Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole – This best Crockpot chicken enchilada casserole is hearty, and flavor-packed with homemade enchilada sauce, and cheese for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Set It and Forget It: With the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy all the flavors of enchiladas without the effort of rolling tortillas or baking.
- Family-Friendly: This meal is packed with protein, and cheesy goodness, making it a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: From spicy to mild, you can adjust the ingredients to your liking. It’s also a great way to use leftover chicken or veggies.
- Great for Meal Prep: You can easily double the recipe and store leftovers for a quick, tasty meal later in the week.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or shredded chicken from a previous meal, you can skip the raw chicken step and add the cooked chicken to your casserole.
- Layering is Key: Just like a lasagna, layering your ingredients evenly ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: If cooking on high, make sure to check at the 3-hour mark to avoid drying out the casserole.
- Use Corn Tortillas for Authentic Flavor: While you could substitute flour tortillas, corn tortillas hold up better in the slow cooker and lend a more traditional taste to the dish.
- Add Heat: If you love spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or a spicier enchilada sauce to kick things up a notch.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole – Variations
- Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole: Omit the chicken and double up on the beans and vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach are great additions.
- Beef Enchilada Casserole: Swap the chicken for ground beef or shredded beef. Brown the beef beforehand for the best flavor.
- Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole: Use green enchilada sauce and add green chiles for a tangy twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the tortillas and layer the casserole with thinly sliced zucchini or cauliflower for a keto-friendly version.
How to Serve Your Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Toppings: Load it up with fresh ingredients like avocado slices, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream to balance the richness of the casserole.
- With Sides: Pair your casserole with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
- For Breakfast: Yes, you read that right! Add a fried egg on top, and you’ve got an amazing Tex-Mex-style breakfast.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator:
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
Freezer:
This casserole freezes well! After cooking, let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, you can! However, corn tortillas hold up better in the slow cooker, maintaining their texture without becoming too soggy.
Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought enchilada sauce works perfectly and saves time. Opt for your favorite brand, or try a homemade version for added flavor.
What’s the best way to shred chicken?
The easiest way is to use two forks right in the slow cooker. If you’re looking for a quicker method, you can also use a hand mixer to shred the chicken.
Can I make this casserole spicy?
Definitely! For more heat, add diced jalapeños, use a hot enchilada sauce, or sprinkle in cayenne pepper while seasoning the chicken.
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole - This best Crockpot chicken enchilada casserole is hearty, and flavor-packed with homemade enchilada sauce, and cheese for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tsp avocado or olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 cup sour cream (plus more for serving)
- 4 corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 cups homemade or jarred enchilada sauce (16 oz)
- 4 oz shredded cheese (Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella)
- Sliced jalapeño and chopped cilantro for topping
- 1 (15 oz) can low-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
- Optional toppings:
- Crema or more sour cream
- Cilantro lime rice
- Sliced avocado
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, cumin, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the onions soften and brown slightly.
- Combine in the slow cooker: Transfer the sautéed mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the enchilada sauce, sour cream, and 1/4 cup water. Add the black beans and fold everything together.
- Nestle in the chicken: Place the chicken thighs (or breasts) into the sauce mixture, making sure they’re well-coated.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
- Add the tortillas and cheese: Stir in the tortilla strips, then sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover and let it cook for another 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Once the cheese is melted, garnish with sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and any additional toppings like avocado or sour cream. Serve over rice if desired, and enjoy!
Instant Pot Variation:
- Follow steps 1-4, then cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally.
- Shred the chicken, stir in the tortilla strips, and top with cheese.
- Cook on high pressure for an additional 5-10 minutes, then quick release.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 448Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 122mgSodium 1360mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 6gSugar 7gProtein 28g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This slow cook chicken enchilada casserole is the perfect comfort food that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner or making extra for meal prep, it’s sure to satisfy.
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