The snow is falling, carols are playing, and the scent of gingerbread is in the air. While the holidays bring joy, they can also bring a whirlwind of cooking. This year, ditch the stress and embrace the warmth with a dish that’s as comforting as a crackling fireplace: our Cozy Christmas Chicken Enchilada Casserole. Imagine tender, seasoned chicken bathed in a rich sauce, mingled with beans, corn, and gooey cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a festive fiesta for your taste buds, designed to be both easy on the chef and absolutely delightful for everyone at your holiday table. Get ready to add a new, delicious tradition to your seasonal celebrations!

Why You’ll Love This Cozy Christmas Chicken Enchilada Casserole

There are countless reasons why this Cozy Christmas Chicken Enchilada Casserole is about to become your holiday hero. Here are four irresistible ones:

Effortless Holiday Cooking: This recipe is a slow-cooker dream! Simply layer your ingredients, set it, and forget it. You’ll have more time to enjoy festive activities, wrap presents, or simply relax, knowing a delicious meal is cooking itself.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The combination of savory chicken, zesty enchilada sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, and gooey cheese is universally loved. It’s hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites and offers a wonderful blend of familiar Tex-Mex comfort with a festive twist, making it perfect for family gatherings.
Healthy & Customizable: With options for low-sodium ingredients, reduced-fat cheese, and the inclusion of wholesome beans and corn, this casserole is packed with nutrients without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to dietary needs, like using gluten-free tortillas, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice of this festive goodness.
Minimum Cleanup, Maximum Flavor: Cooking everything in one pot (your slow cooker!) means less dishwashing after a big meal – a true holiday miracle! The long, slow cook time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth and richness that tastes like you spent hours slaving in the kitchen, when in reality, you just pressed a button.

Ingredients for Your Cozy Christmas Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Gather your festive ingredients for this delightful Cozy Christmas Chicken Enchilada Casserole:

🐔 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
🌶️ 2 cups red enchilada sauce (opt for low-sodium for a healthier touch)
🍅 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
🌶️ 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles
✨ 1 packet taco seasoning (choose a low-sodium option or make your own blend)
🧀 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or a reduced-fat variety)
⚫ 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
🌽 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
🥞 6 corn tortillas (or gluten-free tortillas), cut into strips
🧀 (Optional: 8 ounces light cream cheese, for extra creaminess without too much extra fat)
🌿 Fresh cilantro, for a bright garnish

Detailed Directions: Crafting Your Cozy Christmas Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Get ready to create some holiday magic with this easy-to-follow guide for your Cozy Christmas Chicken Enchilada Casserole:

Prep Your Pot: Start by lightly coating your slow cooker with non-stick spray for easy cleanup. This prevents sticking and ensures your festive casserole comes out perfectly.
Layer the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. They’ll be the base for all the amazing flavors to come.
Add the Flavor: Pour in the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, green chiles, and taco seasoning. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything well, ensuring the chicken is coated in all that deliciousness.
Slow Cook Magic: Cover your slow cooker and let it cook on High for 3-4 hours, or on Low for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is super tender and easily shreddable. This is where the magic happens!
Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the tender chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart effortlessly.
Return & Combine: Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker. Gently mix in half of the shredded cheese, the drained black beans, and the sweet corn kernels.
Tortilla Time: Fold in the tortilla strips, stirring everything together just until combined. The tortillas will absorb the sauce and create that wonderful casserole texture.
Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the rest of the cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will form a golden, bubbly crust.
Melt & Serve: Cover again and cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. If using, stir in the light cream cheese during this final cooking stage for extra richness and creaminess.
Garnish & Enjoy: Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness, and serve hot!

Presenting and Serving Your Cozy Christmas Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Making your Cozy Christmas Chicken Enchilada Casserole is only half the fun; presenting and serving it can turn a delicious meal into a festive feast! To make it truly sparkle on your holiday table, consider these ideas:

Garnish Galore: Beyond fresh cilantro, offer a “topping bar” with sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced avocado or guacamole, pickled jalapeños for a kick, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors. A sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese can also add a nice salty finish.
Festive Sides: Serve alongside a vibrant green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A bowl of fluffy cilantro-lime rice or a side of warm crusty bread would also be wonderful accompaniments, perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, spoon individual servings into small, oven-safe ramekins (if planning to reheat) or decorative bowls. This makes it feel more like a gourmet offering.
Themed Presentation: If serving buffet style, place your slow cooker on a festive trivet. Use holiday-themed serving spoons and plates. A sprig of rosemary next to each plate can subtly evoke a Christmas feel while complementing the colors of the casserole.

Storing and Shelf Life of Your Cozy Christmas Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Leftovers of this delightful Cozy Christmas Chicken Enchilada Casserole are a gift in themselves! Proper storage ensures you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days to come:

Refrigeration: Once cooled, transfer any leftover casserole into an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can microwave individual portions or warm larger amounts in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly (about 20-30 minutes), covering with foil to prevent drying.
Freezing: This casserole freezes exceptionally well! For best results, divide the cooled casserole into individual portions or a freezer-safe container. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or use a vacuum sealer. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a longer period (45-60 minutes), covered, until warmed through.
Making Ahead: You can also assemble the casserole (steps 1-8) and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the slow cooker and proceeding with the final cooking stages (steps 9-10). This makes holiday meal prep even easier!

FAQs About Your Cozy Christmas Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Can I use another type of meat besides chicken breast?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often come out even more tender. You could also use shredded leftover rotisserie chicken to save time, adding it in step 6.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can make this in the oven! Cook the chicken (seasoned with taco seasoning) in a pot with the sauce, tomatoes, and chiles until tender, then shred. Combine with beans, corn, and tortillas in a large baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
Can I make this casserole spicier?
Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also use medium or hot green chiles instead of mild, or garnish with sliced jalapeños.
Are there any vegetable additions I can include?
Definitely! Sautéed bell peppers (red or green) or onions can be added in with the sauce mixture. You could also stir in some spinach or zucchini during the last hour of cooking.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
While corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas and hold their shape well, you can use flour tortillas. They might become a bit softer and absorb more liquid, changing the texture slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, using corn tortillas makes it gluten-free. Always double-check your enchilada sauce and taco seasoning to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
How can I make this casserole dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy-free shredded cheese and omit the cream cheese. Ensure your enchilada sauce is dairy-free as well.
Can I prepare this in advance for Christmas dinner?
Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole (up to step 8) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, place it in the slow cooker and extend the final cooking time slightly until heated through and cheese is melted.
What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
The easiest way is to remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to pull it apart. If you have a stand mixer, you can place the warm chicken in the bowl with the paddle attachment and mix on low for about 30 seconds for super quick shredding!
Why low-sodium options?
Choosing low-sodium enchilada sauce and taco seasoning allows you to control the overall salt content of your dish, making it a healthier option, especially for those monitoring their sodium intake during the holidays.

Cozy Christmas Chicken Enchilada Casserole 🎅

Get ready for a festive twist on a classic comfort food with this Cozy Christmas Chicken Enchilada Casserole! Perfect for a holiday gathering, this slow-cooked dish is packed with tender chicken, rich enchilada sauce, and a blend of delicious spices, all topped with melted cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 5

Total Time 5 15

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

Slow Cooker

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups red enchilada sauce opt for low-sodium for a healthier touch
1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes 14.5 ounce
1 can diced green chiles 4 ounce
1 packet taco seasoning choose a low-sodium option or make your own blend
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend or a reduced-fat variety
1 can black beans 15 ounce, drained and rinsed
1 cup sweet corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
6 corn tortillas or gluten-free tortillas, cut into strips
8 ounces light cream cheese Optional, for extra creaminess without too much extra fat
Fresh cilantro for a bright garnish

Instructions

Prep Your Pot: Start by lightly coating your slow cooker with non-stick spray for easy cleanup.
Layer the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker.
Add the Flavor: Pour in the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, green chiles, and taco seasoning. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything well.
Slow Cook Magic: Cover your slow cooker and let it cook on High for 3-4 hours, or on Low for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is super tender and easily shreddable.
Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the tender chicken and shred it using two forks.
Return & Combine: Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker. Gently mix in half of the shredded cheese, the drained black beans, and the sweet corn kernels.
Tortilla Time: Fold in the tortilla strips, stirring everything together just until combined.
Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the rest of the cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Melt & Serve: Cover again and cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. If using, stir in the light cream cheese during this final cooking stage for extra richness.
Garnish & Enjoy: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and serve hot!

Notes

Nutrition Information per serving:

Calories: 450

Total Carbs: 35g

Net Carbs: 27g

Fats: 20g

Protein: 30g