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How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Casserole
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the Crock Pot. No need to cook the chicken beforehand—it will cook as the casserole simmers in the slow cooker.
2. Add Seasonings and Sauces
- Pour the red enchilada sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the top and add the diced green chilies if using. This will give the casserole its signature flavor.
- Add the diced onion and frozen corn to the Crock Pot, mixing everything together gently.
3. Layer the Tortillas
- Cut the corn tortillas into strips or squares, then layer them over the chicken mixture. These tortillas will soften as they cook, soaking up the sauce and creating delicious layers throughout the casserole.
4. Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the tortilla layer. This will melt and form a cheesy, gooey layer once the casserole is cooked.
5. Cook the Casserole
- Cover the Crock Pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken will become tender and easy to shred, while the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Shred the Chicken
- Once the casserole is done cooking, remove the chicken from the Crock Pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the casserole and stir it in to mix with the other ingredients.
7. Add the Final Layer of Cheese
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover the Crock Pot again and let the cheese melt for about 10 minutes.
8. Serve
- Once the cheese has melted and the casserole is bubbling, serve it with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and your favorite salsa or hot sauce. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more chili powder, hot sauce, or using a spicier enchilada sauce.
- Use Chicken Thighs: For even juicier and more flavorful meat, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for black beans, pinto beans, or another favorite veggie to make a vegetarian-friendly casserole.
- Toppings: Consider serving with fresh toppings like sliced avocado, jalapeño slices, or diced tomatoes for an added burst of freshness.
- Freezer-Friendly: This casserole is freezer-friendly! You can prepare it ahead of time, freeze it, and cook it later when you’re in a pinch for time.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Nights
The Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Casserole is the ultimate solution for busy families. The slow cooker takes care of the cooking while you’re at work, running errands, or taking care of other tasks. By the time you’re ready for dinner, you’ll have a flavorful, satisfying meal waiting for you. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers, so you can enjoy it again the next day!
Conclusion
With its layers of tender chicken, warm tortillas, melty cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce, the Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any night of the week. Easy to make, customizable to your tastes, and packed with flavor, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing meals for the week ahead, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
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