Try this one out for your next crockpot meal! Easy way to make chicken enchiladas.

Try this one out for your next crockpot meal! Easy way to make chicken enchiladas. is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Teacher Coacher Cooker on YouTube.

Prep: 35 min | Cook: 7 hrs 10 min | Total: 8 hrs

Cost: $16.80 total, $4.20 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless; cut into large pieces)
  • 2 cups Red Enchilada Sauce (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 2 cans Green Chilies (canned, diced, 4 oz each)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 2 Green Onion (thinly sliced, white and green parts)
  • 12 Corn Tortillas (cut into bite‑size chips)
  • 1.5 cups Shredded Cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar, divided)

Instructions

  1. Add Chicken and Sauce

    Place the chicken breast pieces in the slow cooker. Pour the red enchilada sauce over the chicken, making sure it is fully covered.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Season and Add Chilies

    Add the two cans of green chilies, then sprinkle in salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Stir everything together until well combined.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Slow‑Cook the Chicken

    Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW. Let it cook for about 7 hours, or until the chicken is fork‑tender and easily pulls apart.

    Time: PT7H

    Temperature: Low

  4. Shred the Chicken

    Using two forks, pull the cooked chicken apart into bite‑size shreds directly in the pot. Mix the shreds back into the sauce.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Prepare Green Onions

    Slice the green onions thinly (both white and green parts). Sprinkle them over the shredded chicken.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Make Tortilla Chips

    Stack the corn tortillas and cut them into small chips or bite‑size pieces. This creates a crunchy layer later.

    Time: PT5M

  7. First Layer of Chips and Cheese

    Add a generous handful of tortilla chips to the bottom of the slow cooker, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the chips. Stir gently so some chips settle at the bottom.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Add Remaining Chips and Melt Cheese

    Top the mixture with the remaining tortilla chips and the rest of the shredded cheese. Replace the lid and let it sit on LOW for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Low

  9. Serve

    Scoop the enchilada casserole into bowls, garnish with the reserved green onion slices, and enjoy hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑free (using corn tortillas), High‑protein, Nut‑free

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Try this one out for your next crockpot meal! Easy way to make chicken enchiladas.

Recipe by Teacher Coacher Cooker

A hands‑off Mexican‑style chicken enchilada casserole made in a crock‑pot. Tender shredded chicken swims in red enchilada sauce with green chilies, layered with crunchy tortilla chips and melted cheese. Perfect for a low‑effort family dinner.

EasyMexicanServes 4

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

Source Video
23m
Prep
7h 15m
Cook
55m
Cleanup
8h 33m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$16.80
Total cost
$4.20
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cooking the chicken until it is fork‑tender (Step 3)
  • Shredding the chicken directly in the pot (Step 4)
  • Ensuring tortilla chips are placed at the bottom so they stay crunchy (Step 7)
  • Melting the cheese completely without burning (Step 8)

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with clean hands and sanitize all surfaces to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • The slow cooker becomes very hot; use oven mitts when removing the lid or serving.
  • Cheese can cause steam burns; lift the lid away from your face.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chicken enchiladas in Mexican cuisine?

A

Enchiladas date back to pre‑colonial Mexico, where corn tortillas were rolled around fillings and covered with chili sauces. Over time, regional variations added proteins like chicken and layered the dish like a casserole, especially in northern Mexico and the United States where convenience cooking became popular.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of enchiladas in Mexican cuisine?

A

In central Mexico, enchiladas are often rolled and topped with a thin tomato‑chili sauce, while in the north they may be baked with a richer red sauce and layered with cheese. Coastal versions sometimes include seafood, and some regions use green tomatillo sauce instead of red.

cultural
Q

How is chicken enchilada casserole traditionally served in Mexican households?

A

It is typically served hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, and a dollop of sour cream. Accompaniments often include Mexican rice, refried beans, and warm corn tortillas on the side.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations feature chicken enchiladas in Mexican culture?

A

Enchiladas are a staple for family gatherings, weekend meals, and festive occasions such as birthdays or holidays like Día de los Muertos, where comfort foods are shared with relatives.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with slow cooker chicken enchiladas?

A

Serve alongside Mexican rice, refried black beans, guacamole, and a fresh cucumber‑lime salad for a balanced meal.

cultural
Q

What makes this slow cooker chicken enchilada recipe special compared to traditional baked versions?

A

Cooking the chicken in the sauce for 7 hours creates ultra‑tender, flavor‑infused meat without the need for oven time, while layering tortilla chips at the bottom preserves crunch—a texture contrast rarely achieved in baked casseroles.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making slow cooker chicken enchiladas?

A

Common errors include overcooking the chicken, which makes it dry; adding tortilla chips too early, causing them to become soggy; and not seasoning the sauce enough before the long cook. Follow the timing and layering steps precisely for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a low setting for 7 hours instead of a higher setting?

A

Low heat gently breaks down the chicken fibers while allowing the flavors of the chilies and spices to meld fully. A higher setting can cause the meat to dry out and the sauce to reduce too quickly, losing the desired saucy consistency.

technical
Q

Can I make this chicken enchilada casserole ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Assemble the casserole up to the final cheese topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, add the last cheese layer and cook on low for an additional 10‑15 minutes until melted, or reheat in the microwave.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Teacher Coacher Cooker specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Teacher Coacher Cooker focuses on simple, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that emphasize budget‑friendly, one‑pot or minimal‑equipment meals for busy families and beginner cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Teacher Coacher Cooker's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Teacher Coacher Cooker blends classic Mexican flavors with modern convenience techniques like slow‑cooker and sheet‑pan methods, prioritizing ease of preparation over elaborate plating, whereas many Mexican channels focus on traditional stovetop or oven techniques with more intricate garnish work.

channel

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