Creamy Southwest Chicken Delight
Savor the flavors of the Southwest with this luscious, creamy chicken dish that’s both satisfying and lower in calories than traditional recipes. Featuring tender, boneless chicken breasts simmered to perfection in a zesty blend of black beans, corn, and salsa, this dish is finished off with a dollop of low-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy texture. Easy to prepare in your crock pot, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will love!
5
Servings
160
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken breasts
5 (frozen)
black beans
1 can (15.5 ounces) (drained)
salsa
1 jar (10 ounces) (none)
corn
1 can (15 ounces) (drained)
low-fat cream cheese
0.5 package (15 ounces) (none)
Instructions
1
Place 4-5 frozen boneless chicken breasts into the crock pot.
2
Drain and add 1 can of black beans, 1 jar of salsa, and 1 can of corn to the crock pot.
3
Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4
Once the chicken is cooked, add the low-fat cream cheese on top. Allow it to melt for about 30 minutes with the lid on.
5
After the cream cheese has melted, gently stir the mixture to combine the ingredients and create a creamy sauce.
6
Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Creamy Southwest Chicken Delight!
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
24g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Southwest Chicken Delight?
It is a luscious, creamy chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered with black beans, corn, and salsa, finished with low-fat cream cheese for a rich texture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 5 servings.
How many calories are in each serving?
Each serving contains approximately 160 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 24g of protein.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This dish is low in fat, containing only 4g per serving.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
You will need frozen boneless chicken breasts, black beans, salsa, corn, and low-fat cream cheese.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 4-5 frozen boneless chicken breasts.
How long does it take to cook in a crock pot?
Cook the chicken on high for 4-5 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
When should I add the cream cheese?
Add the low-fat cream cheese after the chicken is fully cooked, allowing it to melt for 30 minutes with the lid on.
Do I need to drain the black beans?
Yes, the black beans should be drained before being added to the crock pot.
Should the corn be drained?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one can of drained corn.
What size jar of salsa is required?
The recipe calls for one 10-ounce jar of salsa.
How much cream cheese is used?
You will need half of a 15-ounce package of low-fat cream cheese.
What is the internal temperature the chicken must reach?
The chicken should reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, low-calorie, and high-protein family meal.
Can I stir the ingredients immediately?
You should stir the mixture after the cream cheese has melted for 30 minutes to create the creamy sauce.
Is this a good meal for weeknights?
Absolutely, it is an easy crock pot meal that requires minimal preparation.
What type of chicken should I use?
Boneless chicken breasts are recommended for this recipe.
Can I use regular cream cheese?
While the recipe specifies low-fat cream cheese to keep calories low, regular cream cheese can be used as a substitute.
Do I need to add any water or broth?
No, the salsa and the moisture from the frozen chicken provide enough liquid for cooking.
Can I shred the chicken?
Yes, after the chicken is cooked, you can gently stir it or shred it to better incorporate it into the sauce.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include crock pot, chicken, southwest, creamy, easy dinner, low-calorie, healthy, and family meal.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a zesty, southwest flavor with a rich and creamy texture from the melted cheese.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends on the variety of salsa you choose to use (mild, medium, or hot).
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can I use canned chicken instead of frozen?
The recipe is designed for frozen breasts in a slow cooker; canned chicken would require significantly less cooking time.
What is the preparation for the salsa?
No specific preparation is needed for the salsa; just pour the jar into the crock pot.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add peppers or onions if you wish to increase the fiber content.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your salsa and canned goods to be sure.
How should I serve this dish?
Serve it warm, perhaps over rice, in tortillas, or on its own as a hearty stew.