This Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot Meal is a warm and tasty dish that’s super easy to make! Just toss in chicken, enchilada sauce, and cheese, and let the slow cooker do its magic.
Who doesn’t love a meal that practically cooks itself? I usually prepare this on busy days — the smell makes everyone come running for dinner! Yum!
What I really enjoy is how simple it is to serve. Just pair it with some rice or tortillas, and you’ve got a happy meal in minutes. It’s great for family nights or easy leftovers!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the stars of this dish. If you’re looking for a shortcut, rotisserie chicken works great too. Just shred it and toss it in during the last cooking phase!
Enchilada Sauce: A can of red enchilada sauce adds flavor and moisture. If you prefer a spicier kick, go for a green enchilada sauce instead. You can also make your own using tomato sauce and spices if you’re feeling adventurous!
Black Beans: These are perfect for protein and fiber. If you need a substitute, white beans or pinto beans can work as well. Just remember to drain and rinse them to reduce sodium content.
Bell Peppers: Feel free to mix colors! Green, red, yellow, or orange peppers can all add a different flavor. If bell peppers aren’t available, you can use frozen mixed peppers too.
Cheese: I love using a blend of cheddar and Mexican cheese for a flavorful topping. If you’re dairy-free, try using a vegan cheese or simply skip it altogether for a lighter meal.
How Do I Shred Chicken Easily?
A common challenge with crock pot recipes is shredding the chicken. It’s super simple! Here’s how:
- Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to pull it apart right in the crock pot. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily.
- Mix it back with the sauce to ensure every piece is coated and flavorful.
This technique saves time and allows all the ingredients to blend well. Enjoy your meal on its own or in tacos for a fun twist!
How to Make Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot Meal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 8 corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Sliced black olives for garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot Meal takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll cook it for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After cooking, expect to let it sit an additional 30 minutes for the cheese to melt perfectly. So, set aside a good part of the day to enjoy this delicious, hassle-free meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot. This will be the base of your tasty meal!
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the red enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, chopped onion, diced green chilies, cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and vibrant.
3. Combining Everything in the Crock Pot:
Pour the mixture from the bowl over the chicken in the crock pot. Make sure the chicken is nicely covered with the delicious sauce and vegetables.
4. Cooking the Chicken:
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender when done.
5. Shredding the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the crock pot. Stir it well to mix the shredded chicken with the sauce!
6. Adding the Tortillas and Cheese:
Layer the corn tortilla strips evenly over the chicken mixture. Now, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Yum!
7. Finishing it Off:
Cover the crock pot again and let it cook on high for another 30 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Serving Your Meal:
Once everything is melted and hot, it’s time to serve! Garnish with sliced black olives and fresh cilantro if you like. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Enchilada Meal with family or friends!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water for a quicker option. Just remember, cooking time may be slightly longer if you start with frozen chicken!
What Can I Substitute for Black Beans?
If you don’t have black beans, you can use pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas for a different twist! Just make sure to rinse and drain beans from a can to reduce sodium content before adding them to the recipe.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with a mix of chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or extra beans and lentils for protein. Just be sure to adjust cooking times for the veggies to ensure everything is tender and flavorful.
