Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Christian Petracca on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min

Cost: $8.97 total, $2.24 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
  • 1 medium Onion (peeled and diced)
  • 1 large Red Bell Pepper (seeded and diced)
  • 1 large Yellow Bell Pepper (seeded and diced)
  • 1 medium Zucchini (cut into half‑moon slices)
  • 1 cup Corn Kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned (drained))
  • 1 cup Black Beans (cooked, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup Diced Tomatoes (canned, undrained)
  • 2 cups Vegetable Broth (low‑sodium)
  • 1 cup Long‑Grain White Rice (rinsed)
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 large Avocado (sliced, for topping)
  • ¼ cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped, optional garnish)
  • 1 whole Lime (cut into wedges for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Vegetables

    Dice the onion, bell peppers, and zucchini; set aside. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat olive oil in the large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3‑4 minutes until translucent.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  3. Add Vegetables & Spices

    Stir in the diced bell peppers, zucchini, corn, black beans, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 4‑5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  4. Incorporate Rice and Liquid

    Add the rinsed rice, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and vegetable broth. Stir to combine, ensuring the rice is evenly distributed.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium

  5. Simmer

    Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18‑20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

    Time: PT20M

    Temperature: Low

  6. Rest & Fluff

    Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice and vegetables with a fork.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Serve

    Spoon the one‑pot mixture into bowls, top each serving with sliced avocado, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a lime wedge.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
9 g
Carbohydrates
58 g
Fat
11 g
Fiber
9 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Slow Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

Recipe by Christian Petracca

A bold, colorful Mexican‑inspired one‑pot dish packed with vegetables, perfect for meal‑prep. Cooked in a single pot, it pairs beautifully with rice and fresh avocado for a quick, nutritious lunch or dinner.

EasyMexicanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
20m
Prep
30m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.97
Total cost
$2.24
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sautéing the onion until translucent without browning.
  • Ensuring the rice is rinsed to prevent clumping.
  • Maintaining a covered low‑heat simmer for proper rice absorption.
  • Allowing the dish to rest before fluffing.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot pot with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Use a sharp knife carefully when chopping vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of one‑pot Mexican‑inspired veggie bowls in Mexican cuisine?

A

One‑pot Mexican dishes trace back to rustic home cooking where families used a single pot to combine beans, rice, and vegetables, creating hearty, affordable meals. The practice reflects Mexico’s tradition of resourceful, flavor‑rich cooking that emphasizes communal sharing.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Mexican one‑pot rice and bean dishes across Mexico?

A

In northern Mexico, wheat‑based tortillas and beef are common, while southern regions favor corn, black beans, and a wider array of chilies. Coastal versions often add seafood, whereas central Mexico incorporates tomatoes, cumin, and cheese.

cultural
Q

How is a Mexican‑inspired one‑pot veggie bowl traditionally served in Mexican households?

A

It is typically served hot, topped with fresh avocado or guacamole, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Accompaniments may include warm corn tortillas, salsa, or a side of pickled onions.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is a Mexican‑inspired one‑pot veggie bowl commonly associated with in Mexican culture?

A

Because it is quick, filling, and easy to scale, the dish is popular for family lunches, after‑work meals, and community gatherings such as potlucks or festive street‑food fairs.

cultural
Q

How does this one‑pot Mexican‑inspired veggie bowl fit into the broader Mexican cuisine tradition?

A

It embodies the core Mexican principles of bold spices, fresh vegetables, and the combination of rice and beans, while offering a modern, convenient format that aligns with today’s busy lifestyles.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a Mexican‑style one‑pot rice and bean dish versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include long‑grain rice, black or pinto beans, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, cumin, chili powder, and fresh cilantro. Substitutes can be brown rice for added fiber, corn instead of beans for a gluten‑free version, or tofu for extra protein.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with this one‑pot Mexican‑inspired veggie bowl?

A

Pairs nicely with warm corn tortillas, a side of fresh pico de gallo, Mexican crema, or a simple cucumber‑lime salad. For protein‑boost, add grilled chicken or shrimp on the side.

cultural
Q

What makes this one‑pot Mexican‑inspired veggie bowl special or unique in Mexican cuisine?

A

Its simplicity—using a single pot—captures the essence of Mexican comfort food while delivering a balanced mix of carbs, protein, and vegetables, making it ideal for meal‑prep without sacrificing authentic flavor.

cultural
Q

How has the one‑pot Mexican‑inspired veggie bowl evolved over time in modern Mexican cooking?

A

Modern versions incorporate health‑focused tweaks such as brown rice, extra veggies, and avocado, reflecting contemporary dietary trends while preserving the classic spice profile and communal spirit of the original dish.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this one‑pot Mexican‑inspired veggie bowl?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the rice (resulting in mushy texture), not rinsing the rice (causing clumping), and lifting the lid too often, which releases steam needed for proper rice absorption.

technical
Q

How do I know when the one‑pot Mexican‑inspired veggie bowl is done cooking?

A

The rice should be tender with no hard center, and most of the liquid should be absorbed. A quick taste test of the rice and a visual check for any excess broth will confirm doneness.

technical
Q

Can I make this one‑pot Mexican‑inspired veggie bowl ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, prepare the pot mixture up to step 6, let it cool, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to four days. Keep avocado separate and add just before serving to maintain freshness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Christian Petracca specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Christian Petracca focuses on practical, everyday cooking tutorials, often highlighting quick, one‑pot meals and meal‑prep ideas that fit a busy lifestyle.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Christian Petracca's approach to Mexican‑inspired cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?

A

Christian Petracca emphasizes minimal equipment, batch cooking, and adaptable ingredient swaps, whereas many Mexican channels showcase more traditional, multi‑step preparations and specialty techniques.

channel

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