Slow Cooker Magic: Creamy Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Everyone Will Love

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that practically cooks itself while delivering all the bold, comforting flavors of chicken enchiladas, this crockpot recipe is about to become your new best friend. The genius twist? We’re skipping the fussy tortilla-rolling step and turning this into a hearty, one-pot pasta dish that the whole family will devour.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Recipe

This isn’t your traditional enchilada casserole. By combining tender shredded chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, black beans, and rotini pasta all in one pot, you get a complete meal that’s incredibly satisfying and foolproof. The slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, making this perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or those days when you just don’t want to fuss in the kitchen.

The addition of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese adds a wonderful creaminess that mimics the richness of traditional enchiladas without extra calories, while the melted cheese on top creates that irresistible gooey finish we all crave.

Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

For the Crockpot:

• 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 (28 oz) can Olde El Paso Enchilada Sauce
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
• 1½ teaspoons seasoning blend (salt, pepper, garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt

To Add Later:

• 1 (16 oz) box rotini pasta
• 1⅓ cups plain Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese
• 1 (15.5 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup chopped green onions
• 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)

Instructions

Step 1: Start the Chicken
Pour the enchilada sauce in the bottom of a lined (if you wish) crockpot. Place the chicken in your crockpot and add the diced green chiles, seasoning blend, chili powder, cumin and salt. 

Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta
About 15 minutes before the chicken is done, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Shred and Combine
Using a hand mixer or the old-fashioned way, with two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Add the cooked rotini, Greek yogurt (or blended cottage cheese) and black beans. Stir everything together until well combined. Continue cooking on high for 5 minutes to heat through.

Step 4: Add Toppings
Stir in the chopped green onions, then sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve
Give the Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas a final gentle stir if desired, or serve directly from the crockpot with the melted cheese on top.

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Tips and Variations for the Ultimate Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas

Protein Options: Chicken thighs will give you even more tender, flavorful meat, but breasts work beautifully too.

Make It Lighter: The Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese adds protein and creaminess without the heaviness of sour cream. If you prefer traditional flavor, you can substitute sour cream.

Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce. Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like extra kick.

Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and double the black beans, or add pinto beans and corn for a hearty vegetarian option.

Toppings Bar: Set out additional toppings like sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, diced tomatoes, and extra cheese for everyone to customize their bowl.

Storage: Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will absorb more sauce over time, so you may want to add a splash of broth when reheating.

This crockpot chicken enchilada pasta is comfort food at its finest—bold, cheesy, satisfying and ridiculously easy. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again, tweaking it to your family’s tastes and always getting rave reviews. Dinner is served!

 

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👩‍🍳 Cooking for One or Two? This Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas Recipe is Perfect for Boomers!

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to scale down for smaller households — especially for those of us who’ve graduated from feeding a crowd every night! Whether you’re an empty nester, a couple who loves leftovers or simply craving a cozy comfort meal for one, this dish fits right into your lifestyle.

I use my mini 2-quart slow-cooker for this Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas, which is ideal for cutting the recipe in half (or even in thirds). You still get that same rich, slow-cooked flavor without drowning in leftovers. It’s proof that delicious, homemade comfort food doesn’t have to mean cooking for an army — just a little planning and a perfectly sized slow cooker can make every meal feel special again.

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As we embrace this Prime chapter of life, it’s all about simplifying without sacrificing joy — whether that means downsizing our spaces, our schedules, or our servings. A small crockpot and a great recipe remind us that living well isn’t about quantity; it’s about quality. So pour a glass of wine, cue up your favorite playlist and savor every bite — because life in your prime should always taste this good.

Here’s another one of my favorite recipes I think you’ll love that substitutes Greek yogurt for mayo – and you’ll never be able to tell the difference! – Best Chicken Salad Recipe.

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Items I used to prepare Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas:

Mini Crockpot – I use my trusty little 2-quart crockpot for this recipe — it’s the perfect size for smaller portions and makes it easy to adapt family-style dishes like these enchiladas for one or two people. It’s just right for one or two servings without sacrificing that slow-cooked goodness!

Reynolds Crockpot Liners – Don’t forget the liner! Here’s a quick tip —always line your crockpot before cooking! Crockpot liners make cleanup effortless and help keep your cheese and sauce from sticking, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing. I used the large one I had on hand for my larger crockpots but, the smaller ones fit so much better.

 

Food Chopper/Slicer – 25-in-1 Vegetable Chopper. This handy food chopper has quickly become one of my absolute favorite kitchen helpers, with 13 interchangeable stainless steel blades that slice, dice, shred, spiralize, and more in seconds. The large 1.3L container keeps everything neat while you prep, and the non-slip base and hand guard make it safe and easy to use. I love how it saves me time (and tears!) when chopping onions, prepping veggies for casseroles, or putting together fresh salads.

 

Clear liquid Measuring Cups – These OXO measuring cups make cooking and baking effortless with their patented angled surface, so you can read measurements from above—no bending or squinting required. The set includes 1-, 2- and 4-cup sizes, each with clear, durable markings in cups, ounces and milliliters. Made from BPA-free material & 50% certified recycled content, these non-slip, easy-grip cups are as sustainable as they are practical.

 

 

Stackable Measuring Cups –  These are stackable and are my go-tos for smaller quantity recipes. Bellemain’s stainless steel measuring cups combine precision, safety and style in one colorful set. With non-slip, BPA-, BPS-, and phthalate-free silicone handles in vibrant colors, these durable, food-safe cups bring both function and flair to every kitchen.

 

Measuring Spoons – These come in multi-colored spoons and with the odd measurement sizes you sometimes need for the perfect recipe. I prefer the multi-colored ones because you’ll soon know which color you need if they are not together in your gadget drawer!

 

 

Bamboo Spoon – This vibrant, colorful mixing spoon from the Marrakesh Collection is as functional as it is eye-catching, crafted from layers of colorful birch wood inspired by Moroccan markets. Safe for nonstick cookware and perfect for both cooking and serving, it’s a true kitchen conversation piece. Simply hand wash to keep its brilliant hues shining.

 

 

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