Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast or thighs
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce (or green enchilada sauce for variation)
- 8–10 flour or corn tortillas, warmed
- 2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup black beans or corn (optional)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Chicken: Start by shredding your cooked chicken and mixing it with sautéed onions, minced garlic, and spices like cumin, chili powder, and oregano to infuse flavor into every bite.
- Layer the Ingredients: In the bottom of your crock pot, spoon a layer of enchilada sauce to prevent sticking. Add a layer of warmed tortillas, followed by the seasoned shredded chicken, beans or corn if using, and a layer of shredded cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Slow Cook Your Casserole: Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. This slow cooking melts the cheese, softens the tortillas, and blends all the flavors into a tender, casserole-like dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the cooking is complete, garnish your casserole with freshly chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, or any toppings you prefer for a fresh and colorful finish before serving.
Notes
- Warm the tortillas before layering to make them pliable and prevent cracking in the crock pot.
- Always start with a layer of enchilada sauce at the bottom to avoid sticking and ensure even moisture.
- Layer cheese throughout the casserole for gooey, creamy bursts in every bite.
- If you prefer a saucier casserole, drizzle extra enchilada sauce between the layers.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after cooking for easier slicing and better flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (use corn tortillas)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Crock pot, chicken enchilada casserole, slow cooker, Mexican casserole, easy dinner, family meal, comfort food