Description
This Chicken Enchilada Casserole is a hearty, flavorful slow cooker meal combining tender shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and a blend of Mexican spices baked together with cheese and tortillas. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it features a mix of fire-roasted tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and taco seasoning for authentic bold flavors. Ready with minimal prep and slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex casserole.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Casserole Components
- 6 gluten-free tortillas or corn tortillas, sliced into strips
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Optional: 8 oz cream cheese for extra creaminess
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Add Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker to serve as the base for the casserole.
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the enchilada sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, diced green chiles, and taco seasoning around and on top of the chicken, stirring gently to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Slow Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 3-4 hours or on Low/Medium for 4-6 hours. If needed, extend cooking time on Low up to 6-8 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them finely using two forks to create a pulled chicken texture.
- Return Chicken: Place the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, combining it with the remaining sauce.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in half of the shredded Mexican cheese blend, drained black beans, and sweet corn kernels to mix flavors and textures.
- Add Tortillas: Gently fold in the sliced tortillas, making sure they are well incorporated with the chicken mixture without breaking apart too much.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture to create a melty cheese layer.
- Final Cooking Step: Cover and cook the casserole for an additional 20-30 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is heated through.
- Add Cream Cheese (Optional): For extra creaminess, add cream cheese during this final cooking step, stirring gently until incorporated and melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish the casserole with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve warm as a satisfying main dish.
Notes
- Make sure to use gluten-free or corn tortillas to keep the casserole gluten-free if needed.
- Cream cheese is optional but adds a richer, creamier texture to the casserole.
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer green chiles or using mild taco seasoning.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat thoroughly before serving.
- For a thicker casserole, reduce the amount of sauce slightly or add more tortillas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican