Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Bowls
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 420 min
Total time: 435 min
Ingredients: 3 cloves Garlic; 1/2 medium Onion; 1 medium Red bell pepper; 14 1/2 ounces Diced tomatoes, canned; 1 none Cooking spray; 2 pounds Chicken breast; 2 cups Enchilada sauce; 1 teaspoon Cumin, ground; 1 teaspoon Chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon Oregano, dried; 1 teaspoon Salt; 15 ounces Black beans, canned; 1 cup Corn, frozen; 8 medium Corn tortillas; 4 cups Brown rice, cooked; 2 medium Avocados; 1/4 cup Cilantro; 1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend, shredded

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One of my all-time favorite meals is the Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Bowls. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a chilly fall evening, and I wanted something hearty yet comforting. As the aroma of spices and tender chicken filled my home, my family gathered around the dinner table, eagerly anticipating the feast that awaited us. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its incredible flavors but also in its simplicity. Toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the magic while you enjoy some quality time with your loved ones. This dish has become a staple in our household, perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
7 hr 15 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
420 mins

Difficulty:
Hard

Calories:
480 kcal

Protein:
39 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
16 g

Tools Used:
Mixing Bowl, Blender, Wooden Spoon, Cutting Board, Slow Cooker

Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Bowls Hits Different

Effortless Preparation

What I love most about Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Bowls is how easy it is to prepare. With just a bit of chopping and some straightforward steps, you can have a delicious meal ready to go. There’s something satisfying about watching everything come together in the slow cooker without spending hours in the kitchen.

Flavorful Ingredients

This recipe is packed with vibrant flavors from ingredients like cumin, chili powder, and enchilada sauce. Each element plays a vital role in creating a balanced and tasty dish that will leave your taste buds dancing!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these bowls are versatile and can please everyone. You can serve them as they are or let everyone customize their bowls with toppings like sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and shredded cheese.

Healthy Comfort Food

With lean chicken breast, black beans, and plenty of veggies, this dish is not only comforting but also a healthy option for any meal. It’s a great way to satisfy your cravings without compromising on nutrition.

Great for Meal Prep

If you’re looking to save time during your busy week, this recipe is fabulous for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store individual portions in the fridge or freezer for quick lunches or dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Bowls

The ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Bowls are a delightful combination that brings heartiness and flavor together beautifully. Each ingredient plays a key role in the final dish, ensuring you have a satisfying meal that can be tailored to your taste.

3 cloves of garlic: Freshly minced, these add a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor.
1/2 medium onion: Diced, it brings sweetness and balances out the spices.
1 medium red bell pepper: Chopped for a pop of color and sweetness.
14 1/2 ounces diced tomatoes, canned: These provide a juicy base for the dish.
1 none cooking spray: Essential for preventing sticking.
2 pounds chicken breast: The star protein that becomes tender and flavorful in the slow cooker.
2 cups enchilada sauce: The key ingredient that ties all the flavors together.
1 teaspoon cumin, ground: A warm spice that adds richness.
1 teaspoon chili powder: For that characteristic kick.
1/2 teaspoon oregano, dried: A classic herb that enhances the overall flavor.
1 teaspoon salt: To taste, enhancing all the other flavors.
15 ounces black beans, canned: A great source of protein and fiber.
1 cup corn, frozen: Sweetness and texture that works beautifully with the other ingredients.
8 medium corn tortillas: Traditional base for serving.
4 cups brown rice, cooked: A wholesome base to complement the enchilada topping.
2 medium avocados: Freshly sliced, these add creaminess.
1/4 cup cilantro: Chopped for a fresh burst of flavor.
1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend, shredded: For that melty, cheesy finish.

Directions for Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Bowls

Making Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Bowls is a breeze! Let’s walk through the steps together to create this delicious dish that’s sure to impress. Just follow along, and don’t forget to enjoy the process!

Start by mincing garlic and dicing the onion and red bell pepper into small pieces. The smell of the garlic combined with the onions will already start to elevate your mood!
Partially drain the diced tomatoes by pouring off the excess liquid from the top of the can. This ensures your dish won’t become too watery.
Next, spray your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. It’s a simple step that makes cleaning easier!
Drop in the diced onion, followed by the chicken breasts. Pour 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
Now, pour in the partially drained diced tomatoes, along with the spices: cumin, chili powder, salt, and minced garlic. Add the black beans, red bell pepper, and corn as well.
Pour an additional 1 cup of enchilada sauce over everything and give a quick stir to combine the top ingredients. You want all those lovely flavors to intermingle!
Turn your slow cooker on “low” for 7 to 8 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender and infused with flavor.
Once the chicken is tender, mix everything well. Use a mixing spoon to shred or break up the chicken into pieces of your desired size.
Serve the mixture over corn tortillas and/or cooked brown rice. Top with sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, and any remaining enchilada sauce as desired.

Things Worth Knowing

Slow Cooking Benefits: Cooking at a low temperature for a long time breaks down the chicken fibers, resulting in tender, juicy meat that falls apart.
Layering Flavors: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a complex flavor profile you can’t get from a quick cook.
Make Ahead: Feel free to prepare all the ingredients the night before. Just refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.
Cooking Spray: A good spray can make all the difference in clean-up time. Don’t skip this step!

Variations to Try

Tweaking your Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Bowls can make them even more exciting! Here are some variations that you might want to explore:

Spicier Kick: If you like it hot, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for cubed tofu or increase the amount of black beans and corn for a hearty vegetarian dish.
Cheesy Delight: Add more cheese on top in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a gooey texture.
Different Sauces: Experiment with different types of enchilada sauce or try using salsa for a fresh twist.
Serving Style: Serve the mixture on a bed of lettuce for a low-carb option instead of tortillas.
Freezing: These bowls can be frozen for up to three months. Just be sure to let them cool entirely before transferring.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

Accompaniments for Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Bowls

Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Bowls is a delightful experience, and there are many ways to elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic ideas on how to serve it:

Fresh Salads: Pair the bowls with a light, refreshing salad to balance the hearty flavors. A simple garden salad or a cilantro-lime quinoa salad works beautifully.
Rice Varieties: Offer different types of rice as sides. Consider cilantro-lime rice or Mexican-style rice to complement the enchiladas.
Chips and Salsa: Serve with crispy tortilla chips and a variety of salsas for a fun appetizer before diving into the main dish.
Seasonal Sides: During the fall, roasted sweet potatoes or pumpkin soup can be excellent accompaniments.
Garnish Options: Set out toppings such as chopped onions, jalapeños, or a drizzle of sour cream for guests to customize their bowls.
Casual Gatherings: These bowls are perfect for parties, game days, or casual family dinners, bringing everyone together around the table.
Storage Tips: The dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, perfect for meal prep.

FAQ

Absolutely! One of the best things about Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Bowls is that you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Simply chop your vegetables and portion out your spices, then store them in the refrigerator. On cooking day, just toss everything into the slow cooker. This makes it perfect for meal prep and saves you time during busy evenings.

If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version of Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Bowls, you can easily swap out the chicken for cubed tofu or increase the amount of black beans and corn. Both options will give you a hearty and satisfying meal. Just ensure that the cooking times remain the same for the best results.

Storing leftovers is a breeze! Make sure to cool the Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Bowls completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Certainly! The great thing about Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Bowls is their versatility. Feel free to swap in other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or even mushrooms. Just make sure they are cut to size so they cook evenly. The flavors from the spices will still shine through while adding your own twist to the dish!

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Bowls recipe is a perfect blend of convenience and deliciousness, making it a favorite for busy weeknights. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it brings comfort to the dinner table. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it might just become a new family staple. Enjoy the process, savor each bite, and share it with your loved ones!