Snug & Soulful Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Hearty and comforting, this crockpot chicken enchilada casserole brings bold Southwestern flavors right to your dinner table.

Layers of tender chicken, melted cheese, and rich enchilada sauce create a mouth-watering meal that sings with authentic Mexican-inspired taste.

Slow cooking lets each ingredient meld together, developing deep, complex flavors that make every bite memorable.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with minimal prep work, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Packed with protein and zesty seasonings, this casserole offers a satisfying meal that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Spice up your dinner routine and watch as this crowd-pleasing dish becomes a new family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 391 kcal

Servings: 7

What to Buy for Crockpot Enchilada Casserole

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean protein that absorbs rich enchilada flavors and creates hearty texture.
• Black Beans: Protein-packed legume that adds creamy thickness and earthy depth to the casserole.

• Corn: Sweet, crisp vegetable that brings bright color and subtle sweetness.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Zesty ingredient that adds tangy brightness and mild heat.
• Enchilada Sauce: Signature Mexican-inspired sauce that infuses rich, complex flavor.
• Chili Powder: Warm spice blend that delivers authentic southwestern kick.
• Cumin: Smoky, earthy spice that provides deep southwestern undertone.
• Garlic Powder: Concentrated aromatic that amplifies savory essence.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and elevate overall taste.

• Tortilla Strips: Soft, absorbent base that soaks up delicious sauce and adds traditional Mexican texture.
• Cheese: Creamy, melty topping that creates irresistible golden crust.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright, herbaceous garnish that adds fresh, zesty final touch.

Tools That Make Chicken Enchilada Casserole Easier

• Crockpot/slow cooker: Essential for cooking the entire dish with minimal effort.
• Two forks: Perfect for easily shredding tender chicken.
• Cutting board: Helpful for chopping fresh cilantro for garnish.
• Measuring spoons: Needed for accurate seasoning like chili powder and cumin.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and combining everything in the slow cooker.

Your Guide to Making Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Prep the Protein Powerhouse

Toss chicken into the crockpot as your flavor foundation. Layer in black beans, corn, and zesty diced tomatoes with a splash of enchilada sauce to create a mouthwatering base.

• Slow Cook to Perfection

Let the happen by covering and cooking on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will transform into tender, pull-apart goodness.

• Shred and Mix

Grab two forks and break down the chicken into delectable strands. Return the shredded meat back into the crockpot’s flavor bath.

• Create Cheesy Comfort

Fold in crispy tortilla strips and blanket everything with a generous layer of melty cheese. Let it simmer for another 20-30 minutes until the cheese becomes irresistibly gooey.

• Finish with Fresh Flair

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of brightness. Serve this hearty dish that’ll make taste buds dance with excitement.

Helpful Ideas to Tweak Your Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• Replace tortilla strips with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version that's just as delicious.
• Experiment with different proteins like shredded beef, turkey, or even plant-based alternatives for a versatile meal that keeps things interesting.
• Adjust the heat by using mild or hot enchilada sauce, adding jalapeños, or incorporating different types of green chilies to match your preferred spice tolerance.
• Substitute regular cheese with vegan cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for those avoiding dairy while maintaining a rich, satisfying flavor profile.
• Assemble the ingredients the night before and store in the refrigerator, then simply place in the crockpot in the morning for an effortless dinner solution.

Ways to Serve Chicken Enchilada Casserole at Mealtime

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this enchilada casserole as a hearty main dish with everyone gathered around the table, enjoying warm conversation and delicious comfort food.
• Fresh Taco Bar Companion: Create a mini taco bar alongside the casserole with chopped lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa so guests can customize their plates with extra toppings.
• Refreshing Side Pairings: Complement the rich casserole with a light Mexican-style salad featuring mixed greens, lime vinaigrette, and sliced avocado for a balanced meal that adds brightness to the dish.
• Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for quick lunches during the week, ensuring a delicious and convenient meal that reheats perfectly without losing flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Enchilada Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture loss.
• Portion the casserole into individual servings or family-sized containers. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring you wrap each container with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
• Thaw refrigerated or frozen casserole in the microwave or oven. For oven reheating, cover with foil at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese for renewed deliciousness.
• Create multiple batches during weekend cooking sessions. Divide into meal-prep containers for quick weeknight dinners, saving time and ensuring delectable meals are always ready when hunger strikes.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the crockpot. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure they cook thoroughly and can be easily shredded.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and double-check that your enchilada sauce is gluten-free. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

• How spicy is this chicken enchilada casserole?

The recipe has a mild to medium heat level. If you prefer more spice, add extra green chilies or include some jalapeños. For less heat, use mild enchilada sauce and reduce the chili powder.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace the cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from cashews, almonds, or soy. Alternatively, you can omit cheese entirely and the dish will still be flavorful.

Cozy Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole delivers Mexican-inspired comfort straight from your slow cooker. Layers of tender chicken, cheese, and tortillas create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lb (680 g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 2 cups (226 g) Mexican blend cheese, shredded
• 2 cups (480 ml) red enchilada sauce
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 oz / 285 g) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1 cup (150 g) frozen corn (or canned, drained)
• 10 small corn tortillas, cut into strips
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Crockpot Preparation: Arrange chicken breasts as the foundational layer in the slow cooker, creating a protein-rich base for the enchilada casserole.
2. Ingredient Layering: Evenly distribute black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and enchilada sauce over the chicken, ensuring comprehensive ingredient coverage.
3. Seasoning Infusion: Blend chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper throughout the mixture, gently integrating flavor profiles for maximum taste complexity.
4. Slow Cooking Transformation: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes exceptionally tender and easily manipulated.
5. Chicken Deconstruction: Meticulously shred chicken using two forks, transforming the meat into delicate, uniform strands that will absorb surrounding flavors.
6. Texture Building: Fold torn tortilla strips into the shredded chicken mixture, creating a rustic, layered composition that enhances the casserole’s structural integrity.
7. Cheese Culmination: Generously crown the dish with shredded cheese, allowing it to melt into a golden, bubbling surface that adds richness and visual appeal.
8. Final Flourish: Uncover the crockpot and continue cooking for 20-30 minutes to achieve optimal cheese melting and flavor integration, then garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.

Notes

• Prevent Dry Chicken: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra moisture and richer flavor, ensuring tender meat throughout cooking.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and green chilies to match personal heat tolerance, from mild to fiery hot.
• Enhance Cheese Melting: Cover with lid during final cheese melting stage to create smoother, more even cheese coverage and prevent burning.
• Dietary Modifications: Substitute corn tortillas with gluten-free alternatives for celiac-friendly version, or use low-fat cheese for reduced-calorie option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 391
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 756 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 76 mg