Slow Cooker Green Chicken Chile Casserole

Slow Cooker Green Chicken Chile Casserole is a flavorful, comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. This easy recipe combines tender shredded chicken, green chiles, creamy sauce, and lots of cheese to create a deliciously rich and slightly spicy casserole. Simply throw the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do all the work, resulting in a dish that’s perfect for feeding the whole family.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
4. Cook Notes & Tips
5. Variations
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7. Conclusion

Ingredients

For Green Chicken Chile Casserole

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 6-8 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the chicken broth over them.
2. Add the diced green chiles, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Stir the mixture slightly to combine the ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
2. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it back into the sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Add the cut corn tortillas to the slow cooker, mixing them in with the chicken and sauce until well combined.
2. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 4: Finish Cooking

1. Cover the slow cooker again and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Once the casserole is done, serve it hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy it with a side of rice or beans.

Cook Notes & Tips

• Tortillas: Corn tortillas work best for this recipe, but you can use flour tortillas if preferred. The tortillas will soften and add a great texture to the casserole.
• Chicken: You can also use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using mild, medium, or hot green chiles based on your preference.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with canned black beans and corn for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Extra Veggies: Add diced bell peppers or corn to the slow cooker for extra color and flavor.
• Cheesy Top: For an extra cheesy casserole, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They may require slightly less cooking time, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

2. How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

3. Can I Make This Dish Spicier?

Yes, you can make the casserole spicier by adding diced jalapeños or extra green chiles. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.

4. What Can I Serve with This Casserole?

This casserole pairs well with Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple side salad. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for added crunch.

Slow Cooker Green Chicken Chile Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The combination of tender chicken, green chiles, and creamy cheese creates a delicious meal that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. Let your slow cooker do the work, and enjoy this easy, cheesy, and slightly spicy casserole.

Happy cooking!