With tender shredded chicken, creamy Monterey Jack cheese, and zesty Rotel tomatoes, each Crock Pot Chicken Enchiladas bite is a burst of Tex-Mex flavors! Enjoy this flavor-packed meal with the help of your slow cooker on a busy weeknight or fiesta weekend!
When I am craving Mexican food at home, I like and don't want takeout. My go-to crock pot recipes are Taco Meat, Chicken Fajitas, or Shredded Beef Tacos with a side of Taco dip or Pinto Beans.
Popular Right Now
Crock Pot Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken enchiladas are a popular Mexican dish consisting of tortillas filled with cooked chicken, cheese, and other flavorful ingredients. The filled tortillas are then rolled up, covered in a savory enchilada sauce, and cooked to perfection. The result is a delicious combination of tender chicken, melted cheese, and bold flavors that will satisfy any craving for Mexican cuisine.
Traditionally, enchiladas are made by rolling a flavorful filling in tortillas and baking them in the oven. This recipe uses the slow cooker to make it simple and straightforward. Simply mix the cooked chicken, shredded cheese, sour cream, and zesty Rotel tomatoes, spoon the mixture onto the tortillas, roll them up, and nestle them in your crock pot. Then, let the slow cooker work its magic!
Not only does the crock pot method offer convenience, but it also intensifies the flavors. The ingredients marry together beautifully as the enchiladas simmer on low heat for hours. The chicken becomes tender, absorbing the spices from the sauce, while the cheeses melt and infuse part of the enchiladas.
The result is a soft and tender tortilla topped with creamy melted cheese and stuffed with juicy chicken that's overflowing with flavor. Serve this chicken enchilada recipe on a busy weeknight when you need something satisfying that packs a punch with little effort!
Why You’ll Love These Crock Pot Chicken Enchiladas
- With the convenience of slow cooking, this recipe allows you to simply mix the ingredients, roll up the tortillas, and let your crock pot do all the work. You'll have a mouthwatering meal ready to enjoy with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
- Whether you're hosting a fiesta or simply need dinner on the table, these enchiladas have got you covered. Customize the recipe by adding your favorite toppings like fresh avocado, tangy salsa, or a dollop of cool sour cream.
- These enchiladas taste even better the next day, making them a perfect make-ahead option for meal prep. Store any extras in the refrigerator and savor the next day as the flavors continue to come together.
Ingredients For Crock Pot Chicken Enchiladas
- Canned Red Enchilada Sauce - This vibrant and flavorful sauce serves as the base for the enchiladas, adding a rich and tangy taste that infuses the entire dish with its signature Mexican flair.
- Shredded Chicken - Provides a tender and juicy protein element to the enchiladas. You can use chicken from a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or from this Crock Pot Shredded Chicken recipe.
- Shredded Cheese - (Monterey Jack and Cheddar) These two varieties of cheese bring a creamy and melty component to the enchiladas. Monterey Jack cheese offers a mild and buttery flavor, while cheddar cheese adds a rich and slightly sharp taste.
- Sour Cream - Enhances the creaminess of the filling. It provides a cooling contrast to the spices and adds a velvety texture.
- Rotel - This combination of diced tomatoes and green chilies adds a burst of zesty and vibrant flavors to the enchiladas.
- Flour Tortillas - Provides a soft and pliable wrap that holds the fillings together.
How To Make Chicken Enchiladas In The Crock Pot
Prepare the crock pot: Use non-stick cooking spray to coat the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot. Then, pour enchilada sauce on the bottom, using just enough to cover the bottom.
Assemble the enchilada filling: To a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and Rotel in a medium bowl. Mix until well combined.
Roll the enchiladas: Spoon about a ¼ cup of the chicken mixture into the center of each flour tortilla and roll them up. Then place them in the crock pot. Pour enchilada sauce over the enchiladas and top with cheddar cheese.
Cover and cook: Add the lid to the top and slow cook on LOW for 2½-3½ hours. Top with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Substitutions
- Opt for a can of hot or medium-spiced red enchilada sauce instead of mild for a spicier kick. Adjust the heat level according to your preference.
- When rolling the enchiladas, make sure not to overstuff them. A quarter cup of the chicken mixture is a good guideline to prevent the tortillas from tearing or bursting open during cooking.
- Instead of red enchilada sauce, try a green enchilada sauce or verde version for a bit more earthy garden flavor. You can add your own touch by making homemade enchilada sauce.
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a nutty taste. Corn tortillas should be warmed before rolling to prevent cracking.
- Instead of using chicken, try using beef, pork, or shrimp to change up the protein.
Chicken Enchilada Topping Ideas
- Freshly diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado
- Chopped green onions
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Pickled jalapeños
- Sliced black olives
- Diced red onions
- Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
- Drizzle Mexican crema or sour cream
- Squeeze fresh lime juice
- Warm queso
- Pico de gallo
Storing & Freezing
Storing: Let the chicken enchiladas cool completely, and then transfer them to an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil. They can be refrigerated for up to four days. When reheating, cover the enchiladas with foil to prevent them from drying out, and warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Freezing: Let the enchiladas cool completely, then place the cooked enchiladas in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven. Add additional cheese or enchilada sauce as needed.
FAQ
You can use regular diced tomatoes instead of Rotel if you prefer a milder flavor. You can add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper for a little extra kick if desired.
If you like your enchiladas on the spicier side, you can adjust the heat level by using a hotter variety of enchilada sauce, such as medium or hot, or by adding extra spices like cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken mixture. You can also top the enchiladas with sliced jalapeños or sprinkle them with crushed red pepper flakes before baking for an added kick.
Covering the dish with foil or a lid helps to trap moisture and heat, ensuring that the enchiladas cook evenly and remain moist. During the last 30 minutes, you can remove the cover to allow the cheese on top to melt and develop a golden, bubbly crust.
More Mexican Inspired Crock Pot Meals
- Crock Pot Salsa Chicken
- Crock Pot Chicken Taco Soup
- Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Crock Pot Taco Meat
- Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
Have you tried these slow-cooking chicken enchiladas? Leave a 5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating. Then follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Share your favorite recipes or ask questions in my Facebook Group.
Crock Pot Chicken Enchiladas
Ingredients
- 1 (19 oz) can mild red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups cooked chicken (I used rotisserie chicken and shredded it, but you can also use this Crock Pot Shredded Chicken recipe.)
- 1½ cups Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 (10 oz) cans Rotel tomatoes with diced green chilies (drained)
- 12 6-inch flour tortillas
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Spray the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Then, pour just enough enchilada sauce to cover the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and Rotel in a medium bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Spoon about a ¼ cup of the chicken mixture into the center of each flour tortilla and roll them up. Then place them in the crock pot.
- Pour enchilada sauce over the enchiladas and top with cheddar cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for 2½-3½ hours.
- Top with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
Notes
- My family has a preference for flour tortillas as we find them easier to roll. However, corn tortillas would be the way to go if you're aiming for a truly authentic chicken enchilada recipe.
- If you don't like spice, swap out the Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies for just regular diced tomatoes.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact ingredient numbers, I recommend calculating them with your preferred nutrition calculator.
Leave a Reply