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Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole

A crockpot filled with chicken enchilada casserole, topped with melted cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.

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Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make Tex-Mex dish made with shredded chicken, black beans, enchilada sauce, tortillas, and cheese, slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

  • Author: Catherine
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 tsp avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 2 cups enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 can (15 oz) low-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 4 corn tortillas, cut into strips
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella)
  • Sliced jalapeños and chopped fresh cilantro for topping (optional)
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, crema or extra sour cream, cilantro lime rice

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, cumin, and salt. Sauté until softened and browned, about 5 minutes.
  2. Transfer sautéed mixture to the slow cooker. Add enchilada sauce, sour cream, and water. Stir to combine.
  3. Fold in the rinsed black beans until well coated.
  4. Place the chicken into the slow cooker, nestling it into the sauce mixture.
  5. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 6–7 hours until the chicken is tender.
  6. Shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks.
  7. Stir in the tortilla strips, sprinkle cheese over the top, and cover again.
  8. Cook for another 30 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with jalapeños, cilantro, and optional toppings like avocado or crema.

Notes

  • Sautéing onions and garlic first enhances flavor—don’t skip this step.
  • Corn tortillas are preferred over flour for better texture.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Add veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutrition.