Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Dip Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 5 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts; 2 cups enchilada sauce; 1 cup frozen corn; 1 can black beans; 4 oz green chiles; 2 cups salsa; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese; For Toppings:; sour cream; cilantro

This Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Dip recipe is perfect for those who love Mexican flavors and easy to make dishes. The combination of chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, and spicy elements create a dip that's not just delicious, but also hearty and filling. Whether it's for a family gathering, a game day snack, or a casual Friday night in, this dip is sure to be a hit.

Photos of Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Dip Recipe

Most of the ingredients needed for this recipe are pantry staples, especially if you love Mexican cuisine. The green chiles and enchilada sauce might not be commonly available in every household, but they are easy to find at any supermarket in the International or Mexican food section. They add a tangy, smoky flavor to the dip that complements the other ingredients well.

Ingredients for the Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Dip

Chicken breasts: The main protein source in this recipe. Chicken breast is lean and shreds well, making it perfect for dips.

Enchilada sauce: Adds a spicy and tangy flavor. You can choose the level of spiciness based on your preference.

Corn: Adds texture and sweetness to contrast the spicy and cheesy elements.

Black beans: Another source of protein that also adds texture and heartiness.

Green chiles: Gives the dip a mellow heat. They're typically canned, which makes them easy to store and use.

Salsa: Brings all the flavors together with its acidity and spiciness.

Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts well and adds a creamy and tangy flavor. It's also what gives the dip its gooey consistency.

Sour cream: Serves as a topping. It adds a tangy creaminess that cuts through the heat.

Cilantro: Used as a garnish. Cilantro's fresh and slightly citrusy flavor balances out the rich and heavy flavors in the dip.

One reader, Hadleigh Bourque says:

This slow cooker chicken enchilada dip recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and it's so easy to make. It's become a staple for gatherings, and my friends always ask for the recipe. The cheesy, spicy goodness is irresistible. Highly recommend trying it out!

Hadleigh Bourque

Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Dip

How to shred chicken: Use two forks to pull the cooked chicken apart into small, shredded pieces. This technique helps to evenly distribute the chicken throughout the dip.

How to melt cheese: After topping the dip with cheese, cover the slow cooker and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes. The trapped heat will melt the cheese, creating a gooey and delicious topping for the dip.

How to serve with chips: Arrange a variety of tortilla chips around the dip for easy scooping and enjoyment. This provides a convenient and tasty way to enjoy the enchilada dip.

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Dip

This chicken enchilada dip is slow-cooked for a gooey and cheesy bite, and packed with savory enchilada sauce, chiles, and salsa, for a richer dip.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 4 hours

Total: 4 hours 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2chicken breasts,boneless, skinless
2cupsenchilada sauce
1cupfrozen corn,fresh or canned
1canblack beans,drained, rinsed
4ozgreen chiles,(1 can), diced
2cupssalsa
2cupssharp cheddar cheese,divided

For Toppings:

sour cream
cilantro

Instructions

Add the chicken, enchilada sauce, corn, black beans, salsa, green chiles and 1½ cups of sharp cheddar cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on Low for 4 hours.
Uncover and shred chicken with two forks.
Top with remaining cheese. Cover and let cook for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Uncover, sprinkle with cilantro and top with sour cream and more salsa or tomatoes.
Serve with chips, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 215.33kcal
Fat: 10.42g
Saturated Fat: 5.09g
Trans Fat: 0.29g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.01g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.03g
Carbohydrates: 15.92g
Fiber: 4.42g
Sugar: 5.30g
Protein: 15.45g
Cholesterol: 41.00mg
Sodium: 864.73mg
Calcium: 180.96mg
Potassium: 383.21mg
Iron: 1.55mg
Vitamin A: 88.39µg
Vitamin C: 26.77mg

Helpful Technique Tip for Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Dip

When shredding the chicken, it's best to do so while it's still warm. This makes the process easier and the chicken shreds more evenly. Also, using two forks will help you get the perfect shredded texture. Additionally, to enhance the flavor of your enchilada dip, you can sauté the corn and black beans before adding them to the slow cooker. This will add an extra layer of flavor to your dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Dip Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for this recipe.

Slow cooker liners: Consider using slow cooker liners for easy cleanup and to save time on washing the pot.

Multi-task: While the dip is cooking, use the time to prepare any additional side dishes or set the table.

Buy pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheese to eliminate the need for grating, saving time and effort.

Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Dip Recipe

Chicken breasts - Substitute with pulled pork: Pulled pork can provide a rich and savory flavor similar to chicken, adding a unique twist to the dish.
Enchilada sauce - Substitute with homemade enchilada sauce: Making your own enchilada sauce allows you to control the flavor and spice level, and it can be a fun and rewarding culinary experience.
Frozen corn - Substitute with canned corn: Canned corn can be used as a convenient alternative to frozen corn, and it will still provide a sweet and crunchy texture to the dip.
Black beans - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans can be used as a substitute for black beans, offering a similar creamy texture and mild flavor to the dish.
Green chiles - Substitute with jalapeños: Jalapeños can be used to add a spicy kick similar to green chiles, enhancing the overall heat and flavor of the dip.
Salsa - Substitute with diced tomatoes with green chilies: Using diced tomatoes with green chilies can provide a similar texture and flavor profile to salsa, adding a zesty and tangy element to the dip.
Sharp cheddar cheese - Substitute with pepper jack cheese: Pepper jack cheese can be used to replace sharp cheddar, offering a spicy and creamy flavor that complements the other ingredients in the dip.
Sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to sour cream, providing a creamy and tangy element to the dip.
Cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro, providing a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish.

Best Way to Present Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Dip

Elevate the plating: Arrange the slow cooker chicken enchilada dip in a shallow, wide bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and layers of the dish.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle the cilantro with a delicate hand, ensuring it's evenly distributed across the dish without overpowering the flavors.
Incorporate texture: Add a touch of sophistication by serving the dip with homemade tortilla chips, carefully arranged around the edges of the bowl for a visually appealing contrast.
Emphasize contrast: Place a dollop of sour cream in the center of the dip, creating a striking visual contrast against the rich, savory flavors of the enchilada dip.
Highlight the ingredients: Use colorful and vibrant ingredients such as fresh tomatoes and bright green cilantro to add pops of color and freshness to the presentation.
Balance the elements: Ensure that each component of the dish is thoughtfully arranged, creating a visually balanced and aesthetically pleasing presentation.
Consider the vessel: Serve the dip in a stylish, modern bowl or dish that complements the overall presentation, adding a touch of elegance to the final plating.

Essential Tools for Making This Dip

Slow cooker: A countertop electrical cooking appliance used for simmering food at a low temperature over a long period of time.
Can opener: A device used to open metal cans.
Sharp knife: A cutting tool with a sharp blade, essential for slicing and dicing ingredients.
Cutting board: A durable board on which to place and cut ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients for the recipe.
Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade, used for lifting, spreading, or flipping ingredients.
Slow cooker liner: Optional, but can make for easier cleanup after cooking.
Fork: Used for shredding the cooked chicken.
Serving platter or bowl: For serving the enchilada dip.
Chips: For serving with the dip.

Storing and Freezing Instructions for This Dip

Let the chicken enchilada dip cool completely before storing or freezing.
Transfer the cooled dip into an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
If using a container, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the dip to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
Store the enchilada dip in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
To freeze, place the airtight container or freezer-safe bag in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to serve, thaw the frozen dip in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat the thawed dip in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
If the dip appears too thick after thawing, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Garnish the reheated dip with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and additional shredded cheese before serving with tortilla chips or vegetables for dipping.

How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Enchilada Dip

Reheat the chicken enchilada dip in the slow cooker on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through and the cheese is melted. This method is ideal for maintaining the dip's texture and preventing it from drying out.
Microwave individual portions of the dip in a microwave-safe bowl, covered with a damp paper towel, for 1-2 minutes on high power. Stir the dip every 30 seconds to ensure even heating and prevent hot spots. This method is quick and convenient for smaller portions.
Transfer the leftover enchilada dip to an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and reheat it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it's heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the cheese to brown slightly. This method works well for larger portions and helps maintain the dip's texture.
For a stovetop option, reheat the dip in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and burning. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the dip seems too thick. Heat until the dip is warmed through and the cheese is melted. This method allows for easy monitoring and adjusting of the dip's consistency.
If you have a sous vide machine, place the leftover enchilada dip in a sealed bag and reheat it in a water bath set to 150°F (65°C) for 30-45 minutes. This method ensures even heating and maintains the dip's original texture without any risk of drying out or burning.

Interesting Fact About Chicken Enchilada Dip

Chicken enchilada dip is a versatile dish that can be served as a dip or used as a filling for tacos or burritos.

Is Making This Dip at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this slow cooker chicken enchilada dip recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients in your area. The use of chicken breasts, enchilada sauce, corn, black beans, salsa, and cheese may vary in price. However, considering the quantity and versatility of the dish, it can be a budget-friendly option for a household. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. As a culinary chef, I rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome.

Is This Dip Healthy or Unhealthy?

This slow cooker chicken enchilada dip recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes:

Lean protein from the chicken breasts
Fiber and nutrients from the black beans and corn
Some vegetables in the form of green chiles and salsa

However, there are also some less healthy components:

High amounts of cheese, which can be high in saturated fat and calories
Enchilada sauce and salsa, which may contain added sugars and sodium
Sour cream as a topping, adding more saturated fat and calories

Overall, while this recipe does have some nutritious ingredients, it is relatively high in calories, fat, and sodium.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Use reduced-fat cheese or decrease the amount of cheese used
Opt for a low-sodium enchilada sauce and salsa to reduce the overall sodium content
Replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a lower-fat, protein-rich alternative
Add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
Serve with whole-grain chips or over a bed of lettuce for a more balanced meal

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the flavors of this delicious dip while also making it a more well-rounded and nutritious option.

Editor's Opinion on This Slow Cooker Dip

This slow cooker chicken enchilada dip recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken, savory enchilada sauce, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and zesty salsa creates a rich and satisfying dip. The addition of sharp cheddar cheese adds a creamy and indulgent element, while the toppings of sour cream and fresh cilantro provide a refreshing contrast. This recipe is perfect for gatherings and parties, as it can be easily prepared in a slow cooker, allowing for a hassle-free and delicious appetizer. It's a surefire crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone coming back for more.

Enhance Your Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Dip Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Guacamole: Create a zesty and creamy guacamole with ripe avocados, diced tomatoes, red onions, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with crunchy tortilla chips for a perfect pairing.

Pico de Gallo: Whip up a fresh and vibrant pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and cilantro. The bright flavors will complement the rich and savory chicken enchilada dip.

Mexican Street Corn: Prepare Mexican street corn by grilling or roasting corn on the cob and slathering it with a mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder. The sweet and smoky flavors will add a delicious contrast to the creamy dip.

Churros: Indulge in a sweet and crispy churros for a delightful dessert option. Sprinkle the warm churros with cinnamon sugar and serve alongside the savory chicken enchilada dip for a satisfying meal.

Similar Recipes to Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Dip

Spicy Beef Tacos: Create a flavorful marinade for the beef by combining spices and citrus juices. Cook the beef until tender and juicy, then serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of mango, lime juice, and spices for a tropical twist. Grill or bake the chicken until cooked through, then top with a fresh mango salsa for a burst of sweet and tangy flavor.

Creamy Avocado Pasta: Blend ripe avocados with garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil to create a creamy sauce. Toss with cooked pasta and top with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a simple and satisfying meal.

Berry Cobbler: Combine fresh berries with a touch of sugar and lemon juice, then top with a buttery biscuit topping. Bake until golden and bubbly for a deliciously sweet and tart dessert.

Butternut Squash Soup: Roast butternut squash with onions and garlic until caramelized, then blend with vegetable broth and warm spices for a comforting and velvety soup. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for added texture.

Perfect Main Courses and Desserts to Pair With This Dip

Main Courses:

Beef Stroganoff: Tender strips of beef in a rich and creamy sauce, served over a bed of buttery egg noodles. The savory flavors of the beef combined with the smooth texture of the sauce create a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.

Chicken Alfredo: Juicy grilled chicken breast smothered in a velvety, garlic-infused alfredo sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. The creamy and indulgent flavors of the alfredo sauce pair perfectly with the tender and flavorful chicken, creating a dish that is both elegant and comforting.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. This elegant dessert is perfect for a dinner party or a romantic evening in.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the luscious combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet, juicy strawberries. Whether it's a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, this classic dessert is sure to impress.

Why trust this Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Dip Recipe:

This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, featuring tender chicken smothered in rich enchilada sauce and complemented by hearty black beans and sweet corn. The addition of zesty salsa and mild green chiles infuses the dish with authentic Mexican flavors. Topped with gooey sharp cheddar cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro, this dip is a delightful fiesta for your taste buds. Trust the combination of these quality ingredients to deliver a mouthwatering experience that will elevate your next gathering.

Share your thoughts on the Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Dip Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section and let us know if you have any tips or variations to make this dish even more delicious!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of cheese if you prefer. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend of cheeses would work well in this recipe.

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a delicious alternative to chicken breasts in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance and reheat it later?

Yes, you can prepare this recipe in advance and reheat it later. Simply store the cooked dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when you're ready to enjoy it.

Can I add additional vegetables to the dip?

Certainly! Feel free to customize the dip by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or jalapeños to enhance the flavor and texture.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

While the slow cooker method yields the best results, you can also prepare this recipe on the stovetop. Simply simmer the ingredients in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together.