If there’s one recipe that brings comfort, flavor, and convenience together in a single bubbling dish, it’s this Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole. On those hectic days when you’re juggling a million things—school pickups, work emails, and trying to remember if you fed the dog—this slow cooker gem steps in like a culinary superhero.
With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a hearty, gluten-free casserole that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen (when in reality, your crockpot did the heavy lifting). The first time I made this, my house smelled like a cozy Mexican restaurant, and my family kept hovering around the slow cooker, impatiently lifting the lid every few minutes.
This recipe is everything we crave in weeknight dinners—effortless, satisfying, and customizable. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or planning to impress guests, this easy crockpot meal will quickly become your go-to comfort dish. So, grab your slow cooker and let’s make some magic happen—because dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole
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Minimal prep—your crockpot handles the heavy work.
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Naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for sensitive eaters.
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Packed with melty cheese, tender chicken, and layers of enchilada goodness.
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Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
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Reheats beautifully (if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers!).
Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole is a cozy, flavorful, and effortless slow cooker meal packed with tender shredded chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, melted cheese, and hearty beans. It’s the ultimate comfort food that practically cooks itself—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners. Naturally gluten-free and easily customizable, this dish brings all the flavors of classic enchiladas in one warm, bubbling pot.
Ingredients
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1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 can (15 oz) red enchilada sauce (gluten-free if needed)
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1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes
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1 can (4.5 oz) diced green chiles
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1 packet (1.25 oz) gluten-free taco seasoning
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1 can (15 oz) black or pinto beans, drained
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1 cup frozen or canned corn
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1 cup shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
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6 small corn tortillas (or gluten-free flour tortillas), cut into wedges
Optional Toppings:
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Sour cream
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Avocado slices
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Jalapeños
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Salsa or pico de gallo
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Fresh cilantro
Instructions
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Layer the Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add chicken, enchilada sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, and taco seasoning. Stir gently to combine.
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Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
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Shred and Mix: Shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir in beans, corn, and tortilla wedges.
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Add Cheese: Mix in half the cheese, then sprinkle the rest on top.
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Finish Cooking: Cover and cook for another 20–30 minutes on low, until the cheese melts and the casserole is bubbly.
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Serve: Top with sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, or your favorite garnishes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For faster prep, use rotisserie chicken and reduce cook time by half.
Spray your crockpot before adding ingredients to make cleanup easy.
Add cream cheese during the last 20 minutes for a creamier version.
Adjust spice level with mild or hot enchilada sauce and extra chiles.
Perfect for meal prep — refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on low)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
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1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
1 can (15 oz) red enchilada sauce (gluten-free if needed)
-
1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes
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1 can (4.5 oz) diced green chiles
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1 packet (1.25 oz) gluten-free taco seasoning
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1 can (15 oz) black or pinto beans, drained
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1 cup frozen or canned corn
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1 cup shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
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6 small corn tortillas (or gluten-free flour tortillas), cut into wedges
Steps to Make It
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In your slow cooker, layer the chicken, enchilada sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, and taco seasoning. Gently stir to combine.
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Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
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Shred the chicken using two forks directly in the slow cooker.
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Stir in the beans, corn, and tortilla wedges until evenly mixed.
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Add half the cheese and stir again. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
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Cover and cook for another 20–30 minutes on low until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
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Serve hot with your favorite toppings—think sour cream, jalapeños, avocado slices, or salsa for an extra kick!
Cooking Tips
Don’t worry if your sauce looks a little thin before it’s done—those tortillas will soak up the flavors and give the casserole its irresistible texture. If you’re short on time, go for pre-shredded rotisserie chicken and reduce the cooking time by half. Want to make it even creamier? Add a scoop of cream cheese during the last 20 minutes.
If spice isn’t your love language, use mild enchilada sauce and skip the jalapeños. But if you’re like me and live for a little heat, toss in extra green chiles or a dash of hot sauce. Oh, and pro tip: spray your crockpot with cooking spray before you start—future you will thank you when it’s cleanup time!
A Little Story from My Kitchen
This recipe was born on one of those weeks—the kind where I was buried under deadlines, the laundry mountain was threatening to collapse, and I just couldn’t bear the thought of another night of takeout. I threw what I had into the slow cooker, said a quick prayer to the dinner gods, and went about my day.
By evening, the kitchen smelled divine. My husband peeked in and said, “What is that? It smells like happiness.” That night, my family scraped their plates clean, and my daughter even asked if I could pack the leftovers for lunch (music to a mom’s ears!). Since then, it’s been a regular in our rotation—a little reminder that great meals don’t have to come from chaos, just a bit of creativity and a good crockpot.
What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Casserole
This dish is hearty enough to shine on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while cilantro-lime rice adds an extra layer of flavor. For something lighter, serve it with roasted vegetables or grilled corn on the cob.
If you’re feeling indulgent, whip up some guacamole and chips or a quick pico de gallo. And for drinks? A sparkling limeade or margarita fits the mood perfectly. It’s a fiesta-worthy spread that turns any regular Tuesday into a celebration.
How to Store
Leftovers? Lucky you! Let the casserole cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual. Bonus tip: freezing in individual servings makes for effortless grab-and-go lunches—perfect for busy workdays or lazy weekends.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely! Just skip the initial long cook time and mix everything on low for about 1–2 hours.
Is this Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole gluten-free?
Yes—just make sure your tortillas, enchilada sauce, and taco seasoning are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble everything the night before, refrigerate the insert, and start it in the morning. Dinner will be waiting by evening!
Can I make this spicier or milder?
Of course! Adjust the enchilada sauce and green chiles to match your family’s spice preference.
Bringing It All Together
There’s something magical about walking into your kitchen after a long day and smelling dinner already done. This Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole delivers all the cozy flavors of a traditional baked enchilada without the extra fuss. It’s one of those easy crockpot meals that makes you feel like a culinary rockstar with minimal effort.
So the next time life feels a bit too busy, let your slow cooker take over. Gather your favorite toppings, call the family to the table, and enjoy a meal that’s equal parts comfort and celebration. Because in my kitchen, love—and melted cheese—are always the secret ingredients.
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