I absolutely love how this Slow Cooker Loaded Enchilada Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe comes together—it’s a perfect mix of comforting, hearty, and flavorful all in one simple dish. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or planning a fuss-free weekend dinner, this recipe is a total game changer that works beautifully for busy days when you want something delicious without fuss.
What makes this recipe stand out is that all the magic happens in the slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it while the flavors meld beautifully. Plus, the combination of tender shredded chicken, melty cheese, and those naturally sweet and creamy potatoes hits that “wow” factor every single time. You’ll find that it’s a great crowd-pleaser and perfect for meal prepping too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: You can toss everything in the slow cooker and walk away—no babysitting needed.
- Flavor-Packed Comfort: The enchilada sauce and cheese add just the right kick to tender chicken and sweet potatoes.
- Family-Friendly: My family goes crazy for this dish—it’s always requested on busy weeknights.
- Versatile Meal Prep: It reheats wonderfully and makes for great lunches or dinner leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Loaded Enchilada Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one works perfectly to create that classic enchilada flavor tailored just right to the mellow sweetness of the potatoes.
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose medium-sized with firm skins for even cooking and easy stuffing.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: They shred nicely and soak up the enchilada sauce wonderfully.
- Kosher Salt: Just enough to season and bring out natural flavors without overpowering.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle aromatic background—feel free to adjust based on your taste.
- Enchilada Sauce: Homemade works best for that fresh, bold flavor, but store-bought is just fine too.
- Scallions: They add a fresh, mild onion bite as a garnish that brightens every bite.
- Light Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A creamy topping that balances the heat and adds tang.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts perfectly for a gooey finish that makes these stuffed potatoes irresistible.
- Cilantro (optional): If you love that fresh herbal note, sprinkle some on top for extra zing.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Slow Cooker Loaded Enchilada Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is its flexibility. You can easily tailor it to what you have on hand or dietary preferences without losing the essence of those rich, cozy flavors.
- Make it Spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken mixture if you like a kick—my husband loves this fiery twist.
- Swap the Protein: Try shredded turkey or even black beans for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Dairy-Free Options: Use a dairy-free cheese and coconut yogurt to keep it creamy without the dairy.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in some corn or diced bell peppers with the chicken to bump up the veggie count.
How to Make Slow Cooker Loaded Enchilada Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes and Chicken for the Slow Cooker
Start by giving your sweet potatoes a good wash and drying them thoroughly—this helps the foil wrap stick better and keeps everything tidy. I wrap each potato individually in foil, which lets them steam perfectly inside the slow cooker, preventing any mess. Then, season your chicken breasts with kosher salt and garlic powder—simple but effective. Place your chicken on one side of the slow cooker, and drizzle about a quarter cup of enchilada sauce over it to keep it flavorful and moist.
Step 2: Layer and Slow Cook
Next, place the foil-wrapped sweet potatoes on the other side of the slow cooker. I usually stack two on top of two to make full use of the space. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook everything on low for 6 to 8 hours—this slow, gentle heat is exactly what makes the potatoes tender and the chicken juicy enough to shred easily. The smell that fills your kitchen during this stage? Fantastic.
Step 3: Shred Chicken and Assemble Your Loaded Potatoes
When your slow cooker timer dings, carefully remove the potatoes and chicken. I like to transfer the chicken to a bowl and shred it using two forks—this is so satisfying, trust me! Then, stir in the remaining enchilada sauce to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor. Split open each sweet potato and generously top it with about two-thirds of a cup of the shredded chicken mixture. This is where things start looking seriously good.
Step 4: Cheese It Up and Broil to Perfection
Sprinkle roughly a tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese on top of each loaded half, then pop them under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. I keep a close eye here because the cheese melts quickly and you want it gooey and bubbly without burning. Once out, add a dollop of sour cream and scatter chopped scallions or cilantro for that fresh finish. You’re officially ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Loaded Enchilada Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Foil Wrap Trick: Wrapping potatoes separately keeps them from drying out and makes cleanup easier.
- Check Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety and perfect shredding texture.
- Sauce It Up: Don’t skimp on that enchilada sauce—it keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Broil Watch: Keep a close eye when broiling cheese to avoid burning and get that perfect melt.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Loaded Enchilada Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I always top my loaded sweet potatoes with a generous spoonful of sour cream, chopped scallions, and sometimes fresh cilantro—these little touches lift every forkful and balance out the richness beautifully. If you enjoy a bit of crunch, a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips on top adds an amazing texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This recipe is so filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies for added nutrition. Sometimes, a simple black bean and corn salad on the side brings out those Southwest vibes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve wrapped these loaded sweet potatoes in parchment paper to serve family-style at gatherings—it adds a rustic charm and makes cleanup a breeze. You could also stuff the chicken mixture into hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun twist that looks impressive on a dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and my family usually enjoys them cold or reheated within 3 days. The flavors seem to deepen overnight, so sometimes it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, I recommend separating the shredded chicken mixture from the potatoes. Freeze them in individual containers and then reheat separately for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
To reheat, I warm the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop gently, then heat the stuffed sweet potatoes in a 350°F oven until warm throughout. Adding a little extra cheese on top and broiling briefly brings back that melty goodness like fresh out of the slow cooker.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and tend to stay juicier during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed—thighs might get tender a bit faster.
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Do I have to wrap the sweet potatoes in foil?
Wrapping helps them steam and cook evenly while keeping the slow cooker clean. If you prefer, you can skip foil, but expect a longer cook time and more clean-up.
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Can I make this recipe on high in the slow cooker?
You can, but cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours yields the best texture and flavor. On high, cook for about 3 to 4 hours, but check the potatoes and chicken for doneness halfway through.
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What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?
You can use salsa or a mix of tomato sauce and chili powder as a substitute, but enchilada sauce provides that signature flavor boost—so I recommend keeping some on hand!
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your enchilada sauce ingredients just to be sure.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Loaded Enchilada Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe has become a staple in my meal rotation because it’s easy, satisfying, and so full of flavor with minimal effort. I love sharing it with friends because it feels fancy but is incredibly simple to pull off—perfect for anyone who wants that homey, comforting dinner without hours in the kitchen. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a favorite in your house too!
PrintSlow Cooker Loaded Enchilada Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- 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-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Slow Cooker Loaded Enchilada Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a delicious and hearty meal featuring tender shredded chicken cooked in enchilada sauce, served inside baked sweet potatoes, and topped with melted cheddar cheese, sour cream, and fresh scallions or cilantro. Perfect for an easy, hands-off dinner with a flavorful Mexican-inspired twist.
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
Enchilada Sauce and Toppings
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 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
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes and Chicken: Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Wrap each sweet potato individually in foil. Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and garlic powder and place them on one end of the slow cooker. Pour 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce over the chicken.
- Arrange and Cook: Place the foil-wrapped sweet potatoes on the other end of the slow cooker, stacking two on top of two. Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Shred Chicken and Mix Sauce: When cooking is complete, carefully remove the sweet potatoes and chicken from the slow cooker. Transfer the chicken to a small bowl and shred it roughly using two forks. Add the remaining enchilada sauce to the shredded chicken and mix well.
- Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes: Split open each sweet potato lengthwise. Spoon about 2/3 cup of the enchilada chicken mixture into each potato half.
- Broil with Cheese: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese over each stuffed potato half. Place them under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each stuffed sweet potato half with 1 tablespoon of light sour cream or Greek yogurt. Garnish with chopped scallions and/or cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe is a convenient and flavorful one-pot meal using the slow cooker for easy preparation.
- Using light sour cream or Greek yogurt reduces fat while maintaining creaminess.
- You can substitute shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack for cheddar if preferred.
- Adjust spiciness by choosing mild or hot enchilada sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
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: 5.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 102 mg