Crockpot Fiesta Chicken is a delicious and easy meal perfect for busy days. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish combines savory flavors to create a satisfying dinner. Whether you serve it over rice or in tacos, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Crockpot Fiesta Chicken is a great choice because it requires minimal effort and time. You can prepare it in the morning, and by dinner time, you will have a flavorful meal ready to enjoy. It’s also a fantastic way to use pantry staples and leftovers, making it both budget-friendly and versatile.
How to Make Crockpot Fiesta Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 8 oz salsa
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 can black beans
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Directions:
Slow Cooker
- Place the chicken in the crockpot.
- Add cream cheese, salsa, frozen corn, black beans (drained and rinsed), and taco seasoning.
- Stir everything well to combine.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once done, shred the chicken with two forks and mix everything together before serving.
Instant Pot
- Place the chicken at the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Add cream cheese, salsa, frozen corn, black beans (drained and rinsed), and taco seasoning on top.
- Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
- Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release.
- Shred the chicken and mix everything together before serving.
How to Serve Crockpot Fiesta Chicken
Crockpot Fiesta Chicken is very flexible. You can serve it over rice, in tacos, or with tortilla chips for a fun twist. Add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or chopped cilantro to enhance the flavor and presentation.
How to Store Crockpot Fiesta Chicken
To store leftover Crockpot Fiesta Chicken, let it cool down completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it will last for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Crockpot Fiesta Chicken
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or onions for additional flavor and nutrients.
- Make sure to drain and rinse the black beans to reduce excess sodium.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing mild or spicy salsa according to your preference.
Variation
You can switch up this recipe by using different proteins such as diced turkey or beef. Additionally, adding more beans like pinto or kidney beans can enhance the dish. For a creamier texture, consider adding some sour cream at the end of cooking.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so, depending on your slow cooker.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free. However, always check the labels on packaged items like taco seasoning to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re making a larger batch.
Crockpot Fiesta Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken You can use frozen chicken, increase the cooking time if needed.
- 4 oz cream cheese For a creamier texture, consider adding sour cream at the end of cooking.
- 8 oz salsa Choose mild or spicy salsa based on your preference.
- 1 cup frozen corn You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor.
- 1 can black beans Make sure to drain and rinse to reduce sodium.
- 1 packet taco seasoning Check the label to ensure it's gluten-free.
Instructions
Slow Cooker
- Place the chicken in the crockpot.
- Add cream cheese, salsa, frozen corn, black beans (drained and rinsed), and taco seasoning.
- Stir everything well to combine.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once done, shred the chicken with two forks and mix everything together before serving.
Instant Pot
- Place the chicken at the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Add cream cheese, salsa, frozen corn, black beans (drained and rinsed), and taco seasoning on top.
- Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
- Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release.
- Shred the chicken and mix everything together before serving.
