Description
Crock pot fiesta chicken brings zesty Mexican-inspired flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Tender chicken infused with spicy seasonings and colorful vegetables creates a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings and Sauces:
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (15 oz/425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz/425 grams) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz/283 grams) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (8 oz/227 grams) package cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Position chicken breasts in the slow cooker, thoroughly coating with zesty taco seasoning for robust flavor.
- Pour salsa, scatter black beans, corn, and Rotel tomatoes over the chicken, then gently splash chicken broth across the ingredients to create a vibrant mixture.
- Secure lid and allow the slow cooker to transform ingredients on low temperature for 6–7 hours or high temperature for 3–4 hours until meat becomes fork-tender.
- Using two forks, meticulously shred chicken directly within the cooking vessel, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
- Introduce cubed cream cheese and shredded cheese, stirring gently to create a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats every morsel.
- Replace lid and permit the cheeses to melt completely, creating a rich, creamy texture for approximately 10–15 minutes on low setting.
- Enhance the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and serve as a versatile meal – atop fluffy rice, nestled in warm tortillas, or alongside crispy tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- Customize your taco seasoning blend by mixing your own spices for a personalized flavor profile and lower sodium option.
- Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs and reduce calories.
- Prevent dry chicken by using fresh, thawed chicken breasts and avoiding overcooking; check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Elevate the dish’s nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini during the slow cooking process.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg