Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling is a delicious and easy way to enjoy enchiladas without the fuss of traditional cooking methods. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings!
This recipe brings together tender chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, and a medley of spices to create a filling that's perfect for enchiladas, tacos, or even served over rice. Make it ahead of time in your crockpot for a hassle-free meal!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation with minimal cleanup
- Flavorful and satisfying filling for various dishes
- Perfect for meal prep and feeding a crowd
Quick and Convenient Cooking
Using a crockpot is a game changer for busy families. This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling allows you to throw all the ingredients together in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal. There's no need for complicated cooking techniques or extensive cleanup, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence.
Furthermore, the slow cooking process enhances the flavors of the ingredients, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish. The chicken becomes tender and flavorful, perfectly absorbing the spices and enchilada sauce. You can enjoy the delicious taste of homemade enchiladas without the usual hassle, freeing you up to spend more time with your loved ones.
Versatile and Adaptable
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. The chicken enchilada filling can be used in various ways, making it a perfect base for numerous meals. Serve it in tortillas for classic enchiladas, or use it as a topping for nachos. You can also incorporate it into burrito bowls, salads, or even quesadillas, making it a fantastic option for meal prep.
Feel free to customize the filling to suit your family's preferences. Add more vegetables, like bell peppers or onions, for extra nutrition, or adjust the spices to make it milder or spicier. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a dish that everyone will love.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This crockpot chicken enchilada filling is a dream for meal prep enthusiasts. You can easily double the recipe and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Simply store it in airtight containers in the fridge, and reheat as needed. With this filling on hand, you’ll always have a quick and satisfying meal option ready to go.
Additionally, this dish freezes beautifully. If you want to make it ahead of time, just let the filling cool before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw and reheat. This makes it an excellent choice for busy weeks or when you know you'll have limited time to cook.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious filling:
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Once you have all your ingredients ready, you're set to start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your crockpot chicken enchilada filling:
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
Add Ingredients
Pour in the enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the Chicken
Once done, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix well.
Add Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and well combined.
Your delicious filling is ready to be used in enchiladas, tacos, or served as is!
Serving Suggestions
Once your crockpot chicken enchilada filling is ready, there are countless ways to serve it. For a classic approach, warm some tortillas and roll the filling inside, topping them with additional enchilada sauce and cheese before baking for a few minutes. You could also serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa, adding a side of guacamole and sour cream for a complete meal.
Consider topping your enchiladas with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor. These toppings not only enhance the dish visually but also add layers of taste that will impress your family and friends.
Storage Tips
To ensure the longevity of your crockpot chicken enchilada filling, it is essential to store it properly. Allow the filling to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to spoilage. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze it for longer storage.
When freezing, consider portioning the filling into smaller containers or freezer bags. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need for a meal. Label your containers with the date so you can keep track of freshness. Reheating is simple; just warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutritional Benefits
This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. The addition of black beans provides fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
The inclusion of corn and diced tomatoes adds vitamins and minerals to the dish, making it a balanced meal option. By preparing this filling at home, you can control the ingredients and portion sizes, making it a healthier choice compared to store-bought alternatives or restaurant versions.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but ensure to increase the cooking time to about 8 hours on low.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
→ What can I serve this filling with?
This filling is great in enchiladas, tacos, burritos, or served over rice or quinoa.
Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling
This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling is a delicious and easy way to enjoy enchiladas without the fuss of traditional cooking methods. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings!
Created by: Stella Cameron
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
How-To Steps
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
Pour in the enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Once done, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix well.
Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and well combined.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 619mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 28g