Hey there, busy cooks and flavor seekers! Are you tired of the dinner dilemma? You know, that endless quest for something delicious, easy, and family-friendly that does not require hours in the kitchen?
Well, get ready to add a new champion to your rotation of amazing crockpot recipes. We are talking about a super simple, incredibly satisfying crockpot chicken enchilada casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds. It is truly a game changer!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what is not to love about a meal that cooks itself while you go about your day? This easy crock pot recipe is the ultimate set it and forget it dinner. It is perfect for those crazy weeknights when time is short but you still want a homemade meal.
This isn’t just any old slow cooker meal. This is a Hearty Dinner Recipes Crock Pot creation that brings all the vibrant flavors of enchiladas right to your table. Imagine tender chicken, rich sauce, and gooey cheese, all melding together beautifully.
It is also incredibly budget friendly. Using simple ingredients, you can whip up a big batch that feeds a crowd or gives you fantastic leftovers for lunch. Talk about smart cooking!
Plus, it is super customizable. Want more spice? Go for it! Need to make it gluten free? Easy peasy! This recipe for chicken crock pot dinners is a true crowd pleaser, making it perfect for your family or even for meals for potluck gatherings.
It is the kind of comforting food that feels like a warm hug, without any of the stress. You are going to wonder why you did not try this sooner!
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients for this incredible crockpot chicken enchilada casserole is a breeze. Most of these items are probably already in your pantry or easily found at your local grocery store. We are keeping things simple and delicious!
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce (GF if needed)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire roasted tomatoes
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1 packet taco seasoning (GF if needed) or homemade substitute
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (frozen or canned)
- 6 gluten free tortillas or corn tortillas, sliced into strips
- Optional: 8 oz cream cheese for extra creaminess
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Step By Step Instructions
Alright, let us get down to business! Making this crockpot chicken enchilada casserole is seriously so straightforward. You will love how little effort it takes to create such a flavorful meal. These all in crockpot recipes are designed for convenience.
Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker
First things first, grab your trusty slow cooker. If you want to make cleanup even easier, give the inside a quick spray with nonstick spray. It helps prevent sticking, especially with all that delicious cheese!
Step 2: Layer the Chicken
Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom of the slow cooker. They will get nice and tender cooking in all those wonderful flavors. This is the foundation of our amazing crockpot meat recipes main dishes.
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Seasonings
Now for the good stuff! Pour in the red enchilada sauce, fire roasted tomatoes, diced green chiles, and taco seasoning. Give it a gentle stir to make sure everything is well combined and coating the chicken. The aroma alone will get your taste buds tingling!
Step 4: Cook It Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and let it do its magic. Cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low/Medium for 4 to 6 hours. If your day gets a little hectic, you can even stretch the cooking time to 6 to 8 hours on Low. That is the beauty of crockpot recipes!
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is super tender and practically falling apart, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it right in a bowl or on a cutting board. It should be really easy to pull apart.
Step 6: Combine the Goodness
Return that beautifully shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Now, stir in half of your shredded Mexican cheese blend, the drained and rinsed black beans, and the sweet corn. This adds so much flavor and texture to our crockpot chicken enchilada casserole.
Step 7: Add Tortilla Strips
Next, toss in your sliced tortillas. Gently mix everything together until the tortillas are coated and integrated. They will soak up all that amazing sauce, adding a lovely texture to the casserole. This is what makes it a true casserole!
Step 8: Top with More Cheese and Finish Cooking
Sprinkle the remaining cheese generously over the top of your casserole. Cover it up again and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. You want that cheese to be perfectly melted and bubbly, and for everything to be heated through. If you are going for that extra creamy texture, now is the time to stir in the cream cheese!
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Finally, garnish your stunning crockpot chicken enchilada casserole with some fresh chopped cilantro. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, bright flavor. Serve it up hot and enjoy your incredible, no fuss meal!
How To Store Leftovers
One of the best things about making crockpot recipes, especially a big batch like this casserole, is having delicious leftovers! This easy crock pot recipe reheats beautifully, making meal prep a breeze for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
Once your casserole has cooled down completely, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. It is perfect for grabbing a quick, satisfying meal.
For longer storage, this crockpot chicken enchilada casserole freezes wonderfully. Portion it into individual freezer safe containers or a large freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 2 to 3 months.
When you are ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems a little dry. You will appreciate having a ready made Hearty Dinner Recipes Crock Pot on hand!
Tips
Want to make this already amazing crockpot chicken enchilada casserole even better? Here are a few insider tips and tricks to really make it shine. These little tweaks can elevate your chicken crock pot dinners to new heights.
For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture. You could also use a spicier enchilada sauce. If you are into bolder flavors, this is a great way to customize your meal.
If you are short on time, you can absolutely use pre cooked rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it in with the sauce and seasonings in Step 3, reducing the initial cooking time to about 2 hours on Low to let the flavors meld. This makes it an even quicker easy crock pot recipe.
Don’t have fresh cilantro? No worries! A sprinkle of dried cilantro or even some fresh parsley can work in a pinch. However, fresh cilantro really does add a vibrant, authentic flavor that is hard to beat.
To make this dish for meals for potluck, consider doubling the recipe if your slow cooker is large enough. It is a fantastic option that travels well and is always a hit. Just be sure to have a serving spoon ready!
Feel free to swap out the corn for other veggies you love. Diced bell peppers or zucchini would be tasty additions. This is your kitchen, so have fun with it! These all in crockpot recipes are meant to be flexible.
Remember that optional cream cheese? It really does make the casserole extra rich and creamy. If you love that velvety texture, do not skip this step. It is a little indulgence that makes a big difference.
Lastly, if you are using crockpot meals frozen chicken for another recipe, remember to adjust cooking times accordingly. For this specific recipe, we start with fresh chicken for the best texture and flavor absorption.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it, folks! A truly fantastic, no fuss crockpot chicken enchilada casserole that is sure to become a staple in your home. This recipe embodies everything we love about crockpot recipes: ease, flavor, and pure comfort.
Whether you are a seasoned slow cooker pro or just dipping your toes into the world of easy crock pot recipe creation, this dish is a winner. It is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or just when you need a little bit of delicious comfort food.
So go ahead, give this Hearty Dinner Recipes Crock Pot a try. You will be amazed at how little effort it takes to create such a satisfying and flavorful meal. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Got questions? We have got answers! Here are some common queries about making this delicious crockpot chicken enchilada casserole.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
While the recipe calls for fresh chicken, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to add an extra 1 to 2 hours to the cooking time on Low to ensure they are fully cooked and shreddable. Many crockpot meals frozen chicken options work well, but fresh is often preferred for texture here.
What if I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?
No taco seasoning? No problem! You can make your own with a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. About 1 to 2 tablespoons of this mix should do the trick.
Can I Make This Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the chicken and double up on the beans. You could also add cooked lentils or extra vegetables like diced zucchini or bell peppers. This makes it a versatile easy crock pot recipe for all diets.
What Are Good Toppings For This Casserole?
Beyond cilantro, sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice are all fantastic additions. Get creative with your favorite Tex Mex toppings!
My Casserole Seems Too Liquid y, What Can I Do?
If it is a bit too liquid y, you can remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking. This allows some of the excess moisture to evaporate. The tortilla strips will also soak up a good amount of liquid as they cook.
Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole
This crockpot chicken enchilada casserole is the ultimate no-fuss weeknight win. Tender chicken, rich red sauce, and melty cheese make this family-friendly meal a comforting favorite that practically cooks itself!
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First things first, grab your trusty slow cooker. If you want to make cleanup even easier, give the inside a quick spray with nonstick spray.
- Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour in the red enchilada sauce, fire roasted tomatoes, diced green chiles, and taco seasoning. Give it a gentle stir to coat the chicken.
- Cover and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 4 to 6 hours.
- Once the chicken is super tender, remove it and use two forks to shred it.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in half of the shredded Mexican cheese blend, the black beans, and the sweet corn.
- Toss in your sliced tortillas and gently mix until they are coated in the sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Cover and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until bubbly. Stir in the optional cream cheese now if using!
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and enjoy your incredible, no-fuss meal!
Notes
For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture.
If you are short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and reduce the initial cooking time to 2 hours on Low.
This casserole freezes wonderfully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers for a ready-made meal later.
Feel free to swap out the corn for diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies.
Nutrition
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