Name: Chicken Enchilada Bites Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs.); 1 packet Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix; 2 (10 ounces) cans diced tomatoes with lime juice and cilantro, drained; 14 ounces Old El Paso Mild Enchilada Sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water; 2 ounces cream cheese, softened; 10 ounces can Old El Paso Green Chile Enchilada Sauce; 40 tortilla scoops; 1/3 cup shredded cheddar blend cheese; 2 plum tomatoes, diced small; Chopped cilantro for garnish

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If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful appetizer that packs all the zest and comfort of classic Mexican cuisine into bite-sized portions, you’ve got to try this Chicken Enchilada Bites Recipe. These little morsels are bursting with tender, slow-cooked chicken seasoned perfectly with taco spices, tangy tomatoes, and rich enchilada sauces. Then, topped with melty cheese and a luscious creamy sauce, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for game day, parties, or any casual get-together. The combination of textures and bold, vibrant flavors makes these bites absolutely addictive—trust me, once you try this Chicken Enchilada Bites Recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to party snack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black slow cooker filled with a creamy mixture that looks like shredded chicken and red bits, covered in a light orange sauce. The texture appears smooth and rich, with visible thin strands of shredded chicken and small, crispy-looking pieces mixed throughout. The slow cooker is sitting on a white marbled surface with some splashes of sauce around the edge. The lighting is natural, highlighting the creamy and chunky texture of the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Chicken Enchilada Bites Recipe lies in its straightforward set of ingredients that work together perfectly to create layers of vibrant flavor and rich textures. Each component plays a crucial role: the seasoned chicken provides a tender and savory base, the enchilada sauces bring that signature tang and warmth, and the little tortilla scoops offer the perfect crispy vessel for savoring every bit.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein foundation that soaks up all those incredible seasonings during slow cooking.
1 packet Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix: Adds the perfect aromatic blend of spices that wake up every bite.
14 ounces Old El Paso Mild Enchilada Sauce: A gently spiced sauce that enhances the chicken with classic enchilada flavor.
(2) 10-ounce cans diced tomatoes with lime juice and cilantro (drained): Brings fresh brightness and acidity to balance the richness.
10 ounces diced tomatoes and green chiles (drained): Adds subtle heat and extra texture to the chicken mixture.
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons cold water: Thickens the cooking juices into a luscious sauce for the chicken.
10-ounce can Old El Paso Green Chile Enchilada Sauce: The star of the creamy sauce, bringing a smoky kick with every drizzle.
2 ounces cream cheese (softened): Melts into the green chile sauce to create a smooth, velvety finish.
40 tortilla scoops: The perfect crunchy base that holds all the tasty layers in one bite.
1/3 cup shredded cheddar blend cheese: Adds gooey, melted cheesiness that ties everything together.
2 plum tomatoes (diced small): Provides fresh, juicy pops to brighten each bite.
Chopped cilantro (for garnish): Adds a refreshing herbal note and pretty green color to top off the dish.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Chicken Enchilada Bites Recipe

Step 1: Season and Slow Cook the Chicken

Start by generously rubbing the Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix onto each chicken breast so they’re fully coated with those warm spices. Arrange them in a single layer inside your slow cooker to ensure even cooking. Then, pour the diced tomatoes with lime and cilantro over the chicken, followed by the mild enchilada sauce. Set your slow cooker to high for 3 hours or low for 6 hours, stirring once or twice throughout to mingle the flavors beautifully.

Step 2: Shred and Thicken

Once the chicken is cooked to juicy perfection, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks or a blender, whichever you prefer for texture. Next, mix the cornstarch with cold water and add this slurry back into the slow cooker juices, stirring well to thicken the sauce. Return the shredded chicken into the pot and let it simmer for another 30 minutes to soak up the thickened sauce, intensifying every bite with rich flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Enchilada Sauce

While the chicken mixture finishes cooking, cut the softened cream cheese into small chunks and place them in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the green chile enchilada sauce from the can and whisk constantly until the cream cheese melts and the sauce turns smooth and creamy. Reduce the heat to low to keep it warm until you’re ready to assemble.

Step 4: Assemble and Broil the Bites

Preheat your broiler to low and line a baking sheet with tin foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the tortilla scoops on the sheet and fill each scoop with about a tablespoon of the warm chicken mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar blend cheese evenly over every bite. Slide the baking sheet under the broiler for just 1 to 2 minutes—keep a close eye so the cheese melts perfectly without burning.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, top each enchilada bite with diced plum tomatoes and drizzle generously with the warm creamy enchilada sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro for that extra pop of freshness and color. Serve immediately and watch these little Chicken Enchilada Bites disappear fast!

How to Serve Chicken Enchilada Bites Recipe

A white plate holds about fifteen small round tortilla cups filled with shredded orange chicken mixed with spices, topped with small dollops of creamy white sauce and tiny diced red tomatoes. The tortilla cups have a light brown, slightly crispy texture with some bubbling on the edges. They are arranged neatly in rows, with green parsley pieces sprinkled on top and some fresh green cilantro leaves placed on the white marbled surface around the plate. In the background, two yellow seasoning mix packets slightly blurred stand upright. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding the right garnishes elevates your Chicken Enchilada Bites Recipe to celebratory levels. Fresh chopped cilantro brightens every mouthful, and the juicy diced plum tomatoes provide balance to the rich and cheesy bites. For a little extra crunch and heat, a sprinkle of sliced jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream can be delightful additions.

Side Dishes

These bites pair wonderfully with simple sides like crisp green salads or a Mexican street corn salad for textural contrast. You might also consider serving alongside black bean and corn salsa or a creamy guacamole, which provide cool refreshing elements that complement the warm, spicy enchilada flavors effortlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party presentation, serve your Chicken Enchilada Bites on a large colorful platter garnished with lime wedges for a zesty squeeze. You can also thread several onto skewers for convenient grab-and-go finger food. Layering the bites on a wooden board with bowls of salsa and sour cream encourages guests to customize their own bites and adds a festive touch to your spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the creamy enchilada sauce separate to maintain its texture and warm them together gently before assembling more bites. Store tortilla scoops separately as they will lose their crispness if refrigerated.

Freezing

The shredded chicken mixture freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Creamy sauce is best made fresh, but if frozen, reheat slowly while stirring to restore smoothness. It’s not recommended to freeze assembled bites because the tortilla scoops may get soggy upon thawing.

Reheating

For reheating, warm the chicken mixture gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Assemble the bites fresh, add shredded cheese, and broil briefly just like the original step to revive that melty cheese magic and crisp scoop texture. Adding fresh diced tomatoes and cilantro after reheating keeps the bites bright and delightful.

FAQs

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! While chicken is classic for this recipe, you can use pork loin, turkey, or even shredded beef. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure your protein is tender and well-seasoned to keep that signature enchilada flavor.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can cook the chicken in a covered pan on the stove over low heat or bake it sealed in foil at 325°F until tender, then shred and combine with the sauces. The flavors will still be delicious though the texture and ease might slightly differ.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Definitely! Swap the mild enchilada sauce for medium or hot varieties, add more green chiles, or sprinkle sliced jalapeños over the finished bites. You control the heat level so feel free to kick it up to match your spice tolerance.

Are the tortilla scoops necessary?

Tortilla scoops are the perfect vessel for these bites, providing crunch and shape. If you can’t find them, small tortilla chips can work, or even mini taco shells. Just be mindful that the presentation and bite experience will vary slightly.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

While this Chicken Enchilada Bites Recipe is designed with meat, you can use shredded jackfruit, cooked beans, or sautéed vegetables as a vegetarian filling. Combine with the same spice mix and sauces for a satisfying meat-free alternative.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Chicken Enchilada Bites Recipe enough for your next gathering or cozy night in. They bring together bold, comforting flavors with a playful and shareable element that everyone will love. Once you make these, you’ll find endless reasons to whip up this crowd-pleaser again and again, because life’s better with perfect little bites of cheesy, spicy, creamy goodness.

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Chicken Enchilada Bites Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need