Appetizers · Part 1 of 3: Ingredients
Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Dip with Oaxaca Cheese

- Prep
- Cook
- Total
- Serves
- 12
This Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Dip turns all the bold, comforting flavors of chicken enchiladas into a warm, cheesy, dippable crowd-pleaser. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker, you can have a bubbling, savory dip ready for game days, parties, or any gathering.
The combination of shredded rotisserie chicken, red enchilada sauce, cream cheese, and two kinds of melty cheese creates an irresistible texture and taste. Serve it straight from the pot with tortilla chips, fresh avocado, and cilantro for a dish that disappears fast.
Everything you love about chicken enchiladas—the rich red chili sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese—comes together in one easy slow cooker dip. This recipe uses rotisserie chicken for convenience, so there's no extra cooking required.
Simply combine the ingredients in your Crockpot, let them bubble on high for 90 minutes, and stir until perfectly creamy. The result is a thick, cheesy dip with a slight tang from the enchilada sauce and a satisfying stretch from the Oaxaca cheese. It's the kind of appetizer that makes everyone gather around the pot.
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups red chili enchilada sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can black olives, drained
For serving
- tortilla chips, for serving
- 1 avocado, diced, for serving
- fresh cilantro, chopped, for serving
Why this recipe works
Slow cooking on high for 90 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. The gentle, even heat of the Crockpot prevents the dairy from scorching or separating, which can happen on a stovetop. This hands-off method also means you can prep the dip ahead and let it cook while you focus on other party preparations. The result is a consistently luscious dip that holds its texture for hours.
Using a combination of Oaxaca cheese and sharp cheddar provides both excellent meltability and bold flavor. Oaxaca cheese, a Mexican string cheese, melts into long, stretchy strands that mimic the classic enchilada cheese pull.
Sharp cheddar adds a deeper, tangy note that complements the red chili sauce. The cream cheese acts as a stabilizer, giving the dip a rich, velvety body that clings to chips perfectly. Together, these cheeses create a dip that's both indulgent and balanced.
Notes and substitutions
For the best flavor, use a high-quality red enchilada sauce. You can choose mild, medium, or hot depending on your heat preference. If you have leftover homemade enchilada sauce, it works wonderfully here. The rotisserie chicken should be shredded into bite-sized pieces; you can also use leftover roasted chicken or poached chicken breast. Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding, or cut it into cubes so it melts evenly.
This recipe is very forgiving, so feel free to adjust the cheese ratios to your liking. If you prefer a spicier dip, use pepper Jack cheese instead of cheddar or add a diced jalapeño. You can also swap the black olives for sliced green olives or omit them entirely.
The tortilla chips are essential for scooping, but you could also serve with crusty bread or fresh vegetables. The dip is best served warm, so keep it on the WARM setting if your slow cooker has one.
- shredded rotisserie chicken: Use leftover cooked chicken or poached chicken breast, shredded. Or substitute with 3 cups of canned chicken, drained.
- red chili enchilada sauce: Use a can of red enchilada sauce (about 15 oz) or homemade enchilada sauce. Adjust the amount to taste.
- Oaxaca cheese: Use mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese for a similar stretchy texture.
- sharp cheddar cheese: Use Colby Jack, pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Equipment
- Crockpot or slow cooker (at least 4-quart)
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups
Up next · Part 2 of 3
5 steps · 1 h 30 min of cooking · what to look for at each stage
Step-by-step instructions (Part 2)