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Fiesta Chicken Crock Pot

Fiesta Chicken Crock Pot

Tender, flavorful chicken infused with vibrant Southwestern spices, all cooked effortlessly in your crock pot. A perfect hands-off meal for busy weeknights!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southwestern

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Veggies
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 bell pepper (any color) chopped
  • 15 oz can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 15 oz can corn drained
  • 10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel) undrained
Seasoning
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper
Optional Add-ins
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth if desired for a slightly soupier consistency
  • Lime wedges for serving
  • Fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Crock Pot
  • Bowl
  • Fork

Method
 

  1. Place the chopped onion and bell pepper in the bottom of your crock pot.
  2. Lay the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
  3. In a bowl, mix together the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies, taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
  5. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
  6. Shred the chicken directly in the crock pot using two forks.
  7. Stir everything together to ensure the shredded chicken is coated with the sauce.
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro, if desired.

Notes

For the most flavorful Fiesta Chicken Crock Pot, don't overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken will be dry and less tender. If you want a thicker sauce, remove the lid from the crock pot during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. To add an extra layer of flavor and richness, consider searing the chicken breasts in a skillet before placing them in the crock pot. This will give them a nice crust and help to lock in the juices. Another way to personalize this recipe is by adjusting the spice level to your preference. If you like things hot, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. You can also add other vegetables such as zucchini, yellow squash, or diced sweet potatoes for a boost of nutrients and flavor. Finally, for easy clean up, consider using a crock pot liner.