If you’re searching for an easy, delicious dinner that the whole family will love, look no further than this Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot Meal. With minimal prep time and effortless cooking, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Just toss in the ingredients, set your crock pot, and let the magic happen! The combination of flavors from tender chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and a cheesy topping makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate healthy ingredients like black beans and corn, making it as nutritious as it is satisfying.
This Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot Meal is not only a tasty option but also customizable based on your family’s preferences. You can easily add different vegetables, choose your preferred type of cheese, or even spice it up with extra jalapeños if you like a kick. Whether serving it for a casual family dinner or for guests, you can’t go wrong with this hearty, flavorful dish. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First and foremost, the convenience of a Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot Meal cannot be overstated. The crock pot does all the hard work, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax after a long day. You can prep the ingredients in less than 20 minutes, and the slow cooker takes care of the rest, cooking everything to perfection while you go about your day.
Secondly, the flavor profile of this dish is out of this world. The combination of tender, shredded chicken with a robust enchilada sauce creates a mouthwatering base. The black beans add a hearty texture and protein, while the corn brings a subtle sweetness that balances the spiciness of the sauce. Top it all off with melted cheese, and you have a comforting meal that’s hard to resist.
Moreover, this recipe is versatile! Depending on your dietary preferences, you can easily make it gluten-free by using corn tortillas and ensuring your enchilada sauce is gluten-free. You can also make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken with beans or extra vegetables. And don’t forget, this meal is perfect for meal prep! You can double the recipe and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, making it an economical choice for families.
Finally, serving this Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot Meal is simple and can be dressed up or down. You can garnish with fresh cilantro, slices of jalapeño, or a dollop of sour cream for a touch of freshness. Pair it with a simple side salad or some tortilla chips for a complete meal. The possibilities are endless!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Trying out this Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot Meal is an excellent way to bring some excitement to your dinner routine. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that feels indulgent without the hassle of extensive cooking. For families with busy schedules, this recipe is a lifesaver. You can prep it in the morning, and by the time dinner rolls around, everything is ready to serve.
Furthermore, this recipe is a fantastic way to introduce kids to the joys of cooking. It involves simple steps that even young chefs can help with, such as mixing ingredients or layering the tortillas. Cooking together can create lasting memories and make mealtime more enjoyable.
Another reason to try this dish is its health benefits. Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans and corn, this meal is not only filling but also nutritious. It’s an excellent way to incorporate lean protein and vegetables into your family’s diet without sacrificing flavor. Plus, you can easily adjust the spice levels to suit your family’s taste preferences.
Lastly, the cleanup is a breeze! With most of the cooking happening in the crock pot, there are fewer dishes to wash afterward. This means more time to enjoy your meal and less time worrying about the mess in the kitchen. With all these advantages, it’s easy to see why this Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot Meal should be on your dinner table soon!
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (with green chilies if desired)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
- Sliced jalapeños (for garnish, optional)
- Sour cream (for serving, optional)
Necessary Utensils
- Crock Pot
- Large mixing bowl
- Cooking spray
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving spoon
Having these ingredients and utensils ready will ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable. Now that you have everything you need, let’s move on to the recipe steps!
Detailed Recipe Steps
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Begin by spraying the inside of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. This step is essential to ensure easy cleanup after cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked, shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onion, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. This mixture will be the flavorful filling for your dish.
- Layer the Tortillas: Cut the tortillas into quarters. Place a layer of tortilla pieces on the bottom of the crock pot. This acts as a base and helps absorb the flavors.
- Add Filling: Spoon a portion of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese on top. This layering technique builds flavor with each layer.
- Repeat Layers: Continue to layer the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top. This creates a cheesy crust that melts beautifully during cooking.
- Cook: Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook!
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the lid and let it sit for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot Meal!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! However, you will need to increase the cooking time. Ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with additional beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables to create a delicious vegetarian version of this Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot Meal.
How do I store leftovers of this meal?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! Just reheat thoroughly before serving.
What can I serve with this Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot Meal?
This meal pairs well with simple sides like a green salad, rice, or tortilla chips. You can also add guacamole or fresh salsa for extra flavor!
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preferences. You can use mild enchilada sauce and skip adding jalapeños to keep it mild, or opt for spicy sauce for a kick!
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot Meal is a perfect blend of convenience and flavor that everyone in your family will appreciate. With its easy preparation and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a staple in your home. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences or any variations you make in the comments below. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to try out other delicious recipes on our site, like Easy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or Classic Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork. You can also check out our Pinterest page for more inspiration. Enjoy your meal!

Chicken Enchilada Crock Pot Meal
Equipment
- Crock Pot
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can (10 oz) Enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) Black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) Corn drained
- 1 cup Diced tomatoes (with green chilies if desired)
- 1 cup Diced onion
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 8 small Flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- to taste Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
- to taste Sliced jalapeños (for garnish, optional)
- to serve Sour cream (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Begin by spraying the inside of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked, shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, onion, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Layer the Tortillas: Cut the tortillas into quarters. Place a layer of tortilla pieces on the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add Filling: Spoon a portion of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese on top.
- Repeat Layers: Continue to layer the remaining tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
- Cook: Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until heated through and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the lid and let it sit for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.