Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas – Easy, Flavorful, and Hearty Mexican Meal

If you’re searching for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that brings the flavors of Mexican cuisine right to your table, then look no further than these Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas. This recipe combines tender chicken, savory enchilada sauce, and a variety of toppings that come together effortlessly in your slow cooker. The best part? It’s not only incredibly flavorful, but it’s also super convenient, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas Are a Must-Try

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas are a perfect example of a dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will impress. The slow cooker allows the chicken to absorb the rich flavors of the enchilada sauce and spices, making it fall-apart tender. Additionally, by adding corn tortillas, black beans, and cheese, you get a complete, hearty meal that everyone in the family will love.

This dish can easily be customized based on your preferences. You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding jalapeños, or keep it mild with just the savory toppings. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

To make these Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness, but breasts can be used as well. Both will absorb the flavors of the sauce wonderfully.
• 1 tsp avocado or olive oil: This is used to sauté the onion and garlic, creating a flavorful base.
• ½ medium onion, chopped: Onion adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped: Garlic is essential for adding aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• 1 tsp ground cumin: Cumin gives the enchiladas a warm, earthy flavor that’s characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
• 1 tsp kosher salt: Salt enhances the flavors and balances the spices.
• 2 cups enchilada sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade enchilada sauce for convenience.
• ¼ cup sour cream: Sour cream adds creaminess to the sauce and helps balance the spice.
• 4 corn tortillas, cut into strips: These tortilla strips will absorb the sauce and contribute to the casserole-like texture of the dish.
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained: Black beans are a great addition for extra protein and fiber.
• 4 oz shredded cheese: Use a Mexican blend or mozzarella for a melty, gooey topping.
• Optional toppings: Customize your dish with sliced jalapeños, chopped fresh cilantro, avocado slices, crema, or cilantro lime rice.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Making Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas is easy! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a flavorful meal ready to enjoy.

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Start by heating the avocado or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, ground cumin, and kosher salt. Sauté the ingredients until the onion is soft and golden, which should take about 5 minutes. This will form the aromatic base of your enchilada sauce.

Step 2: Transfer to the Slow Cooker

Once the onion and garlic are sautéed, transfer them to the slow cooker. Add the enchilada sauce, sour cream, and ¼ cup of water. Stir in the black beans to create a rich, flavorful sauce. This combination of ingredients will be the base that your chicken will cook in.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Now, add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts to the slow cooker. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of the chicken to make sure it’s well-coated. The chicken will cook in the sauce, absorbing all the wonderful flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The chicken will become incredibly easy to shred once it’s done cooking.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred the meat directly in the slow cooker. The chicken should easily fall apart, and it will soak up the flavorful sauce, making each bite tender and juicy.

Step 6: Add Tortillas and Cheese

Now it’s time to make your enchiladas. Add the corn tortilla strips into the slow cooker and stir them into the sauce. This allows the tortillas to soak up the sauce, giving them a soft, flavorful texture. Once the tortillas are mixed in, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Cover the slow cooker again and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and become bubbly.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

After the cheese has melted, your Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas are ready to serve! Garnish with your choice of toppings, such as sliced jalapeños, chopped fresh cilantro, avocado slices, crema, or cilantro lime rice. You can also serve them as they are for a simple, yet flavorful, meal.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 315 kcal

Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

1. Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness: Chicken thighs are more forgiving in the slow cooker than chicken breasts, giving you a juicier, more flavorful result. However, chicken breasts will work fine too.
2. Customize your toppings: You can personalize your Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas by adding your favorite toppings. Try cilantro lime rice for a flavorful side or sour cream for an extra creamy texture.
3. Use homemade enchilada sauce: If you have the time, making your own enchilada sauce can elevate the flavor of this dish. Homemade sauce allows you to control the spiciness and seasoning.
4. Make ahead and freeze: You can prepare this dish ahead of time and freeze it for later. Simply assemble the ingredients, then freeze in a suitable container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight and cook as directed.
5. Serve with sides: For a well-rounded meal, pair your Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas with a simple side salad or Mexican rice.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas are a convenient, hearty, and flavorful dish that requires minimal effort. The slow cooker does most of the work, resulting in tender, juicy chicken and a savory sauce packed with flavor. The addition of corn tortillas, black beans, and cheese makes this a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

This dish is perfect for those busy evenings when you don’t have the time to spend hours in the kitchen but still want a meal that will satisfy everyone. Plus, it’s great for leftovers and can easily be customized to suit your family’s tastes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. However, chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender in the slow cooker.

Q: How do I make this spicier?
A: To make your Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas spicier, you can add sliced jalapeños into the slow cooker or use a spicier enchilada sauce.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply add the chicken and cook as directed.

Q: Can I freeze Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas?
A: Yes, you can freeze the entire dish or just the sauce and chicken. Simply assemble everything and freeze in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.

Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: You can serve Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas with cilantro lime rice, a fresh salad, or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas offer the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and comfort. This dish is simple to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum taste. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas will quickly become a go-to meal. With customizable toppings and the option to make ahead or freeze, it’s a recipe that is both versatile and practical. Enjoy this flavorful dish and make your next meal a breeze!

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