Description
Savory Mexican Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas bring zesty southwestern flavors straight to your dinner table. Rich chicken fills warm tortillas with spicy charm, delivering comfort and bold taste in one delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce and Spices:
- 1 (28 ounces / 794 grams) can red enchilada sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 10 corn tortillas
- 2 cups (226 grams) cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 (4 ounces / 113 grams) can black olives, drained
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by placing chicken breasts inside and seasoning with salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Drench the chicken with enchilada sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
- Set the slow cooker to high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours until the chicken becomes fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
- Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly within the slow cooker, creating a uniform mixture.
- Slice tortillas into large strips and gently fold them into the shredded chicken, creating a cohesive blend.
- Incorporate one-third of the cheese into the chicken and tortilla mixture, pressing down with a spoon to create an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Scatter black olives across the surface.
- Cover the slow cooker and continue cooking on low for 45 minutes until the cheese melts completely and creates a golden, bubbly top.
- Serve the enchiladas piping hot, garnishing with a dollop of sour cream and freshly chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Enhance chicken flavor by adding garlic powder or cumin to the initial seasoning for deeper, more complex taste profiles.
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs to create a more tender, juicier texture that absorbs sauce more effectively.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium enchilada sauce and selecting reduced-fat cheese options without compromising delicious results.
- Create gluten-free version by using corn tortillas instead of traditional wheat varieties, ensuring everyone can enjoy this hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 334 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg