Census-Inspired Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchiladas

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting, cheesy dish with a rich tomato sauce, inspired by the enduring popularity of Mexican cuisine in the U.S. This mexican-inspired mexican ready in about 55 minutes pairs ground chicken, tomato sauce, chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.6 (9 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion and 1 small diced bell pepper, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground chicken, breaking it into crumbles, and cook for 5 minutes until browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup tomato sauce, 1 tbsp chili powder, and 1 tsp cumin, simmering for 10 minutes until thickened.
  4. Step 4: In a slow cooker, layer 6 warmed corn tortillas, then spread the chicken mixture over the top. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup cream of mushroom soup. Cook on low for 2-3 hours until bubbly and golden.
  5. Step 5: Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Census-Inspired Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchiladas take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Census-Inspired Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchiladas?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground chicken from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Census-Inspired Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchiladas?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Census-Inspired Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchiladas for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Census-Inspired Slow-Cooker Chicken Enchiladas?

Mexican mexican like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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