Craving comforting, cheesy chicken enchiladas but short on time? This slow cooker recipe delivers all the deliciousness without the fuss of stovetop prep and oven baking. Get ready for tender chicken, rich sauce, and melty cheese – all simmered to perfection in your trusty crock pot.
What Makes This Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada Recipe Unique?
This recipe isn't just your average slow cooker enchilada recipe. We've focused on maximizing flavor through a rich, homemade enchilada sauce and ensuring the chicken remains incredibly tender and juicy. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth of taste you won't find in quicker methods. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Ingredients You'll Need:
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For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Enchilada Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For Assembly:
- 12 corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Season and Cook the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts. Place the chicken in your slow cooker.
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Make the Enchilada Sauce: While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Sauce Ingredients: Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
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Slow Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
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Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
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Assemble the Enchiladas: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour half of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll up tightly and place seam-down in the baking dish.
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Bake: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas and top with the remaining cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve: Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, and green onions, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken will significantly reduce the cooking time. Simply shred the chicken and skip steps 1 and 4. Add the shredded chicken to the enchiladas during assembly.
What kind of tortillas should I use?
Both corn and flour tortillas work well in this recipe. Corn tortillas offer a slightly more authentic taste, while flour tortillas provide a softer texture.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper to the enchilada sauce, or use a spicier type of chili powder. You can also add a few chopped jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the enchilada sauce and shred the chicken a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the enchiladas just before baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This slow cooker chicken enchilada recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the ease of preparation! Remember to adjust seasoning to your personal preference. Happy cooking!
