Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Looking for a meal that’s both tasty and easy to make? Our slow cooker chicken enchiladas are perfect for busy families. They turn simple ingredients into a feast that everyone will love.
Picture tender chicken, rich enchilada sauce, and warm tortillas, all topped with cheese. These enchiladas are more than a meal. They’re a simple way to enjoy Mexican flavors at home.
Whether you’re cooking for the family or exploring new recipes, this dish is a must-try. It’s easy to make and tastes like it came from a restaurant. Say goodbye to complicated cooking and hello to delicious, easy meals.
Why Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas Are Perfect for Family Dinners
Busy families look for meals that save time but taste great. Slow cooker chicken enchiladas are a perfect choice. They make weeknight dinners easy and flavorful.
Time-Saving Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker
Slow cookers make cooking easy. You can prepare meals in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner. These recipes fit your schedule, not the other way around.
- Minimal morning prep means dinner is ready when you return home
- Reduces active cooking time to just minutes
- Creates tender, flavorful chicken with zero supervision
Perfect for Busy Weeknight Meals
When life gets busy, a reliable dinner plan is key. Slow cooker chicken enchiladas make weeknight cooking enjoyable. They turn a chore into a pleasure.
“Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious” – Home Cook Wisdom
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Options
Meal planning gets easier with recipes that can be prepared ahead. You can assemble these enchiladas in the morning or the night before. Then, just set the slow cooker and forget it.
- Ingredients can be prepped the night before
- Leftovers store easily in the refrigerator
- Reheats perfectly for quick next-day lunches
Pro tip: Double the recipe to ensure you have extra meals for the week!
Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making delicious homemade enchiladas in a slow cooker is simple. This chicken enchilada recipe turns basic ingredients into a tasty Mexican feast. Your family will surely enjoy it.
Begin by getting your chicken ready for the slow cooker. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season them with spices. Cooking the chicken slowly makes it tender and flavorful.
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker
- Add taco seasoning or your favorite spice blend
- Pour in enchilada sauce to keep the meat moist
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours until chicken shreds easily
After cooking, shred the chicken with two forks. It should be tender and easy to pull apart. This step ensures your enchiladas have great chicken texture and flavor.
Assembling the enchiladas is the fun part. Layer tortillas with chicken, cheese, and more sauce. Roll them up and place in the slow cooker. This creates a tasty layered dish that everyone will love.
- Warm tortillas to prevent cracking
- Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken
- Top with cheese and additional sauce
- Roll and place in slow cooker
Pro tip: Add diced green chilies or fresh cilantro for extra flavor. These small additions can make your slow cooker Mexican food truly amazing!
Equipment, Ingredients, and Instructions
Making tasty chicken enchiladas needs the right tools and ingredients. This guide will show you how to make a meal that everyone will love.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
You’ll need some important tools to make these enchiladas:
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking dish for serving
Delicious Enchilada Ingredients
Get these ingredients for a flavorful meal:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, green onions
Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to cook perfect slow cooker chicken enchiladas:
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker
- Pour enchilada sauce and green chilies over chicken
- Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours
- Shred chicken using two forks
- Warm tortillas and fill with shredded chicken
- Roll tortillas and top with remaining sauce and cheese
- Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts
Pro tip: For crispy edges, briefly broil the enchiladas before serving.
Recipe Card
Get ready to save this ultimate slow cooker chicken enchiladas recipe! Our printable recipe card makes tracking enchilada cooking times easy. You’ll follow clear, concise instructions to make a delicious meal your family will love.
This recipe serves 6 people and needs just 15 minutes of prep. It cooks for 4 hours. Each serving has about 320 calories, 22g protein, 28g carbs, and 15g fat. It’s perfect for busy families wanting a tasty dinner.
Pro tip: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Serve with Mexican rice or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that will impress.
Download and print this recipe card to keep in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, these slow cooker chicken enchiladas will be a family favorite in no time!
FAQ
How long does it take to make Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas?
It takes about 4-6 hours in the slow cooker. You’ll need 20-30 minutes to prepare. It’s great for busy families who want a tasty meal without spending hours cooking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead. Refrigerate them and assemble the enchiladas when you’re ready. Leftovers stay good for 3-4 days and reheat well.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No problem! You can make it in the oven. Use a large baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. Make sure the chicken is tender and the cheese is melted.
Can I make these enchiladas vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken with black beans, tofu, or roasted vegetables. Drain excess moisture to avoid soggy enchiladas.
Are these enchiladas spicy?
You can adjust the spice level. Use mild enchilada sauce for kids or add jalapeños or hot sauce for more heat. You decide how spicy it is!
What sides go well with Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas?
Great sides include Mexican rice, cilantro-lime rice, black beans, a green salad, or corn salsa. These sides enhance the meal.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Choose whole wheat tortillas, lean chicken, and reduced-fat cheese. Add extra veggies. Use low-sodium enchilada sauce and herbs for flavor.
slow cooker chicken enchiladas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker
- Pour enchilada sauce and green chilies over chicken
- Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours
- Shred chicken using two forks
- Warm tortillas and fill with shredded chicken
- Roll tortillas and top with remaining sauce and cheese
- Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until cheese melts
