Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas Casserole

Are you looking for a comforting Mexican-inspired dish that’s quick to make and bursting with flavour? Try Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas Casserole.

This cheesy casserole is simple to assemble on busy weeknights. It brims with tender, shredded chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and layers of tortillas cooked in the slow cooker until perfection.

This blog will show you why you should try it, share with you some expert tips and variations, serving ideas, as well as the complete step-by-step instructions for making it!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas Casserole

Easy Preparation: Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its job-one easy appliance for those hectic days.

Crowd-Pleasing: Layers of cheesy goodness and bold Mexican flavour appeal to kids and grown-ups alike.

Highly Adaptable: Top with anything you like according to the proteins you choose or dietary preferences (gluten-free, low-carb, etc.).

Good for Meal Prepping: Cook in advance, store, or freeze to allow quick dinners.

Budget-Friendly: Just hits pantry staples and cheap foods like chicken, tortillas, and canned stuff.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 (28 oz) can red enchilada sauce

1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15 oz) can corn, drained

1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles

1 medium onion, diced

3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided

10-12 corn tortillas, cut into strips

1 tbsp chilli powder

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: Fresh cilantro, avocado, sour cream, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or green onions

Instructions

Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker insert using cooking spray or oil.

Layer the ingredients: Spread on the base a thin layer of enchilada sauce.

Add a layer of tortilla strips and top with chicken breasts.

Sprinkled black beans, corn, green chiles, onions, and 1 cup cheese.

Season with chilli powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Pour half of the remaining enchilada sauce over the layer.

Repeat layers (tortillas, chicken, beans, etc.) until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of tortillas and sauce.

Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender enough to shred.

Shred Chicken: Take out the chicken, shred it with two forks, and toss it back in with the slow cooker content. Stir gently to combine.

Add Cheese: Sprinkle the last of the cheese over everything and cover for 10-15 minutes to melt.

Serve: Scoop onto plates and dress with your favourite toppings.

Best Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas Casserole Tips

Make Use of Fresh Tortillas: Fresh corn tortillas hold up better and lead to an authentic flavour. For any stale tortillas, just warm them up slightly to avoid cracking.

Do Not Overfill: Leave space in the slow cooker to allow for expansion and an even cooking environment.

Adjust Spice Levels: For the heat, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne, or for a kid-friendly edition, use mild enchilada sauce.

Check Chicken Done: The meat thermometer should show that a 165-degree internal temperature is needed for chicken doneness.

Homemade Enchilada Sauce: It will taste fresher if you make your sauce from tomatoes, chilli powder, and spices, using the recipe below in Variations.

Substitutions and Variations

Protein Change: The shredded beef or turkey will work in place of chicken. For something vegetarian, try tofu or more beans.

Gluten-Free: Make sure that the enchilada sauce and tortillas are both gluten-free (most corn tortillas are gluten-free).

Creamy Enchiladas: Add 4-oz cream cheese or ½ cup sour cream before putting on the last layer of cheese for that richer, creamer texture.

Spice Level: A can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or more green chiles can spice up the action.

Homemade Enchilada Sauce: Blend 2 cups tomato sauce, 1 tbsp chilli powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp oregano. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes before serving.

Best Ways to Serve

Side Dishes: Pair with Mexican rice, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Toppings: Create a toppings bar with sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and pickled jalapeños, and you have an interactive meal.

Drinks: Enjoy refreshing agua fresca beverages or iced tea.

Occasions: It is perfect for weekend evenings and potlucks, or an intimate family dinner.

Make Ahead Instructions, Storage and Freezing

Make Ahead

Assemble the casserole into the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate. Place into the base and then cook the next day.

Storing

Leftovers are best kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through.

Freezing

Before Cooking: Put it together in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

After Cooking: Store in airtight containers individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat at 375°F in the oven for 20-25 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, but flour tortillas may become soggier, whereas corn tortillas will retain that authentic flavour.

How can I make this casserole healthier?

Consider using low-fat cheese, using less cheese, or adding more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Use a low-sodium enchilada sauce.

Can I cook this in the oven instead?

Absolutely! You can assemble in a 9×13 baking dish and bake at 375°F for 35-45 minutes until bubbly, and the cheese is melted.

What’s the best way to shred chicken?

Quickly shred with two forks or a hand mixer. For larger batches, the stand mixer works like a charm.

Is this recipe spicy?

It’s mildly spicy with the usual enchilada sauce. You can tone yours down with some mild sauce or extra chiles according to your own taste.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas Casserole will surely be every comfort food-loving person’s favourite dish for easy and cozy dinners.

In addition to the less-prep work and much freedom of versatility in this dish, it is also a recipe for a family-preferred dinner.

Whether you’re just starting out cooking or have quite some experience, you will want to keep this slow cooker masterpiece on your list of meals.

Be the first to try it, and don’t forget to share your masterpieces with us in the comments below!

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