Ever wish dinner could magically cook itself while you’re busy conquering your day? Let me introduce you to your new weeknight hero: Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole. Packed with bold flavors and irresistibly cheesy goodness, this dish is the perfect blend of convenience and comfort.
Whether you’re juggling Zoom calls, carpool duty, or simply craving a cozy meal without babysitting the stove, this Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole has your back. And the best part? It’s super easy to make and naturally gluten-free—perfect for anyone navigating dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
So grab your slow cooker, and let’s bring some Mexican-inspired magic to your table!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Hands-off magic: Toss it all in the slow cooker and let it work its flavorful sorcery.
- Gluten-free friendly: Easy swaps mean everyone at your table can dig in worry-free.
- Customizable: Prefer green sauce over red? Monterey Jack instead of Mexican blend? Go for it!
- Family-approved: Even picky eaters won’t be able to resist that cheesy, saucy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your lineup for Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole success. Be sure to check labels for gluten-free (GF) versions if you need it!
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- Red enchilada sauce (look for GF brands like Hatch Organic, or swap with green enchilada sauce for a twist)
- Fire-roasted tomatoes (Hunt’s is a safe GF option)
- Green chiles (adds a mild kick)
- Taco seasoning packet (opt for a GF brand or make your own with chili powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper)
- Shredded Mexican cheese (double-check for GF, or swap with Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar)
- Black beans or pinto beans (for extra protein and texture)
- Sweet corn (for color and a pop of sweetness)
- Gluten-free tortillas or corn tortillas
- Optional: Cream cheese (for ultra-creamy vibes)
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Step 1: Layer It Up
Spray your slow cooker with a little cooking spray if you’d like—though honestly, I skip it most days and it turns out fine!
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Pour in the enchilada sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, and taco seasoning. Give it a gentle stir to coat the chicken.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Magic
Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low/medium for 4-6 hours. Got a longer day ahead? No worries—it can stretch to 6-8 hours on low without falling apart.
Step 3: Shred That Chicken
Once the chicken is beautifully tender, lift it out with tongs and shred it with two forks—or, my personal time-saving trick: pop it into your stand mixer with the paddle attachment for a few seconds. Seriously, life-changing.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Step 4: Make It a Casserole
Add half of the shredded cheese and stir until melty and combined.
Toss in black beans (or pinto beans) and sweet corn for extra flavor and color.
Step 5: Tortilla Time!
If going gluten-free, layer in sliced GF tortillas or corn tortillas.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top for a gooey, cheesy finish.
Step 6: Final Cook
Cover again and cook on low for another 20-30 minutes, until heated through and the flavors have melded into pure deliciousness.
If you’re craving extra creaminess, stir in a block of cream cheese during this final step.
Tips for Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole Success
- Spice level: Love heat? Add extra diced jalapeños or spicy enchilada sauce. Prefer mild? Stick with mild sauce and skip extra chiles.
- Cheese choices: Monterey Jack melts beautifully for a milder flavor, while sharp cheddar adds a bit of tang.
- Make it creamy: Stir in cream cheese for a richer casserole.
- Meal prep hero: Leftovers are fantastic in burritos, tacos, or even on top of nachos the next day!
Aneta’s Little Story
I still remember the first time I made this Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole. It was a chaotic Tuesday, my kids were hangry, and I was this close to ordering takeout. Instead, I threw a bunch of ingredients into my slow cooker, crossed my fingers—and it turned out to be such a hit that my kids started requesting “Mom’s magic chicken casserole” weekly.
Trust me, it’s a lifesaver for busy days!

FAQs About Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and shred beautifully in the crockpot.
Can I use green enchilada sauce instead of red?
Yes! Green sauce will give your casserole a slightly tangier, brighter flavor. Delicious either way!
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Let’s Get Cooking!
There you have it—a fuss-free, flavor-packed Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole that’ll make your weeknight dinners feel like a fiesta. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or meal prepping for the week, this dish brings big taste with minimal effort.
So go ahead—dust off that slow cooker and let’s create some chicken magic together. Happy cooking!
Discover More Chicken Magic Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re drooling over this Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole, you’ll definitely want to explore more delicious ideas to keep your meal plan exciting! Check out these tasty options that pair beautifully with the flavors and simplicity you love:
- Try another cozy, crowd-pleasing classic with this Chicken Enchilada Casserole, perfect for days when you’d rather bake than slow cook.
- Craving a creamy twist on Tex-Mex? Don’t miss my Creamy Baked Fajita Chicken Casserole — it’s packed with cheesy, sizzling goodness.
- For a spicier kick, check out these irresistible High Protein Creamy Chilli Chicken Enchiladas that bring a bold heat to your table.
- Keep the slow-cooker vibes going with my Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies for a sweet-savory twist on an easy weeknight dinner.
Happy cooking — and let’s keep the chicken magic alive!
Print
Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole is an easy, cheesy, gluten-free dinner packed with shredded chicken, bold enchilada sauce, black beans, and melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd!
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups red enchilada sauce (GF if needed)
1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes (Hunt’s is GF)
1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
1 packet taco seasoning (GF if needed) or homemade substitute
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup sweet corn kernels (frozen or canned)
6 gluten-free tortillas or corn tortillas, sliced into strips
Optional: 8 oz cream cheese for extra creaminess
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Spray your slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired.
Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Add enchilada sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, and taco seasoning. Stir gently to combine.
Cover and cook on High for 3-4 hours or Low/Medium for 4-6 hours. You can stretch to 6-8 hours on Low if needed.
Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred with two forks (or use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment for faster shredding).
Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Stir in half the shredded cheese, black beans, and corn.
Add sliced tortillas and gently mix.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
Cover and cook an additional 20-30 minutes until cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
If desired, add cream cheese during this final step for extra creaminess.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve!
Notes
To adjust spice levels, choose mild or hot enchilada sauce and add jalapeños if desired.
Leftovers taste great in tacos, burritos, or over nachos.
Always check labels to confirm products are gluten-free if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: : 4 hours 30 minutes (average for low setting + final cooking)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg