Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling is a delicious and effortless way to enjoy a classic Mexican dish. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress.
This crockpot chicken enchilada filling is not just easy to prepare, but it also delivers a burst of flavors that will have your family coming back for more. Made with tender chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and a blend of spices, it’s a comforting meal that brings everyone together at the dinner table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender, flavorful chicken that's cooked to perfection.
- Versatile filling that can be used in enchiladas, tacos, or burritos.
- Minimal prep time and a hands-off cooking process.
A Classic Dish Made Easy
Crockpot chicken enchiladas bring the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine to your dinner table without the hassle. Using a slow cooker allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a rich and savory filling that your family will love. The ease of preparation means you can spend more time enjoying dinner with your loved ones rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, as the crockpot does all the hard work for you. Just set it and forget it! In a few hours, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to serve, making it an ideal option for families with varied schedules.
Customizable to Your Taste
One of the best things about this crockpot chicken enchilada filling is its versatility. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your family's preferences. For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you're looking to add more veggies, bell peppers, or zucchini can be excellent additions.
The filling can be used in various dishes beyond enchiladas. Try it in tacos, burritos, or even as a topping for nachos. With just one recipe, you can create multiple meals throughout the week, ensuring that no two dinners are the same!
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you love to meal prep, this chicken enchilada filling is a fantastic choice. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days and can also be frozen for later use. Simply portion it out into airtight containers, and you’ll have a delicious homemade meal ready to go whenever you need it.
Reheating is a breeze, whether you prefer to warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist, and you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time. This makes it an excellent solution for busy individuals or families looking to save time during the week.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to prepare this delicious filling:
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional for topping)
Once you have all the ingredients ready, you're set to start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling:
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder.
Add the Vegetables
Layer the diced onions, corn, and black beans on top of the chicken.
Pour the Sauce
Pour the enchilada sauce over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is well coated.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and stir everything together in the crockpot. If desired, sprinkle cheese on top and let it melt for a few minutes.
Serve this filling in tortillas, topped with your favorite garnishes!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this delicious chicken enchilada filling, the options are endless. For a traditional approach, roll the filling in corn tortillas, top with additional enchilada sauce, and sprinkle with cheese before baking until bubbly. Serve with a side of guacamole and sour cream for the ultimate experience.
Alternatively, create a build-your-own taco night. Set out the filling alongside fresh toppings such as lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and salsa. This interactive meal is sure to please both kids and adults, allowing everyone to customize their tacos just the way they like.
Storage Tips
To store leftover chicken enchilada filling, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in portions. This way, you can easily thaw just what you need for a quick meal later on.
When freezing, make sure to label the containers with the date and contents to avoid any confusion. It's also a good idea to use freezer-safe bags or containers to prevent freezer burn, ensuring that your delicious filling stays fresh and flavorful.
Nutrition Highlights
This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling not only tastes great but also provides a nutritious meal option. Chicken is a lean protein source, providing essential nutrients while being low in fat. The addition of beans and corn increases the fiber content, making this dish satisfying and wholesome.
You can further enhance the nutritional value by opting for whole grain tortillas or serving it alongside a fresh salad. This way, you can enjoy a balanced meal that meets your dietary needs while still indulging in the comforting flavors of enchiladas.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time by about 1 hour.
→ What can I substitute for black beans?
You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans based on your preference.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free enchilada sauce, this recipe is gluten-free.
Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling
This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling is a delicious and effortless way to enjoy a classic Mexican dish. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress.
Created by: Lacey Montgomery
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional for topping)
How-To Steps
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder.
Layer the diced onions, corn, and black beans on top of the chicken.
Pour the enchilada sauce over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is well coated.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.
Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and stir everything together in the crockpot. If desired, sprinkle cheese on top and let it melt for a few minutes.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 540mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 35g