This 6-Ingredient Slow Cooker Enchilada Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that brings the essence of enchiladas to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for busy days, this recipe delivers tender, shredded chicken infused with rich enchilada flavors, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients: With just six pantry staples, you can create a delicious meal without a long shopping list.
- Effortless Preparation: The slow cooker does all the work, making this a hands-off recipe perfect for busy schedules.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy the enchilada chicken in tacos, over rice, or as a filling for burritos and quesadillas.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Red enchilada sauceSkinnytaste+2Eating on a Dime+2The Magical Slow Cooker+2
- Diced tomatoes with green chiliesLog in or sign up to view+10Eating on a Dime+10Real Food Whole Life+10
- Black beans
- Corn tortillasEating on a Dime+1The Magical Slow Cooker+1
- Shredded cheeseThe Magical Slow Cooker+1Skinnytaste+1
Directions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add Ingredients: Pour the enchilada sauce and diced tomatoes with green chilies over the chicken. Add the drained black beans.Eating on a Dime+1Skinnytaste+1
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and return it to the sauce.
- Incorporate Tortillas and Cheese: Stir in sliced corn tortillas and a portion of the shredded cheese. Mix well to combine.The Magical Slow Cooker+1Eating on a Dime+1
- Final Cook: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover, and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutesAllrecipes
- Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, plus an additional 30 minutes for the final step.The Magical Slow Cooker
Variations
- Protein Options: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with additional beans or roasted vegetables for a meatless option.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by choosing mild or spicy enchilada sauce and diced tomatoes with green chilies.Eating on a Dime
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat, use a spicy enchilada sauce and add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the slow cooker.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Corn tortillas are recommended as they hold up better in the slow cooker. Flour tortillas may become too soft and alter the texture of the dish.
Is it necessary to cook the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, the chicken cooks directly in the slow cooker, absorbing the flavors of the sauce during the cooking process.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, onions, or zucchini can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.
What toppings do you recommend?
Top with sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or sliced green onions for added freshness and flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, place the insert into the slow cooker and start cooking as directed.
How do I prevent the tortillas from becoming too soggy?
Adding the tortilla strips towards the end of the cooking time helps maintain their texture. Ensure they are evenly mixed and not over-soaked.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity without overfilling.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Ensure all ingredients, including tortillas and enchilada sauce, are certified gluten-free to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?
Certainly! Homemade enchilada sauce can enhance the flavor and allow you to control the ingredients and spice level.
Conclusion
This 6-Ingredient Slow Cooker Enchilada Chicken offers a hassle-free way to enjoy the comforting flavors of enchiladas. With its simple preparation and versatile serving options, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of this slow cooker marvel!
Print6-Ingredient Slow Cooker Enchilada Chicken
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
This 6-ingredient slow cooker enchilada chicken is a quick and easy dinner that’s full of flavor! Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work. Great for tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or even salads.
Ingredients
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2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 cups red enchilada sauce
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1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 cup frozen corn
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1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
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Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
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Pour the enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and cumin over the chicken.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
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Stir everything together and let it cook for another 15 minutes on low to blend the flavors.
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Serve hot with rice, in tacos, or over a salad.
Notes
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Want it spicier? Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne.
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This dish freezes well for up to 3 months.
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Great as a meal prep option — it reheats beautifully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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