Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole: The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Food

IIf you’re hunting for a flavorful, easy-to-make meal, this Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole is the ultimate one-pot comfort food. With tender chicken, layers of cheese, enchilada sauce, and tortillas, this Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole makes dinner effortless yet satisfying. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or just craving something warm and hearty, this slow cooker chicken enchilada recipe checks every box.

Unlike traditional enchiladas, there’s no need to roll individual tortillas. You simply layer ingredients in your crockpot, turn it on, and let it work its magic.

Compared to creamy casseroles like the Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, this one leans more savory and spicy, but both are crowd-pleasers!

Why Make Enchiladas in a Crockpot?

Making a Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole in your slow cooker has several benefits:

  • You can set it and forget it
  • The Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole cooks all day while you’re at work
  • It locks in flavor and results in tender, shredded chicken
  • It’s perfect for batch cooking or freezing for later

This dish takes the stress out of dinner. No need to roll individual enchiladas, just layer and go!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the core ingredients in a Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced green chiles
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 6-8 small corn or flour tortillas, torn into pieces
  • Spices: cumin, garlic powder, chili powder (optional)

Substitutes & Additions:

  • Swap chicken for ground beef or turkey
  • Use low-carb tortillas for keto version
  • Add cream cheese or sour cream for a creamier texture

These ingredients make your Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole creamy, spicy, and satisfying.

Want a creamy pasta alternative? Check out this savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta dish.

Equipment Checklist

To prepare this dish, you’ll need:

  • A crockpot or slow cooker
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Forks or a hand mixer (for shredding chicken)
  • A spatula or large spoon for layering

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Raw seasoned chicken breasts simmering in enchilada sauce and tomatoes for Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole in a slow cooker

Here’s how to prepare the perfect Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole in just a few steps:

1. Add Base Ingredients

  • Place raw chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
  • Pour in enchilada sauce, then top with onions, green chiles, black beans, and corn.

2. Slow Cook

  • Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

3. Shred the Chicken

  • Remove the chicken and shred using two forks or a hand mixer.
  • Return the chicken to the pot and stir everything together.

4. Add Tortillas & Cheese

  • Stir in torn tortillas and mix well.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, cover, and cook for an additional 20–30 minutes until cheese is melted.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

  • Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado.

Tips for the Best Casserole

  • Use thicker enchilada sauce to avoid sogginess.
  • Cut tortillas into strips instead of big chunks for even texture.
  • Stir halfway through if your crockpot tends to cook unevenly.
  • Add a little lime juice for brightness before serving.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of a Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole is that it’s easy to adapt:

  • Add jalapeños or chipotle peppers for heat
  • Include quinoa or cooked rice for extra bulk
  • Use spinach or bell peppers for a veggie boost
  • Mix in cream cheese for an ultra-creamy version
  • Top with guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo

Storage and Reheating Tips

This dish is perfect for meal prepping or freezing:

  • Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
  • Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in fridge
  • Reheat in microwave or oven (350°F for 15-20 mins)

Serving Suggestions

A spoonful of Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole with gooey melted cheese, shredded chicken, black beans, and corn

Pair your chicken enchilada casserole with:

  • Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice
  • Tortilla chips and guac
  • Cornbread muffins
  • Mexican street corn salad

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I put raw chicken in a Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole?

Yes, raw chicken is safe and actually preferred when making a Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole. It cooks slowly and becomes very tender.

Will corn or flour tortillas work better?

Either works, but corn tortillas tend to hold up better during the long cooking process.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or skip the cheese entirely for a lighter dish.

How do I keep the casserole from becoming soggy?

Use fewer tortillas
Don’t overdo the enchilada sauce
Use thicker sauces or let excess liquid simmer down

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it the night before and start cooking in the morning. Or fully cook it, refrigerate, and reheat.

Should the casserole be covered during cooking?

For oven-based casseroles, this is a common concern. Learn whether or not you should cover a chicken casserole while baking.

Print
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A cheesy Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole with shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and melted cheese served in a slow cooker

Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole: The Ultimate One-Pot Comfort Food


  • Author: MERIEM
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole is an easy, cheesy, and hearty slow cooker meal made with shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, beans, corn, and gooey cheese. A no-fuss one-pot dish that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or when you just want comfort food done right.


Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups red enchilada sauce
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
1 small onion, diced
1 cup frozen corn (optional)
6 small corn tortillas, torn into pieces
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)


Instructions

Place the chicken breasts into the bottom of the crockpot.
Pour in the enchilada sauce, then layer in black beans, green chiles, onion, and corn.
Sprinkle spices evenly over the top.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Remove chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot.
Stir in the torn tortillas and mix everything well.
Top with shredded cheese, cover again, and cook for another 20–30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve hot, topped with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

You can substitute green enchilada sauce for red if preferred.
Add chopped jalapeños or chipotle peppers for extra heat.
Use flour tortillas instead of corn for a softer texture.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: crockpot chicken enchilada casserole, slow cooker enchiladas, one-pot dinner, cheesy casserole, shredded chicken

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