• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Yummy Bowl
  • Home
  • RECIPES
    • Seasonal Recipes
    • Popular Recipes
    • 30-Minute Meals
    • Appetizers
    • Dinner
      • Vegan Dinner
      • Chicken
      • Beef
      • Fish
    • Soups
    • Breakfast
    • One-Pot & Casseroles
    • Sides
      • Salads
      • Potato
    • Pasta
    • Desserts
    • Other Categories
      • Sandwiches & Wraps
      • Dairy Free
      • Vegetarian
      • Drinks
      • Sauces, Condiments, Dips
  • About
    • About TYB
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Privacy Policy
  • START A BLOG
  • SHOP
    • PRINTABLES
    • LIGHTROOM PRESETS
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    The Yummy Bowl » Recipes » One-Pot & Casseroles

    Crock Pot Chicken Enchilada

    May 17, 2021 · Modified: Sep 26, 2022 by Julia | The Yummy Bowl · This post contains affiliate links · 28 Comments

    853 shares
    • Facebook
    • Yummly
    Skip To Recipe
    chicken enchilada in a bowl

     Crockpot Chicken Enchilada - A ridiculously easy chicken enchilada with slow-cooked chicken along with the red enchilada sauce, vegetables and loaded with plenty of cheese. Full of flavor and delicious. Serve with tortilla chips, rice, quinoa, or your favorite side dish.

    Or just enjoy this comfort food bowl on it's own, right from the pot. I won’t judge.

    There is a skip-to-recipe button in the top left corner along with a clickable table of contents list (just below) that will quickly take you to the part you are more interested in. Enjoy!

    Jump to:
    • What It's Yummy
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Crockpot Chicken Enchilada

    What It's Yummy

    • This crockpot chicken enchilada recipe is budget-friendly, incredibly flavorful, and is nearly impossible to mess up. Meant to be served with a side dish like quinoa, rice or tortilla chips, salad, and well, any of your favorite Mexican side dishes.
    • Very easy to make - slow cook the chicken in sauce, add veggies and top with cheese and enjoy. Perfect dish if you’re looking for an easy Enchilada recipe with all the flavors but don’t want to deal with all the tortilla rolling mess. 
    • Easy to meal prep - leave the chicken to slow cook in the evening and add the veggies in the morning and lunch is ready.
    • Mildly spicy - even kids can eat! You can always control the amount of chili depedning on how spicy you want this crockpot chicken enchilada.

    If you like this chicken recipe as much as I do, you'll love these too: Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole and Million Dollar Chicken Casserole a try!

    chicken enchilada in a bowl with avocado jalapeno tortilla chips

    Ingredients

    • Enchilada sauce – For this recipe, I’ve used my 15 minute Red Enchilada Sauce which is super easy to make. It’s not required though, you can also use your favorite store-bought enchilada sauce. This chicken dish is mildly spicy but you can add chili powder later after you’ve shredded the chicken and returned to the crockpot. Just taste and season with salt and pepper as you go. 
    • Chicken - I’ve used chicken breasts but feel free to use chicken thighs, just make sure to remove the bones. For a very quick and easy solution - use rotisserie chicken.
    • Onion - onion, and garlic are the most essential 2 ingredients in most of my recipes. Brown/yellow onion cooked either together with chicken or cooked separately until translucent and added later to simmer with the vegetables. For me personally, I always like to cook the onion separately for more flavor.
    • Cheddar cheese - what is an enchilada without cheese? Use sharp cheddar or a mix of grated cheddar and mozzarella. (Monterey jack cheese will also work great here).
    • Salt and pepper - depending on which sauce you'll be using, make sure to taste salt and pepper during cooking.

    Instructions

    Grease the crockpot with a cooking spray.

    chicken enchilada in a crockpot

    Prepare the chicken (rinse, pat and dry) and place it into the crockpot along with the enchilada sauce.

    chicken breast in a crockpot covered in enchilada sauce

    Add chili powder and gently stir to combine. Place the lid on the slow cooker and slow cook for 3-4 hours on high or 4-6 hours on low, until fork tender.

    chicken enchilada in a crockpot
    chicken breasts in enchilada sauce on a white plate against marble background
    • Shred the chicken (either with a fork or a hand mixer) or you can also dice the chicken, then return to crockpot.
    chicken enchilada in a crockpot
    • Add bell peppers, onion, olives (reserve some for garnish on top), salt, and pepper to taste, corn, cilantro, stir. Stir in half of the cheese. Cover and continue to cook on low for one hour, or ½ hour on high.
    chicken enchilada in a crockpot

    Finally, open the lid, stir to combine, and even out the top. Add the remaining cheese evenly and arrange olives on top of the cheese.

    Close the lid and continue to cook until cheese is almost melted. Alternatively, you can skip this step and add all the cheese and olives along with other veggies (this last step makes a beautiful presentation!).

    chicken enchilada in a crockpot

    Serve with your choice of garnishes, sides such as rice, pico de gallo, quinoa or  tortilla chips. Enjoy!

    chicken enchilada in a bowl with avocado jalapeno tortilla chips on a gray background

    Serving Suggestions

    Like any other Mexican style dish is NOT complete without TOPPINGS.

    Let's see what are the best options for this:

    • Diced avocados
    • Pico de gallo (authentic Mexican salsa)
    • Chile con Queso - a cheesy dip that consists of melted cheese and chili peppers.
    • Avocado crema - mix of avocado, sour cream and lime/lemon juice.
    • Guacamole
    • Hot sauce
    • Jalapenos (fresh or marinated/pickled)
    • Diced tomatoes
    • Cilantro/Coriander chopped or whole leaves
    • Lime wedges
    • Cherry tomatoes cut in half
    • Black olives (pitted & sliced)
    • Corn (canned or fresh)
    • Cotija cheese or feta cheese
    • Sour cream or plain greek yogurt (also coconut yogurt will taste delish!)
    • Pickled cabbage

    Want to make it a full meal? Start your dinner with a little aperitive like this mouthwatering Skinny Watermelon Margarita or serve Spicy Watermelon Basil Margaritas (Frozen) for dessert!

    chicken enchilada in a bowl with avocado jalapeno tortilla chips

    Mexican/Tex-Mex style recipes

    • Vegetarian Enchilada Recipe
    • Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
    • Baked Chicken Taquitos
    • Creamy Chicken Tacos
    • Easy Vegan Chili Recipe

    Casserole recipe favorites

    • Chicken Zucchini Casserole
    • Easy Breakfast Casserole with Bacon (Breakfast Strata)
    • Butternut Squash Broccoli Casserole (Dairy-Free, Vegan)
    • Mediterranean Style Chicken Thighs (Baked Casserole)

    I hope you'll enjoy this crockpot chicken enchilada recipe and if you make it, please let me know down below in the comments or by tagging @theyummy_bowl under your picture on Instagram.

    Thank you for reading,

    Love,

    Julia

    chicken enchilada in a white bowl with avocado jalapeno and tortilla chips

    Crockpot Chicken Enchilada

    A ridiculously easy chicken enchilada that is slow-cooked along with the red enchilada sauce, with vegetables and loaded with plenty of cheese. Full of flavor and delicious. Serve with tortilla chips, rice, quinoa, or your favorite side dish.
    4.77 from 13 votes
    Print Pin
    Author: Julia | The Yummy Bowl
    Course: Main Course
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings

    INGREDIENTS

    • 1 ½ - 2 pounds chicken skinless boneless washed and dried with a towel
    • 2 ½ cup red enchilada sauce see notes
    • 1 ½ cups cheddar grated
    • 1 small onion chopped and lightly cooked on a pan until translucent
    • 1 cup corn frozen or canned
    • 2 teaspoon chili powder optional
    • 1 half red bell pepper sliced thin
    • 1 half orange bell pepper sliced thin
    • 10-12 olives pitted and cut in half or your choice
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 2 tablespoon cilantro chopped
    • Garnish: lime wedges fresh cilantro leaves, sliced avocado, sour cream, fresh sliced jalapeno

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • Grease the crockpot with a cooking spray.
    • Prepare the chicken (rinse and pat dry) and place the chicken into the crockpot along with the enchilada sauce. Add chili powder and gently stir to combine. Place the lid on the slow cooker and slow cook for 3-4 hours on high or 4-6 hours on low, until fork tender.
    • Shred the chicken (either with a fork or a hand mixer) or you can also dice the chicken, then return to crockpot.
    • Add bell peppers, onion, olives (reserve some for garnish on top), salt, and pepper to taste, corn, cilantro, stir. Stir in half of the cheese. Cover and continue to cook on low for one hour, or ½ hour on high.
    • Finally, open the lid, stir to combine, and even out the top. Add the remaining cheese evenly and arrange olives on top of the cheese. Close the lid and continue to cook until cheese is almost melted. Alternatively, you can skip this step and add all the cheese and olives along with other veggies (this last step makes a beautiful presentation!).
    • Serve with your choice of garnishes, sides such as rice, pico de gallo, quinoa or tortilla chips. Enjoy!
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Video

    NOTES

    15 minute Enchilada Sauce
    Multicooker settings: choose slow cooker setting and set a timer for 3 ½ hours. Proceed as per instructions, shredding the chicken after 3 hours mark, adding veggies and cooking for 30 minutes more with cheese. 

    PRIVATE NOTES

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    (Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

    [mailerlite_form form_id=17]
    « Salmon Salad With Cabbage (Grill or Oven)
    Easy Pico De Gallo »
    853 shares
    • Facebook
    • Yummly

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Julia

      May 20, 2021 at 5:09 pm

      5 stars
      Enjoy this easy and delicious Mexican style recipe!

      Reply
    2. Biana

      May 20, 2021 at 6:03 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! Such a simple and delicious dinner idea.

      Reply
      • Julia

        May 21, 2021 at 8:28 pm

        thank you!

        Reply
    3. Andrea

      May 20, 2021 at 6:32 pm

      5 stars
      Easy to make and perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

      Reply
      • Julia

        May 21, 2021 at 8:29 pm

        thank you Andrea!

        Reply
      • Sonay

        January 06, 2023 at 4:11 pm

        I actually made this and used it to roll into tortillas to make enchiladas. It was Themis delicious enchiladas I had. Thank you for this amazing recipe

        Reply
        • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

          January 11, 2023 at 6:03 pm

          Thank you so much!

          Reply
    4. Angela

      May 20, 2021 at 6:33 pm

      5 stars
      My family absolutely loved this recipe!! So much flavor. I used mild enchilada sauce and then had a ton of toppings ready to go. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Julia

        May 21, 2021 at 8:29 pm

        thank you Angela, hope it becomes one of your favorites!

        Reply
    5. Shalini

      May 20, 2021 at 7:50 pm

      5 stars
      This was just perfect! The flavor of the spices with chicken and veggies took this dish to another level!

      Reply
      • Julia

        May 21, 2021 at 8:27 pm

        thank you Shalini, so glad to hear this!

        Reply
    6. Emily Flint

      May 21, 2021 at 4:00 pm

      5 stars
      I love enchiladas but had never tried making them in a slow cooker. This was so easy and delicious and we served it with chips. The perfect weeknight meal!

      Reply
      • Julia

        May 21, 2021 at 8:28 pm

        thank you Emily, glad you liked it

        Reply
    7. Anjali

      May 21, 2021 at 5:38 pm

      5 stars
      I love crockpot meals and this was so so easy to make!! It was packed with flavor and my whole family loved it!

      Reply
      • Julia

        May 21, 2021 at 8:27 pm

        thank you Anjali, so glad to hear this!

        Reply
    8. Serena

      May 21, 2021 at 5:51 pm

      5 stars
      I love crock pot meals. It makes a busy summer day feel just a bit less stressful. Can't wait to try this, it looks delish!

      Reply
      • Julia

        May 21, 2021 at 8:27 pm

        not only summer but any day really! 🙂 thank you!

        Reply
    9. Andrea

      May 21, 2021 at 5:52 pm

      5 stars
      Love this easy to make and flavored packed chicken enchilada recipe.

      Reply
      • Julia

        May 21, 2021 at 8:26 pm

        thank you, so many flavors!

        Reply
    10. kushigalu

      May 21, 2021 at 5:53 pm

      5 stars
      Love enchiladas. This version sounds so flavorful and delicious. I would love to make this way soon

      Reply
      • Julia

        May 21, 2021 at 8:26 pm

        thank you, please let me know how did it go!

        Reply
    11. Julia

      May 21, 2021 at 8:26 pm

      thank you so much, veggies are the best!

      Reply
    12. Lisa R

      June 03, 2021 at 10:59 pm

      2 stars
      The directions need to be edited. I made the enchilada sauce. It yields 2 1)2 cups, recipe calls for 3 cups. Recipe says you can cook on low or high, only gives high temperature directions although you stagger ingredients at different times. I would add onions and peppers at the beginning if I made it again.

      Reply
      • Julia

        June 04, 2021 at 9:30 pm

        Hi Lisa, sorry to hear that. I have adjusted the time and the process slightly to make it more clear.Thank you for pointing out the sauce though! I've made this at least 3 times and it always turned out great. Hopefully, you'll try this again!

        Reply
    13. Peter Harbers

      July 25, 2021 at 4:17 am

      We do something very similar but stir in tortilla chips and cheese and let cook for another hour before the final cheese topping, then it really tastes like an enchilada.

      Reply
      • Julia

        July 25, 2021 at 3:29 pm

        hi Peter, yes definitely this is another very tasty way of making enchilada chicken! Love this! Thank you for leaving a comment 🙂

        Reply
    14. Maia

      January 21, 2022 at 8:41 pm

      5 stars
      Topped mine with avocados and green onions, and served with rice, delicious!

      Reply
      • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

        January 21, 2022 at 8:47 pm

        That's one of our favorites too! Thank you for your feedback!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    the yummy bowl julia author

    I'm Julia and welcome to The Yummy Bowl. I share easy and healthy recipes for the whole family. Everything you see here is Gluten-free and mostly made with whole food ingredients. Hope you enjoy! Love, Julia

    More about me →

    Seasonal Favorites

    • Cranberry Orange Mini Loaves Breads (Gluten-Free)
      Cranberry Orange Mini Loaves Breads (Gluten-Free)
    • Ham And Potato Casserole Cornflakes
      Ham and Potato Casserole With Cornflakes
    • Whipped Sweet Potatoes with bacon
      Whipped Sweet Potatoes
    • apple pie filling in a glass jar
      Stovetop Apple Pie Filling
    • Cranberry Sauce With Mandarin Oranges in a bowl
      Cranberry Sauce With Mandarin Oranges
    • Almond Cranberry Tart (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Dairy-Free)
      Almond Cranberry Tart (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Dairy-Free)

    Readers Favorites

    • Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
      Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
    • Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
      Gluten Free Hash brown Breakfast Casserole (Farmer's Casserole)
    • Easy Mexican Slaw Recipe
    • Easy Breakfast Casserole With Bacon
      Easy Breakfast Casserole with Bacon (Breakfast Strata)
    • Unstuffed Cabbage Roll
      Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls With Rice (Lenivie Golubtsi)
    • cheesy and creamy potato au gratin in a white rectangular baking dish
      Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes

    Connect With Me

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2021 Julia | The Yummy Bowl. Created with the Feast Plugin.