Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
Our Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole is the perfect meal for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family. This dish combines tender chicken, flavorful spices, and gooey cheese layered with tortillas, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Plus, it’s gluten-free, easy to prepare, and cooks slowly in the crockpot, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: Simply add the ingredients to your crockpot in the morning and let it do all the work.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of enchilada sauce, spices, and cheese packs a punch of flavor that will delight your taste buds.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is easily adaptable for gluten-free diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy it.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep for busy weeks ahead.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy goodness makes it appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing your Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole even simpler. Here are some essentials you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Mixing spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking while developing rich flavors.
- Cutting board: Essential for safely preparing your ingredients before cooking.
- Sharp knife: A good knife helps you quickly chop ingredients like chicken and veggies.
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—and dinner is ready!
For the Chicken Mixture
- 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
For the Additions
- 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: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
- Add chicken breasts to your slow cooker.
- Pour in the red enchilada sauce.
- Add fire-roasted tomatoes and green chiles.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over everything.
Step 2: Cook Until Tender
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
Step 3: Shred Chicken and Add Remaining Ingredients
- Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken inside the crockpot.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheese along with black beans, corn, and tortilla wedges.
- Top with remaining shredded cheese.
- Cover again and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until cheese has melted.
Now you’re all set to enjoy a delicious plate of Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole!
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Each serving option adds a unique twist to this comforting meal, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Toppings
- Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture and balances the spices.
- Fresh Cilantro – Chopped cilantro brings a fresh flavor that complements the enchiladas beautifully.
- Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado slices enhance the richness and add healthy fats.
Sides
- Mexican Rice – Serve with fluffy Mexican rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Refried Beans – A side of refried beans provides additional protein and fiber.
- Guacamole – Fresh guacamole pairs perfectly with the enchiladas, adding creaminess and flavor.
Salads
- Corn Salad – A refreshing corn salad adds a crunchy element and bright flavors.
- Cabbage Slaw – A tangy cabbage slaw can cut through the richness of the casserole.
How to Perfect Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
To make sure your crockpot chicken enchiladas casserole turns out just right, follow these helpful tips.
- Choose Quality Ingredients – Fresh ingredients enhance flavor and nutrition, so opt for high-quality chicken and organic sauces when possible.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Crockpot – Ensure there’s enough space for ingredients to cook evenly; overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Adjust Spices to Taste – Feel free to modify the taco seasoning based on your spice preference for a milder or spicier dish.
- Layer Ingredients Wisely – Place heavier ingredients like chicken at the bottom of the crockpot for even cooking.
- Let It Rest Before Serving – Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld flavors together.
- Experiment with Cheese Varieties – Try different cheese blends for distinct flavors, such as pepper jack or queso fresco.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
Pair your crockpot chicken enchiladas casserole with complementary side dishes to create a full meal. Here are some great options:
- Mexican Street Corn – This flavorful corn dish is grilled and topped with cheese, lime, and spices, making it an excellent companion.
- Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips paired with fresh salsa provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft casserole.
- Black Bean Salad – A zesty black bean salad adds protein and freshness, enhancing your meal’s nutrition profile.
- Queso Dip – Creamy queso dip is perfect for dipping chips or veggies while waiting for dinner to be served.
- Pico de Gallo – Fresh pico de gallo offers vibrant flavors that brighten up each bite of casserole.
- Grilled Vegetables – Charred seasonal vegetables add color and nutrients, creating a balanced plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making crockpot chicken enchiladas casserole, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Skipping the seasoning: Always add enough taco seasoning and enchilada sauce to ensure the dish has great flavor. This enhances the overall taste of your casserole.
- Overloading the crockpot: Avoid filling your crockpot beyond its capacity. An overcrowded pot can lead to uneven cooking and may result in undercooked chicken.
- Not shredding the chicken properly: If you don’t shred the chicken well, it won’t integrate with the other ingredients. Use two forks to shred it thoroughly for best results.
- Using stale tortillas: Ensure your tortillas are fresh or well-stored. Stale tortillas can affect the texture and taste of your casserole.
- Ignoring cook times: Stick to recommended cooking times. Cooking too long can dry out the chicken, while cooking too short may leave it undercooked.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Container: Use an airtight container for best freshness.
Freezing Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
- Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Container: Store in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Reheating Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about crockpot chicken enchiladas casserole, here are some common inquiries.
How do I know when my crockpot chicken enchiladas casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Can I customize my crockpot chicken enchiladas casserole?
Absolutely! You can add more vegetables, different types of beans, or swap out cheeses based on your preferences.
What sides pair well with crockpot chicken enchiladas casserole?
Serve with a simple salad, rice, or tortilla chips for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and can be easily reheated throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot chicken enchiladas casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting spices to suit your taste. We encourage you to give this easy recipe a try; it’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole is a delightful and effortless dish that brings the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine right to your table. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this recipe features tender chicken simmered in a rich enchilada sauce, layered with hearty beans, sweet corn, and gooey cheese. Simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and let it work its magic while you tackle your day. Gluten-free and adaptable for various palates, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with your choice of toppings like sour cream and fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor!
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 15 ounces red enchilada sauce
- 14.5 ounces fire-roasted tomatoes
- 4.5 ounces green chiles
- 1 packet gluten-free taco seasoning
- 1 cup black beans (or pinto beans)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 6 small corn tortillas
Instructions
- Add chicken breasts to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the enchilada sauce, followed by fire-roasted tomatoes and green chiles.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken inside the crockpot using two forks.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheese, black beans, corn, and tortilla wedges.
- Top with remaining cheese, cover again, and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until cheese melts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
