Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken is a delightful dish that is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a mix of zesty ingredients, creating a dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family. With the slow cooker doing all the work, you can enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort. The combination of spices, vegetables, and cream cheese ensures that every bite is creamy and bursting with taste.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to love Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken. First, it is incredibly simple and requires very little preparation. You can toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the hard work for you. This makes it ideal for people with busy schedules or those who may not have much time to spend in the kitchen.
Second, the recipe uses ingredients that are easy to find and typically ones you may already have in your pantry. Items like canned tomatoes, corn, and black beans are often staples in many households. This accessibility makes it easy to whip up this dish on a whim.
Finally, the flavor profile is fantastic. The combination of the ranch seasoning with the zesty lime and creamy cheese creates a rich, tangy taste that pairs perfectly with the chicken. Additionally, this dish is versatile; you can serve it in various ways, making it suitable for different occasions.
How to Make Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken
Making Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken is an enjoyable and straightforward process. Below are the ingredients and the step-by-step directions on how to create this amazing meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 dry ranch dressing packet
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (do not drain)
- 1 15 oz can whole kernel corn (drained)
- 1 15 oz can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 8 oz block of plain cream cheese
- 2 fresh squeezed limes
- ½ cup chicken broth
Directions
- Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of the Crock Pot. Make sure they are not overlapping so they cook evenly.
- Next, add the drained and rinsed black beans into the pot.
- Then, add the drained corn and the can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies. Be sure not to drain the tomatoes, as the liquids will help cook the chicken.
- Sprinkle the onion powder, ranch dressing packet, and ground black pepper over the top of everything in the Crock Pot.
- Squeeze the fresh lime juice over all of the ingredients. The lime juice adds a bright flavor that enhances the dish.
- Pour the chicken broth over the mixture. This will keep everything moist as it cooks.
- Finally, place the block of cream cheese on top of all the ingredients. It will melt and mix in as it cooks.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook. You can choose to cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the Crock Pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot.
- Stir all the ingredients together until the cream cheese coats everything well.
- Serve while hot and enjoy the delightful flavors of your Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken!
How to Serve Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken
Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are a few ideas:
Tacos: Serve the fiesta chicken in soft or hard taco shells. Add your favorites like lettuce, cheese, avocado, or salsa for a tasty meal.
Rice Bowls: Serve the shredded chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa. You can add fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños to make a delicious rice bowl.
Wraps: Use tortillas to make wraps filled with the chicken mixture, lettuce, and any other toppings you enjoy. This makes for a quick lunch or dinner option.
Chips: Use tortilla chips to create a loaded nacho plate with Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken on top. Add cheese, guacamole, and sour cream for a delicious appetizer.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this dish is sure to please!
How to Store Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken
Storing any leftovers from your Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken is easy. Let the dish cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer the rest into an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing the dish. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you are ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken
Check Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees. This guarantees it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Customize Flavor: Feel free to add additional spices or ingredients, like garlic powder, chili powder, or bell peppers, to make the dish more to your taste.
Cream Cheese Substitute: If you want to make this dish lighter, you can replace the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a lower-fat cream cheese alternative.
Add Fresh Veggies: Consider throwing in some fresh bell peppers or onions for added nutrition and flavor. Just chop them and add them at the beginning of the cooking process.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, you can easily adapt the recipe. For example, you can add a can of diced green chilies for extra spice. You might also want to try swapping the chicken breasts for chicken thighs. Thighs tend to be juicier and fuller in flavor.
Another variation includes adding different beans, such as pinto beans or kidney beans. You can also use different types of cheese, like pepper jack, for added flavor. If you enjoy a little more heat, you can sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker. However, it may take longer to cook, so be sure to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Then, simply add everything to the slow cooker when you are ready to cook.
What can I serve with Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken?
This dish goes well with rice, tortillas, or chips. You can also add a side salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken is an easy and flavorful dish that can bring excitement to your dinner table. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite!
Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the Crock Pot without overlapping.
- Add the drained and rinsed black beans into the pot.
- Add the drained corn and the can of Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies.
- Sprinkle the onion powder, ranch dressing packet, and ground black pepper over the top.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over all ingredients.
- Pour the chicken broth over the mixture.
- Place the block of cream cheese on top of the ingredients.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker.
- Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours.
- Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Remove the chicken from the Crock Pot and shred using two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the pot and stir until cream cheese coats everything well.
- Serve hot.