Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling is the perfect blend of spices, tender chicken, and melty cheese, making it a hit for family dinners or gatherings.
This crockpot chicken enchilada filling is a family favorite for a reason. It's easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and can be used in a variety of dishes, from enchiladas to tacos. The slow cooking method allows the spices to meld beautifully with the chicken, resulting in a filling that everyone will love!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich and savory flavors that delight the palate
- Easy preparation with minimal hands-on time
- Versatile filling for enchiladas, tacos, or burritos
How to Customize Your Enchilada Filling
One of the best aspects of this Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your family's preferences or dietary needs. For instance, if you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Alternatively, for a milder flavor, you can use sweet bell peppers or omit the chili powder altogether.
Additionally, you can switch out the chicken for other proteins. Ground turkey or beef can be used instead, or for a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or lentils. This adaptability makes it easy to cater to various tastes and dietary restrictions while still enjoying a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken enchilada filling is perfect for a variety of dishes beyond traditional enchiladas. Consider serving it in tacos topped with fresh avocado and cilantro, or use it as a hearty filling for burritos. It also works wonderfully as a topping for nachos, bringing a delightful mixture of textures and flavors to your snack spread.
For a complete meal, serve the enchilada filling over rice or in a burrito bowl with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo. This makes for an easy, family-friendly dinner that everyone will love. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any) can be stored in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, don't worry! This chicken enchilada filling stores beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to label and date your containers for easy identification later.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is simple. For the best results, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you’ve frozen the filling, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This will help maintain the flavors and textures, ensuring your meal is just as delicious as the first time around.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Chicken Enchilada Filling
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Combine all ingredients in the crockpot for a flavorful filling.
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Add Remaining Ingredients
Pour the enchilada sauce over the chicken, then add the black beans and corn on top.
Cook the Filling
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.
Shred and Serve
Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and stir in the cheese until melted. Serve in tortillas, on nachos, or in burrito bowls.
Enjoy your delicious chicken enchiladas!
Nutritional Benefits
This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a nutritious meal option. Chicken breast is a lean protein source, providing essential amino acids that promote muscle health and overall well-being. Pairing it with black beans adds fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and maintaining steady energy levels throughout the day.
The addition of corn contributes vitamins and antioxidants, while spices like cumin and chili powder are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. This dish can easily fit into a balanced diet, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or meal prep.
Meal Prep Made Easy
If you're looking to simplify your weeknight meals, this chicken enchilada filling is a fantastic choice for meal prep. You can make a large batch and portion it out for the week, ensuring you have quick and easy meals on hand. Just heat and serve with your choice of sides for a satisfying dinner in no time.
Consider pairing it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to round out your meal. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds variety to your weekly menu, making healthy eating enjoyable and stress-free.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time slightly.
→ What can I substitute for black beans?
You can substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans if preferred.
→ How long can I store the leftovers?
Leftover filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
→ Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.
Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling
This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Filling is the perfect blend of spices, tender chicken, and melty cheese, making it a hit for family dinners or gatherings.
Created by: Helena Wright
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken Enchilada Filling
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
How-To Steps
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Pour the enchilada sauce over the chicken, then add the black beans and corn on top.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.
Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks and stir in the cheese until melted. Serve in tortillas, on nachos, or in burrito bowls.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 26g