SLOW COOKER CHICKEN ENCHILADA CASSEROLE

Slow cooker chicken enchilada casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Packed with tender chicken, savory sauce, gooey cheese, and layers of tortillas, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, thanks to the convenience of a slow cooker.

Ingredients Required

Meat and Protein

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

Vegetables

• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced (optional)

Sauce and Seasoning

• 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 corn tortillas, cut into quarters

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing Chicken
   • Season chicken with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
   • In a skillet, cook chicken until browned on both sides, then shred using two forks.
2. Layering Ingredients
   • In the slow cooker, layer ingredients starting with a spoonful of enchilada sauce.
   • Add a layer of tortilla quarters, followed by shredded chicken, beans, corn, onions, bell peppers, cheese, and green chilies.
   • Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
3. Setting Up the Slow Cooker
   • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker

Using a slow cooker for this recipe offers several benefits:

• Convenience: Simply layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Enhanced Flavor: Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and delicious dish.
• Tender Chicken: Cooking the chicken low and slow ensures it stays moist and tender.
• Hands-off Cooking: With a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, freeing up time for other tasks.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Enchilada Casserole

• To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding your own.
• Customize the dish by adding your favorite toppings such as avocado, cilantro, or sour cream.
• For a spicier kick, leave the seeds in the jalapeno or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture

Variations and Customizations

• Make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding extra beans and vegetables.
• Use flour tortillas instead of corn for a milder flavor.
• Experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack or queso fresco for added depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
• Accompany with rice, beans, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 30g

FAQs About Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Can I use other meats instead of chicken? Yes, you can use beef, pork, or even turkey as a substitute for chicken.

How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker? Cooking time can vary depending on the heat setting of your slow cooker, but typically it takes 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.

Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I make it vegetarian? Absolutely! Simply omit the