Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling is a wholesome and flavorful dish that your family will love. It's easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights!

Aubrey Whitman

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2025-12-28T19:40:04.930Z

This recipe has been passed down through generations, becoming a staple in our family gatherings. The slow-cooked chicken absorbs the flavors of spices and enchilada sauce, making it a delightful filling for enchiladas or served over rice.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and savory flavors that please the whole family
  • Easy to prepare and requires minimal effort
  • Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

A Versatile Meal Option

Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling is not just a delicious dish; it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it in traditional enchiladas wrapped in tortillas, but it also works beautifully over rice or as a hearty topping for nachos. This adaptability makes it an excellent choice for family meals, allowing everyone to customize their plates according to their preferences. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your immediate family, this dish can effortlessly cater to various tastes and dietary needs.

Moreover, the filling can be enjoyed in different ways throughout the week. Consider using it for burrito bowls, taco salads, or even as a filling for quesadillas. The possibilities are endless, which not only keeps mealtime exciting but also helps reduce food waste. By preparing a large batch, you can enjoy the flavors in various forms, making it a fantastic meal prep option.

Health Benefits of the Ingredients

This dish is packed with nutritious ingredients, making it a wholesome choice for families. Chicken breast provides a lean source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. Coupled with black beans, which are high in fiber and protein, this meal helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied. The addition of corn and onions not only enhances the flavor but also contributes vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

Moreover, using enchilada sauce adds a delightful depth of flavor without the need for excessive salt or sugar. Many store-bought sauces are made with wholesome ingredients, making it easier to enjoy bold flavors without compromising on nutrition. By choosing to make this filling at home, you can also control the seasonings and ingredients, ensuring a healthier meal for your loved ones.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Ingredients

For the Chicken Enchilada Filling

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Feel free to customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add the diced onions, corn, black beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour the enchilada sauce over the top.

Cook the Filling

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it with the sauce and vegetables.

Serve

Serve the filling in enchiladas, over rice, or as a topping for nachos. Sprinkle with shredded cheese if desired.

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Tips for Customization

To personalize your Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling, feel free to experiment with additional ingredients. Adding bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or even jalapeños can enhance the flavors and provide extra nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider using a hotter enchilada sauce or adding some diced green chilies. This recipe is forgiving and encourages creativity, allowing you to adapt it to your family’s taste preferences.

For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with a medley of vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. You may also use tofu or tempeh for added protein. The key is to maintain the balance of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying meal for everyone at the table.

Storage and Reheating

Storing your Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling is straightforward. Once cooled, transfer it to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the filling for up to 3 months. Just ensure to label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness. When you're ready to enjoy the filling again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating is a breeze! You can warm the filling on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. Ensure it’s heated thoroughly before serving. If it seems a bit dry after reheating, you can add a splash of chicken broth or additional enchilada sauce to restore moisture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling, the options are virtually limitless. For a classic approach, roll the filling in tortillas, top with more enchilada sauce, and sprinkle with cheese before baking until bubbly. If you're looking for something lighter, serve it over a bed of quinoa or brown rice, topped with fresh avocado and cilantro.

For a fun twist, use the filling as a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes. The combination of the hearty filling with the creaminess of the potato is simply delightful. Don’t forget to provide a variety of toppings like sour cream, salsa, or diced green onions to enhance the experience and cater to everyone’s tastes.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time slightly.

→ Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for black beans?

You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans based on your preference.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free enchilada sauce, this recipe is gluten-free.

Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling

This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling is a wholesome and flavorful dish that your family will love. It's easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 15 minutes

Created by: Aubrey Whitman

Recipe Type: Global Flavors

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chicken Enchilada Filling

  1. 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
  3. 1 cup diced onions
  4. 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
  5. 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  6. 1 tsp chili powder
  7. 1 tsp cumin
  8. Salt and pepper to taste
  9. 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Add the diced onions, corn, black beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour the enchilada sauce over the top.

Step 02

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 03

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix it with the sauce and vegetables.

Step 04

Serve the filling in enchiladas, over rice, or as a topping for nachos. Sprinkle with shredded cheese if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 8g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 30g