your enchiladas for that irresistible cheesy goodness.

Step 13: Bake (Optional)

If you’ve opted to bake them, place them in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until melted and bubbly—this step is optional but oh-so-worth-it!

Step 14: Let Cool

Let those cheesy enchiladas cool down slightly before serving; this makes them easier to cut without losing their shape.

Step 15: Serve

Serve these warm delights with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced black olives—whatever makes you happy!

And there you have it! A Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot: Easy & Delicious Slow Cooker Recipe that’s bound to become one of your go-to meals. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot: Easy & Delicious Slow Cooker Recipe

Creating the perfect chicken enchiladas in your slow cooker is a breeze with these handy tips!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients, such as homemade or high-quality enchilada sauce, can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish, making it more vibrant and delicious.

• Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Proper seasoning is key. The spices in this recipe not only add depth but also bring out the natural flavors in the chicken and sauce.

• Warm Tortillas Properly: Warm tortillas are more pliable and less likely to break when rolling. This ensures that your enchiladas hold together beautifully during baking.

• Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add beans, black olives, or corn to the chicken mixture for extra texture and nutrition. Customizing fillings can make each bite uniquely yours!

• Let them Rest Before Serving: Allowing the enchiladas to cool for a few minutes after baking helps set them, making them easier to serve without falling apart.

How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot: Easy & Delicious Slow Cooker Recipe

Serving your chicken enchiladas can be just as fun as preparing them! Here are some creative ideas to present this comforting dish.

Garnishes

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spiciness of the enchiladas.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of color and freshness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Diced Avocado: Creamy avocado chunks offer a rich texture that complements the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Rice: Fluffy and seasoned rice makes a perfect base for your enchiladas and absorbs any extra sauce beautifully.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and richness while providing a traditional touch to your meal.
• Guacamole Salad: A refreshing guacamole salad with tomatoes, onions, and lime juice adds a zesty contrast to the warm enchiladas.
• Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred veggies like bell peppers and zucchini provide a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with your enchiladas.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create an impressive meal that’s sure to delight family and friends alike! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy delicious enchiladas throughout the week. Here are some easy tips for storing, freezing, and reheating your leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat individual servings in the microwave or the oven until heated through.

Freezing

• Allow the enchiladas to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Frozen enchiladas can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through.
• For microwave reheating, place a single enchilada on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel; heat for about 1-2 minutes or until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

Can I use frozen chicken in my Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low or 30-60 minutes on high. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How do I make this Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot recipe spicier?

If you love heat, consider using hot enchilada sauce or adding diced jalapeños to your sauce mixture. You could also sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the blend for an extra kick!

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Absolutely! While corn tortillas add a great flavor and texture, you can substitute them with flour tortillas if that’s your preference. Just be sure to adjust cooking time as needed since they may bake differently.

Is this Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot recipe gluten-free?

Yes! By using gluten-free tortillas and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free meal. Always check labels to confirm.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot recipe! It’s not just about filling your belly; it’s about sharing delicious moments with loved ones around the dinner table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering, these enchiladas are sure to please everyone. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings or sides that you love. Happy cooking!

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