Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling is a simple, delicious way to bring a taste of Mexico to your family dinners. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the rich flavors and aromas.
This crockpot chicken enchilada filling is not just easy to make but also bursting with flavor! Whether you're feeding a crowd or just your family, this recipe is sure to please.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender chicken that shreds easily for perfect enchiladas
- Rich and savory flavors that everyone will love
- Convenient slow-cooker preparation saves time and effort
A Perfect Family Meal
Family dinners are often the highlight of the week, and this Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling makes it easy to create a meal that everyone will enjoy. With minimal preparation, you can set your slow cooker and let the magic happen, filling your home with the enticing aroma of Mexican flavors. This dish not only satisfies hunger but also brings family members together around the table, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can serve the chicken enchilada filling in various ways: as enchiladas wrapped in corn tortillas, over a bed of rice, or even as a topping for nachos. This flexibility allows you to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences within your family, ensuring that everyone leaves the table happy and satisfied.
Healthy and Wholesome Ingredients
One of the standout features of this crockpot chicken enchilada filling is its healthy ingredient list. The use of boneless, skinless chicken breasts provides a lean source of protein, while the addition of black beans and corn boosts the fiber content, making this dish a nutritious option. The diced tomatoes with green chilies add a touch of freshness and spice, creating a well-rounded flavor profile that is both satisfying and wholesome.
Moreover, this recipe allows you to control the sodium content by choosing low-sodium enchilada sauce and rinsing the canned beans. This small adjustment can make a big difference for families looking to reduce their salt intake while still enjoying delicious meals. Your loved ones will appreciate a dish that is not only tasty but also packed with health benefits.
Tips for the Perfect Filling
To achieve the best results with your crockpot chicken enchilada filling, consider using fresh spices. While dried spices are convenient, freshly ground cumin and chili powder can elevate the flavor profile significantly. Additionally, if you have time, marinating the chicken in the spices before cooking can enhance the overall taste, making your enchiladas even more flavorful.
Don’t hesitate to customize the filling to suit your family's preferences. Add diced bell peppers for extra crunch, or throw in some chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness. Adjust the heat level by incorporating jalapeños or using a spicier enchilada sauce. This recipe is a great canvas to explore your creativity and cater to your family's palate.
Ingredients
Chicken Enchilada Filling Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Combine all these ingredients for a delicious filling!
Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
In your slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, and spices. Make sure everything is well combined.
Cook the Filling
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it back in with the filling.
Serve
Top with shredded cheese and let it melt before serving in tortillas for enchiladas or over rice for a delicious meal.
Enjoy your delicious enchilada filling!
Serving Suggestions
Once your delicious chicken enchilada filling is ready, the possibilities are endless. For a classic approach, serve it wrapped in warm tortillas, topped with additional cheese and your favorite garnishes such as sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful presentation to your dish.
Alternatively, consider serving the filling over a bed of rice or quinoa for a hearty meal that is both filling and nutritious. You can also turn this dish into a fiesta by serving it alongside chips and guacamole, creating a fun and interactive dining experience for your family.
Storage and Reheating
If you find yourself with leftovers, you're in luck! This chicken enchilada filling stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. You can also freeze the filling for longer storage—perfect for meal prep or busy days when you need a quick dinner solution.
When reheating, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or extra enchilada sauce to keep it moist. This way, you can enjoy the rich flavors of your crockpot creation even days later.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just ensure to increase the cooking time slightly.
→ How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or use a spicier enchilada sauce to increase the heat.
→ Can I prepare this filling in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
→ What can I serve with this chicken enchilada filling?
You can serve it with tortillas, over rice, or with a side of Mexican-style corn.
Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling
This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling is a simple, delicious way to bring a taste of Mexico to your family dinners. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the rich flavors and aromas.
Created by: Chloe Bennett
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Chicken Enchilada Filling Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
How-To Steps
In your slow cooker, add the chicken breasts, black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, and spices. Make sure everything is well combined.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it back in with the filling.
Top with shredded cheese and let it melt before serving in tortillas for enchiladas or over rice for a delicious meal.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 30g