Satisfy Your Cravings with this Mexican Chicken Recipe
Are you tired of serving the same boring chicken dish every week? Look no further than this crockpot Mexican chicken recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it is also incredibly easy to make. Simply add chicken breasts, chili beans, black beans, corn, salsa, and some seasonings to your slow cooker and let it do the rest. The end result is tender, juicy chicken infused with all the tasty flavors of Mexican cuisine.
This recipe is perfect for parties or gatherings because it feeds a crowd and can easily be customized to suit individual preferences. Serve it over cooked rice or with tortillas for tasty tacos.
Plus, the leftovers can be used in a variety of ways – from chicken soup to pulled chicken tacos or even added to ground beef for a hearty and flavorful chili.
So why settle for bland and uninspired meals when you can spice things up with this crockpot Mexican chicken recipe? Give it a try and let your taste buds thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The crockpot Mexican chicken recipe is a delightful spicy dish that you will enjoy with your family and friends. This recipe is easy to prepare, requires minimal efforts, and leaves you with a bunch of flavorful shredded chicken that you can repurpose in many ways.
Let’s start with the tender boneless skinless chicken breasts. They are slow-cooked to perfection in the crockpot, resulting in juicy and succulent meat that melts in your mouth. The addition of salsa, chili beans, black beans, corn, lime juice, and taco seasoning infuses the chicken with robust flavors that you cannot resist.
Moreover, the recipe calls for cream cheese, which adds richness and creaminess to the dish without being too heavy. You can also customize this recipe to your preferences by adding more or less spice or adjusting the levels of creaminess according to your taste.
But what makes this crockpot Mexican chicken recipe stand out is its versatility. You can use it for making delicious shredded chicken tacos or as a base for making other Mexican-inspired dishes like quesadillas or burritos. It’s also a perfect topping for cooked rice, chili beans, or a salad bowl.
Finally, convenience is another significant feature that comes with this recipe. Thrower everything into your slow cooker to cook for 3-5 hours while you take care of other things. When you come back, your house will be filled with irresistible aromas indicating dinner is ready!
In conclusion, if you love Mexican food and need an easy dish that’s packed with flavor and versatility for any occasion, then look no further than the crockpot Mexican chicken recipe.
Ingredient List
Here is a complete list of the ingredients needed to make Crockpot Mexican Chicken – a dish that will surely be a hit at your next gathering.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can of chili beans, undrained
- 1 can of corn, drained
- 1 jar of salsa (16 ounces)
- 1 package of taco seasoning (1 ounce)
- Juice from one lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese (optional)
- Cooked rice (optional)
If you want to add some creaminess to your dish, you can also consider adding some fat-free cream cheese on top before serving. To save time and effort, you can use frozen chicken breasts instead of thawing them out.
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to dive into the heart of the matter: how to make this Crockpot Mexican Chicken that will have your guests begging for more. Don’t worry, it’s an easy and straightforward recipe that won’t take too much of your time or energy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Before we start cooking, we need to gather all our ingredients and prepare them. This recipe calls for the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 jar (16 oz) salsa
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 4 oz fat-free cream cheese
Make sure your chicken breasts are washed and patted dry with paper towels. Then, season them with half a packet of taco seasoning mix and a drizzle of olive oil. Once seasoned, place them at the bottom of your crockpot.
Next, you’ll simply add in all the other ingredients except for the cream cheese. Give everything a good stir until well combined.
Step 2: Cooking
After everything is placed in the crockpot, cover it and cook everything on low heat for at least 5 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The exact time may vary depending on your crockpot’s settings and chicken thickness. So, be sure to check the temperature before taking it out.
Step 3: Shredding the chicken and adding in cream cheese
Once ready, remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. It will be so tender that it should practically fall apart.
In a small bowl, mix together 4 oz of fat-free cream cheese with a few spoonfuls of soup broth from the crockpot until smooth. Then add this cream cheese mixture back into the crockpot and give everything another good stir.
Finally, put the shredded chicken back in and mix it all together until everything is evenly coated with sauce.
You’re now officially done cooking! Your Crockpot Mexican Chicken dish is ready to be served!
If you want to go above and beyond with your presentation skills, try topping your dish with some shredded cheese or fresh cilantro leaves before serving on top of warm cooked rice or tortilla chips.
Congratulations! You’ve made an amazing Crockpot Mexican Chicken dish that will have everyone asking for seconds in no time!
Substitutions and Variations
While this crockpot Mexican chicken recipe is already bursting with zesty flavors and vibrant colors, there’s always room for personalization. Here are a few substitutions and variations to make this meal truly your own.
Firstly, let’s talk protein. While boneless skinless chicken breasts are a staple, don’t be afraid to switch it up with chicken thighs or even ground beef. Each meat addition brings its own texture and taste, so go ahead and experiment.
For those who are vegetarian or vegan, you can swap out the chicken for tofu or jackfruit. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
If you’re looking for a creamier version of this dish, try substituting the fat-free cream cheese with regular cream cheese or sour cream. This will add an extra layer of richness and depth to your Mexican chicken.
Feel free to modify the beans in this recipe as well. If you’re not a fan of chili beans or black beans, try navy beans or pinto beans instead. Adding a can of refried beans can also be a great way to thicken up the mixture.
For those who want an extra kick of heat, you can always add in diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the recipe. However, if you prefer a milder option, omitting the taco seasoning altogether can provide a nuanced taste.
Finally, there are endless ways to serve this delicious crockpot Mexican chicken recipe. While it pairs well with cooked rice, you can also enjoy it as pulled chicken tacos or spoon it onto tortilla chips for nachos. Don’t forget to top with shredded cheese, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture. Whatever tweak you decide to make to this recipe, sit back and enjoy your unique take on this classic Mexican dish.
Serving and Pairing
This slow-cooked Mexican chicken is a versatile and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. You can serve it over cooked rice or with crispy tortilla chips for contrast in texture. The addition of black beans and corn provides a satisfying depth of flavor that pairs well with the spiciness of the shredded chicken.
To add some freshness to your dish, garnish it with freshly sliced avocado or diced tomatoes. The slight sweetness of brown sugar and tanginess from lime juice make an excellent combination when added to the dish.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, hot sauce or jalapenos can be added as toppings. Pair this recipe with a refreshing side salad or some roasted vegetables to balance out the richness of the crockpot Mexican chicken.
This easy-to-make recipe can also serve as an ingredient in other dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, or even nachos. Serve up some pulled chicken tacos or add some ground beef for a creative twist. Use the Mexican shredded chicken in place of creamy chicken soups, and you have yourself another easy-to-make chicken soup recipe!
Overall, this slow cooker Mexican chicken is delicious on its own or incorporated into other recipes – making it perfect for any taco recipe, event, gathering or simply enjoying with friends and family.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the greatest perks of this Crockpot Mexican Chicken Recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or party planning. After cooking the chicken, allow it to cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
When it comes time to reheat the leftovers, there are several methods you can use. The easiest and most recommended way is to simply reheat in the microwave until heated through. For a less soggy and more flavorful reheating experience, consider reheating in a skillet with a bit of olive oil or in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes.
The slow-cooker shredded Mexican chicken also freezes well, which makes it an ideal candidate for batch cooking. To freeze, allow the chicken to cool completely before dividing it into portioned freezer bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months.
To thaw frozen Crockpot Mexican Chicken, place the portioned bags in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, simply reheat using one of the reheating methods mentioned above.
It’s worth noting that although the recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts, you could easily swap them out for chicken thighs or even ground beef for a tasty twist on traditional Mexican flavors.
With all its flexibility and ease of preparation, this recipe is perfect not just for dinner parties but also as an ingredient for other dishes like creamy chicken soup or pulled chicken tacos. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking a delicious meal is not just about following the recipe; it is also about perfecting the little things. Here are some tips I would like to share with you to ensure that your Crockpot Mexican Chicken Recipe comes out perfectly every time.
1. Use Good Quality Ingredients
When preparing any dish, it is important to use high quality, fresh ingredients. For this recipe, choose boneless chicken breasts that are plump, juicy, and not dry. Also, make sure that your salsa, chili and black beans are of good quality and from a well-respected brand. When picking up vegetables for the dish such as bell peppers and onions, make sure they are firm and without any bruises or soft spots.
2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
One of the worst things that can happen to this recipe is overcooked chicken. To avoid this problem, cook on low heat setting for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is cooked through but still juicy. If you let it cook for too long, the chicken will become dry – losing its tenderness and juiciness.
3. Shred the Chicken Correctly
Shredding chicken can be a tricky process if you are not familiar with it. However, a simple trick to shred your chicken is using two forks in opposite directions so that each piece falls apart into thin strips.
4. Add Cream Cheese to Make It Creamy
To give your chicken an extra layer of creaminess while adding more flavor to the dish, add half a block of fat-free cream cheese on top of the other ingredients before cooking it.
5. Pair This Dish With Cooked Rice
This crockpot Mexican chicken recipe pairs well with cooked rice. Cooking rice grains coated in olive oil with onions and diced tomatoes as an option for added flavors will provide great texture and taste contrast to this shredded Mexican-style chicken.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create a restaurant-quality crockpot Mexican chicken dish that will have people asking for seconds. Give it a try – I promise you won’t regret it!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the crockpot Mexican chicken recipe is a game-changer for any home chef looking to spice up their dinner menu. With its simple ingredient list, easy preparation and mouth-watering flavors, this recipe is a must-try for any lover of Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a dinner party, this dish can cater to all occasions and taste preferences.
Furthermore, the versatility of this recipe allows for endless possibilities in terms of substitutions and variations. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique twist on this classic dish. And with its make-ahead, storing and reheating capabilities, you can easily prepare this meal ahead of time and have it ready to serve whenever your guests arrive.
Lastly, don’t forget about the other ways you can use this Mexican chicken recipe beyond just tacos. From pulled chicken sandwiches to chipotle chicken bowls, the possibilities are endless! So why not give it a try and see how it transforms your dinner table. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Crockpot Mexican Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces fat free cream cheese
- 16 ounces salsa (1 jar)
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 package)
- 15 ounces chili beans
- cooked rice
Instructions
- Put some salsa on the bottom of the crockpot, put 2 chicken breasts down and sprinkle the taco seasoning on them (repeat for the rest of the layers of chicken). Soften the cream cheese and stir it with the remaining salsa and pour over the chicken. Then put the Chili beans on top.
- Cook on LOW for 8 hours or cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours. You can stir as you like. Serve over rice (or just eat as is if you can't do carbs).
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!