Description
Hearty slow cooker chicken enchilada casserole brings Mexican comfort right to dinner tables with layers of zesty flavors and cheesy goodness. Creamy, spicy, and packed with tender chicken, this easy one-pot meal delivers authentic southwestern charm you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 chicken breasts (boneless & skinless)
- 12 ounces (340 grams) corn tortillas (cut into wedges)
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded fiesta blend cheese (divided)
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 2 10-ounce (280-gram) cans red enchilada sauce
- 1 10-ounce (280-gram) can tomatoes with diced green chiles (drained)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Seasoning and Spices:
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by coating the interior with nonstick spray to prevent stubborn sauce and cheese residue during cleanup.
- Arrange chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker, generously seasoning with taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and an optional pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Cascade red enchilada sauce and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies over the seasoned chicken, ensuring complete coverage and distributing texture and subtle heat.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and cook on low temperature for 4-5 hours, maintaining consistent heat and avoiding lid removal to preserve steam and cooking efficiency.
- During the final 30 minutes of cooking, slice corn tortillas into uniform wedges, preparing them for incorporation into the dish.
- Once chicken reaches tender consistency and easily separates, shred directly within the slow cooker using two forks or a hand mixer for expedited preparation.
- Gently fold tortilla wedges and half the shredded cheese into the chicken mixture, creating an even layer. Distribute remaining cheese across the top, then cover and allow an additional 30 minutes of cooking to achieve a perfectly melted, integrated casserole.
Notes
- Customize seasoning by experimenting with different spice blends like Cajun or Mexican-inspired mixes for varied flavor profiles.
- Ensure chicken stays moist by using boneless, skinless chicken breasts and not overcooking, which can make meat tough and dry.
- Swap corn tortillas with gluten-free alternatives or low-carb options like cauliflower tortillas for dietary restrictions.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced one-pot meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg