↑

The Magical Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Recipes

  • Recipe Box
  • Buy my Digital Cookbook
  • About me
  • Contact Me
  • Free Slow Cooker Newsletter
    • Visit us on Pinterest
    • Visit us on Instagram
    • Visit us on Youtube
    • Visit us on Facebook
    • Visit us on Twitter

The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Chicken » Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

by Sarah Olson on January 19, 2021 | Updated March 24, 2022 647 Comments

1133885 shares
  • 188401
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
close up of enchilada casserole with olives and cheese on top.
Collage of photos showing to make chicken enchilada casserole for pinterest

Slow Cooker Enchilada Casserole is the easiest one-pot recipe you will find for enchiladas. Made with tender chicken and plenty of cheese.

Forget take out and make enchiladas at home, we love to make a big pot of Slow Cooker Refried Beans too!

enchilada casserole with olives on top and metal spoon in it.

This recipe for slow cooker chicken enchilada casserole is a one-pot meal (yay!). To make this recipe, I cook the chicken with a big can of red enchilada sauce, all day in my slow cooker.

Then when I get home, I shred the chicken, stir in corn tortillas strips, add some cheese and olives, stir, add a little more cheese and olives on top, cook for one more hour, and wow! Easy enchiladas and I don’t have the huge mess all over my kitchen from frying tortillas and rolling the enchiladas.

How to make Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole:

This recipe has become a viral success on the blog and that is for good reason. So many people have tried this recipe and had great results. I don’t think there is an easier meal for the slow cooker.

Ingredients

ingredients for enchilada casserole in front of slow cooker.
  • Enchilada sauce
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Corn tortillas cut into strips
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Black olives
4 photo collage of how to cook chicken in enchilada sauce

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Add chicken breasts to the slow cooker.
  2. Pour over a large can of red enchilada sauce. (DO NOT ADD THE REST OF THE INGREDIENTS YET. The first step is only the chicken and sauce).
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
  4. Shred the meat with 2 forks.
2 photo collage of corn torillas

What kind of tortillas do I use?

  • Use corn tortillas for this recipe cut into strips (see photo above). These are not chips, these are tortillas that are soft.
  • Flour tortillas will make this dish doughy.
  • Though, if you accidently buy tortilla chips, I’ve had many reviews that they work fine. They soften up in the casserole.
2 photo collage of enchilada casserole being assembled

How to assemble the casserole:

  • Add the corn tortillas (that have been cut into strips), half of the cheese, and half of the olives, stir and flatten out into a casserole.
  • Add more cheese on top and olives. Cook on low for 40-60 minutes or until the center is hot. 
  • Serve and enjoy!

Can I use a different kind of meat?

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs – These work great if you love dark meat.
  • Ground beef – One of the most popular questions I get asked is if ground beef can be used. The time can be cut in half if cooked ground beef is used.
  • Cubed beef stew meat – The is great if you love beef enchiladas and the beef flavors the enchilada sauce very well.
  • Pre-cooked chicken or turkey – If you only have cooked chicken or turkey you still can make this recipe. Cut the initial cooking time in half. Rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe.
finished cooking enchilada casserole in slow cooker

Can I use green sauce?

  • Green enchilada sauce can be substituted.
  • Though the consistency of the sauce will be more liquidly and make the enchiladas soggy.

What to serve with Chicken Enchilada Casserole:

  • This meal I OFTEN make with NO SIDES! Yes, it’s that good on it’s own. If you are making this for a party or crowd make a side or two.
  • Spanish Rice – This is my go to recipe from Lil’ Luna.
  • Refried Pinto Beans – You can make these in another slow cooker or in the instant pot.
  • Sour cream – A small dollop on top goes a long way.

This is one of my all-time favorite recipes on the site. Easy to throw in the crockpot and has great results.

bowl of enchilada casserole

More of my favorite slow cooker chicken recipes:

  • Slow Cooker Chicken Enhilada Pasta
  • Slow Cooker Chicken with Bacon Gravy
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
  • Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
  • Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Seasoned Chicken, Potatoes and Green Beans

Want to make more magic in your crockpot? Stay up to date and subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube.

close up of enchilada casserole

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

4.85 from 365 votes
A true one pot meal. The chicken and enchilada sauce is cooked all day in the slow cooker then the casserole fixings are stirred in.
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours 40 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 398kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker- 6 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs. boneless skinless raw chicken breasts (don't use any more than 1.5 pounds, the casserole will seem dry if you do).
  • 28 oz. can Red Enchilada Sauce I use El Pato Brand or Los Palmas

Add these items at the end:

  • 10 corn tortillas I use a 10-12 oz. package of soft corn tortillas.
  • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese divided
  • 3.8 oz. can black olives divided
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Put the chicken breasts and the enchilada sauce in your slow cooker.
  • Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.
  • Shred the chicken with 2 forks right in the slow cooker.
  • Cut the tortillas in to strips, add to chicken and sauce. Stir.
  • Add 1/2 cup of cheese and half the olives into the sauce and chicken mixture. Stir again.
  • Flatten the mixture.
  • Add the rest of the cheese and the olives on top.
  • Cook on low for about 40 – 60 minutes longer.
  • Top with sour cream (optional)
Prevent your screen from going dark

How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

Can I use a different kind of meat?
  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs – These work great if you love dark meat.
  • Ground beef – One of the most popular questions I get asked is if ground beef can be used. The time can be cut in half if cooked ground beef is used.
  • Cubed beef stew meat – The is great if you love beef enchiladas and the beef flavors the enchilada sauce very well.
  • Pre-cooked chicken or turkey – If you only have cooked chicken or turkey you still can make this recipe. Cut the initial cooking time in half. Rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe.
Can I use green enchilada sauce?
If you choose to use green enchilada sauce note that it is runnier than red and you may need to use more tortillas. 
Can I use flour tortillas?
Flour tortillas can be used but the casserole may turn out soggy. I recommend corn tortillas if you have them.
What should I serve with enchilada casserole?
  • This meal I OFTEN make with NO SIDES! Yes, it’s that good on it’s own. If you are making this for a party or crowd make a side or two.
  • Spanish Rice
  • Refried Pinto Beans   
  • Sour cream – A small dollop on top goes a long way.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 398kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 1446mg | Potassium: 422mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1165IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 343mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!
    1133885 shares
    • 188401

    Filed Under: Chicken, Dinner, Most Popular Recipes

    Comments

    1. Vanessa says

      April 21, 2022 at 12:47 pm

      4 stars
      Hi. If I make this without meat, how long do you recommend putting it in the slow cooker for? Thank you

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        April 21, 2022 at 1:23 pm

        Maybe 1.5 hours on high? Then add the tortillas.

        Reply
      • Morgan says

        May 14, 2022 at 10:41 am

        I would mix all ingredients together at first along with some poblano peppers, cooked beans, and onion and cook for like 2 hours. Maybe some rice too. Then top with some avocado?

        You could also make it without the tortillas and turn it into a dip!

        Reply
    2. Jayne says

      April 19, 2022 at 9:57 am

      If I wanted to add onion for the flavor not necessarily texture, would I do that in the begining with the sauce or later when i add other ingredients?

      Reply
      • Jayne says

        April 19, 2022 at 9:58 am

        I forgot to add I’ve made this before and my family loves it! Such an easy and delicious recipe ❤️

        Reply
      • Chantal says

        April 27, 2022 at 9:22 pm

        I would do it in the beginning to grab flavor, if not you could also sauté them and then put them in. I just did that and it was yummy

        Reply
    3. Patricia says

      April 16, 2022 at 1:19 pm

      5 stars
      Made this more than a few times, always amazing. I tried adding green chiles, not a good idea. I top with sour cream ,add Spanish rice to make an excellent meal.

      Reply
      • William says

        May 4, 2022 at 10:15 am

        5 stars
        I take a recipe base and twist, add different things . Always experimenting. Example, I added pinto beans, ranch beans, jarred green chili.. costco.. half can roasted tomatoes, green salsa in lieu of enchilada sauce..what I had on hand. Left over bbq meat, quesadilla cheese, cheddar cheese jarred slice jalapeños , few sprinkles of cumin
        and the tortillas . Cooked about 3 to 4 hrs on low setting and done. Yummy. Kinds like a enchilada burrito casserole. Yummy. The trick is to get creative. Add green onions, sour cream , rice, cut up tomatoes, avocado slices. All good.

        Reply
    4. Mommabear says

      April 13, 2022 at 3:19 pm

      1 star
      Not very good alone. But fan of chicken enchiladas but this is really missing something. Will use what wasn’t eaten for chicken pulled sandwiches. Very disappointed

      Reply
    5. lkwazzu says

      April 6, 2022 at 10:28 am

      5 stars
      Delicious and easy! Instead of olives – we added green chilis and it was lovely!

      Reply
    6. Rebecca K says

      April 5, 2022 at 6:34 pm

      5 stars
      This was so easy and delish. We had the green enchilada sauce on hand and did not think it came out runny.
      I had the smaller size corn tortillas and still used 10. Even added some green chili, sour cream and tomotoes for topping.
      Will definately make this again!

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        April 5, 2022 at 7:48 pm

        Great, thank you for sharing your outcome with green enchilada sauce.

        Reply
    7. LAURIE M MCHENRY says

      March 29, 2022 at 4:07 pm

      1 star
      This was disgusting but then again maybe its a cultural difference.
      I did however love how the chicken came out. I guess its just the mushy tortilla shells that i didn’t like…

      Reply
      • SARA says

        April 4, 2022 at 9:02 am

        I think you did it wrong then.

        Reply
    8. Monica says

      March 28, 2022 at 6:48 pm

      Have you ever doubled the recipe?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        March 28, 2022 at 7:49 pm

        I have not, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work!

        Reply
    9. Jo Leene says

      March 26, 2022 at 12:13 pm

      We tried this last night, it was really good and super easy which is what I like. Only thing I might do different next time is maybe add some beans to make it a little more filling. Will definitely fix it again!

      Reply
    10. Melanie Cummins says

      March 24, 2022 at 1:48 pm

      When you say flatten out into a casserole, you take it out of slow cooker and transfer to a casserole and now bake in oven 30 to 40 more minutes?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        March 24, 2022 at 3:38 pm

        No, flatten it out in the slow cooker so it’s not mounded in any areas.

        Reply
      • Sue says

        March 25, 2022 at 8:38 pm

        If you watch the video, everything goes in the crock pot…no casserole dish needed.

        Reply
    11. Anonymous says

      March 23, 2022 at 6:07 pm

      I MADE IT , IT WAS SO DELISHOUS, LOVE IT

      Reply
    12. Anonymous says

      March 22, 2022 at 9:17 am

      Question: can you omit the corn tortillas and use the mix as filling in flour tortilla enchiladas?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        March 22, 2022 at 9:20 am

        Yes, that will work great.

        Reply
        • Anonymous says

          March 22, 2022 at 9:22 am

          Great thx!

    13. Rhonda says

      March 17, 2022 at 7:51 am

      5 stars
      Love how easy and fast it is to make these. I work alot and have little time to make dinner. My kids can make these also to help mom.

      Reply
    14. janene emswiller says

      March 16, 2022 at 7:46 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect! Thank you.

      Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Photo of Sarah Olson holding a slow cooker

    Hello! I'm Sarah

    Welcome to The Magical Slow Cooker. Let me help you find recipes for your slow cooker that you'll enjoy!
    • Visit us on Pinterest
    • Visit us on Instagram
    • Visit us on Youtube
    • Visit us on Facebook
    • Visit us on Twitter

    Slow Cooker Sides

    fried apples on a spoon coming from crockpot

    Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe {Crockpot}

    cooked caramelized onions in the slow cooker

    Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions

    slow cooker peas and carrots on a metal spoon

    Slow Cooker Peas and Carrots

    cooked cauliflower and broccoli casserole in slow cooker

    Slow Cooker Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole

    jalapeno mac and cheese cooked in a crockpot

    Slow Cooker Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

    close up of baked beans with a wooden spoon in it.

    Slow Cooker Land Your Man Baked Beans

    Magical Cooker logo

    FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

    Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!

      Most Popular Recipes

      close up of baked spaghetti in slow cooker

      Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti {Million Dollar Spaghetti}

      close up of chocolate cake with warm peanut butter icing

      Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cake {Crockpot}

      close up of enchilada casserole

      Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

      close up photo of chicken, potatoes and green beans in slow cooker

      Seasoned Chicken, Potatoes and Green beans

      cooked bang bang chicken in slow cooker

      Slow Cooker Bang Bang Chicken

      shredded creamy chicken with bacon and cheese on top.

      Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

      Featured on:

      Featured in BuzzFeed, The Kitchen, Popsugar, 12 Tomatoes, yummly, Today, and Country Living
      smaller magical slow cooker logo

      FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

        Privacy Policy  Nutritional Disclosure

        The Magical Slow Cooker is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
        Copyright ©2022, The Magical Slow Cooker. All Rights Reserved.
        Design by Pixel Me Designs