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Slow Cooker Loaded Enchilada Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, hands-off dinner that feels like a little fiesta on your plate, you’ve got to try this Slow Cooker Loaded Enchilada Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of tender, juicy chicken, smoky enchilada sauce, melty cheddar, and naturally sweet potatoes all wrapped into one cozy, nourishing meal. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite slow cooker go-tos — and your family will be asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Slow Cooker Magic: Set it and forget it—this recipe cooks all day with zero fuss.
  • Comfort Food With a Healthy Twist: Sweet potatoes provide fiber and vitamins, making this meal both tasty and nourishing.
  • Rich, Layered Flavors: The combination of enchilada sauce, shredded chicken, and melty cheddar is seriously addictive.
  • Family Friendly: Easy to customize and great for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Loaded Enchilada Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is how simple the ingredients are, yet how well they complement each other. Choosing good quality sweet potatoes and a flavorful enchilada sauce really makes all the difference.

  • Sweet potatoes: Look for medium-sized ones, about 6 ounces each, with smooth skins for even cooking.
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: They shred beautifully after slow cooking and absorb the enchilada sauce perfectly.
  • Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and sweet potatoes without overpowering them.
  • Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth; you can substitute with fresh minced garlic if you prefer.
  • Enchilada sauce: I highly recommend homemade if you have the time—it’s richer and less salty than store-bought.
  • Chopped scallions: For a fresh, mild oniony crunch as a topping.
  • Light sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds a creamy, cooling balance to the spiciness.
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it’s the perfect cheese for topping these stuffed potatoes.
  • Chopped cilantro (optional): For a pop of herbal brightness if you’re a fan.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Slow Cooker Loaded Enchilada Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is. Whether you want to spice it up, lighten it up, or make it totally your own, there’s so much room for customization.

  • Make it spicy: Add diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken before slow cooking—I’m a fan of a little extra kick.
  • Dairy-free version: Skip the cheese and sour cream, or swap in avocado slices and a dollop of dairy-free yogurt to keep it creamy and rich.
  • Use chicken thighs: For even more tender, juicy meat, thighs work beautifully and they have more flavor.
  • Vegetarian twist: Replace chicken with black beans or pinto beans, and perhaps add some corn for sweetness—still delicious!

How to Make Slow Cooker Loaded Enchilada Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes and Chicken

First things first, give your sweet potatoes a good wash and pat them dry—no one wants gritty potatoes! Wrap each one individually in foil which helps them steam to tender perfection inside the slow cooker. Meanwhile, season your chicken breasts with kosher salt and garlic powder; this simple seasoning allows the enchilada sauce to shine later on.

Step 2: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Place the seasoned chicken on one side of your slow cooker and pour about a quarter cup of enchilada sauce over it. Then, pile the foil-wrapped sweet potatoes on the other side, stacking two over two if you need to. This setup allows the chicken to slowly soak in the sauce while potatoes roast gently next to it.

Step 3: Slow Cook Low and Slow

Pop the lid on and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This timing is perfect for me because I usually start it before heading to work and come home to dinner ready and waiting. You’ll know it’s done when the potatoes feel soft to the touch (careful—they’ll be hot!) and the chicken pulls apart easily with a fork.

Step 4: Shred and Sauce the Chicken

Remove the chicken and shred it roughly using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to your bowl and stir in the remaining enchilada sauce so every bite is packed with flavor. This step is where the magic really happens, and I like to taste and adjust salt or spice before assembling.

Step 5: Stuff, Top, and Broil

Carefully open each sweet potato and split it down the middle. Spoon about 2/3 cup of the saucy shredded chicken onto each half. Sprinkle a tablespoon of shredded cheddar on top, then place the potatoes under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Keep an eye on them so nothing burns!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a generous dollop of light sour cream (or Greek yogurt if you like it tangier) and sprinkle chopped scallions or cilantro over the top. The freshness this adds really balances the richness of the cheese and enchilada sauce. Ready to dive in? Because these potatoes don’t wait around long once they come out of the oven!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Loaded Enchilada Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

  • Wrap Potatoes Tightly: Wrapping sweet potatoes individually in foil traps steam and prevents them from drying out during the long cook time.
  • Use Low Heat for Juicy Chicken: Cooking on low heat ensures the chicken stays tender and doesn’t dry out—a quick high setting can make it tough.
  • Don’t Skip the Broiler: Melting the cheese under the broiler at the end adds a lovely texture and extra flavor contrast that I just adore.
  • Balance Your Spices: Taste your shredded chicken before stuffing to adjust seasoning or add a little heat, preventing bland bites.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Loaded Enchilada Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Four baked sweet potato halves with soft, orange flesh, each filled with shredded orange chicken and topped with melted yellow cheddar cheese. On top of the cheese are small dollops of white sour cream sprinkled with green sliced scallions and bright green chopped herbs. The sweet potatoes rest on a white marbled surface, with some scattered green scallions and herbs around. A silver spoon with orange hot sauce lies beside the potatoes with some sauce spilled on the surface. The scene is brightly lit and clear. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top my loaded sweet potatoes with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a cool, creamy contrast. Fresh chopped scallions add a bit of crisp bite and a burst of green color, but cilantro is another favorite of mine—it brightens the dish wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Since the stuffed sweet potatoes are hearty on their own, I like to pair them with a simple leafy green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette or some roasted veggies. Corn on the cob or black beans also make excellent options to keep with the southwest vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, try halving smaller sweet potatoes and serving them as bite-sized appetizers topped with the shredded chicken and a sprinkle of cheese. You could also build a festive “stuffed potato bar” with bowls of toppings like jalapeños, olives, avocado, and salsa, letting everyone customize their own creation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover shredded chicken and potatoes separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, the potatoes don’t get soggy, and I can reheat them without losing texture. When ready to eat, just assemble and broil again briefly to refresh.

Freezing

Freezing works best if you freeze the shredded chicken with sauce separately from the sweet potatoes. Store both in freezer bags and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The sweet potatoes might be a little softer, but still delicious in a pinch!

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop the sweet potatoes in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, microwave or gently reheat the enchilada chicken in a skillet. Assemble with fresh toppings right before serving to keep everything fresh and tasty.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

    Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but I recommend adding an extra hour to the slow cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Also, make sure the slow cooker reaches a safe temperature to cook frozen meat properly.

  2. What can I substitute for enchilada sauce if I don’t have any?

    If you don’t have enchilada sauce on hand, you can use salsa verde, tomato sauce mixed with chili powder and cumin, or even a mix of tomato sauce and taco seasoning. Just adjust the spices to get that classic enchilada flavor.

  3. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

    Absolutely! Cook the chicken with sauce on high pressure for about 12 minutes and cook the sweet potatoes separately by piercing them and pressure cooking for about 15 minutes. Just be sure to use the natural pressure release for the potatoes to avoid them bursting.

  4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes, this Slow Cooker Loaded Enchilada Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free enchilada sauce and verify that all your seasonings and toppings are gluten-free.

  5. How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?

    The sweet potatoes are done when a fork or skewer slides in easily without resistance. They should feel soft but not mushy. If you’re unsure, give them an extra 30 minutes or so—slow cookers can vary a bit in heat.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Slow Cooker Loaded Enchilada Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe brings together cozy flavors with such little effort. It’s the kind of dish I reach for when I want my family to feel cared for without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s flexible enough to work with what you have on hand and easy to make in large batches for meal prep. Seriously, give it a try—I promise it’ll become a staple in your recipe box just like it did in mine!

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Slow Cooker Loaded Enchilada Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 77 reviews
  • Author: Wesley
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

These Slow Cooker Loaded Enchilada Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a delicious, easy, and hearty one-pot meal featuring tender shredded chicken simmered in enchilada sauce, nestled inside perfectly cooked sweet potatoes, and topped with melted cheddar cheese, light sour cream, and fresh scallions or cilantro for a flavorful finish.


Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 6 oz each), skin on

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce and Toppings

  • 1 cup enchilada sauce (preferably homemade)
  • 1/4 cup light sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped scallions and/or cilantro (for garnish)
  • Chopped scallions (for serving)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Wrap each sweet potato individually in aluminum foil to ensure even cooking and moisture retention in the slow cooker.
  2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt and garlic powder. Place the chicken at one end of the slow cooker and pour 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce over the chicken to flavor and keep it moist during cooking.
  3. Arrange Potatoes in Slow Cooker: Place the foil-wrapped sweet potatoes on the opposite end of the slow cooker, stacking two on top of the other two to maximize space.
  4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. The sweet potatoes should become tender and the chicken cooked through and tender enough to shred.
  5. Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken and potatoes from the slow cooker. Transfer the chicken to a small bowl and use two forks to shred it roughly. Mix the shredded chicken with the remaining enchilada sauce to combine flavors.
  6. Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes: Carefully split open each sweet potato. Spoon approximately 2/3 cup of the enchilada chicken mixture into each potato half.
  7. Melt the Cheese: Drizzle each stuffed potato half with about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese. Place the assembled potatoes under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the broiler and top each half with 1 tablespoon of light sour cream or Greek yogurt. Garnish with chopped scallions and/or cilantro for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use chicken breasts for lean protein; you can substitute chicken thighs if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Homemade enchilada sauce adds superior flavor but store-bought works well for convenience.
  • Wrapping sweet potatoes individually in foil helps them cook evenly without drying out.
  • If broiling is not preferred, you can melt the cheese in a microwave or let it melt in the slow cooker toward the end of cooking.
  • These stuffed sweet potatoes make a balanced meal packed with protein, fiber, and delicious Mexican-inspired flavors.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed sweet potato
  • Calories: 413 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 810 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 101.5 mg

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