Santa Fe Creamy Chicken Delight
Transform your lunch or snack time with this Santa Fe Creamy Chicken Delight, a rich and flavorful dish cooked effortlessly in a Crock Pot. This hearty, southwestern-inspired meal combines tender chicken breasts with zesty black beans, sweet corn, and creamy cheese for a comforting experience. Perfect for busy days, this recipe allows you to come home to a deliciously warm meal. Serve it over rice and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Ideal for family gatherings or meal prep, everyone will love this satisfying dish!
N/A
Servings
420
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Black beans
1 (15-ounce can, rinsed and drained)
Whole kernel corn
2 (15 1/4-ounce cans, drained)
Thick & chunky salsa
1 cup (bottled)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
5-6 (fresh or thawed)
Cream cheese
1 (8-ounce package, cut into cubes)
Shredded cheddar cheese
1 (cup for topping)
Instructions
1
In your Crock Pot, combine the rinsed black beans, drained corn, and 1/2 cup of thick & chunky salsa. Stir well to mix the ingredients evenly.
2
Layer the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the mixture in the Crock Pot.
3
Pour the remaining salsa over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
4
Cover the Crock Pot and cook on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
5
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
6
Return the cut chicken to the Crock Pot.
7
Add the cream cheese, cutting it into smaller cubes to help it melt faster.
8
Switch the Crock Pot to high heat and allow it to warm until the cream cheese has completely melted, stirring to incorporate it into the sauce.
9
Once combined, serve the creamy chicken over a bed of rice and top with generous amounts of shredded cheddar cheese.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
52g
Carbs
36g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Santa Fe Creamy Chicken Delight?
It is a rich, southwestern-inspired Crock Pot meal featuring chicken breasts, black beans, corn, and a creamy cheese sauce.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 420 calories.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 36g of protein per serving.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include black beans, whole kernel corn, thick and chunky salsa, boneless skinless chicken breasts, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese.
How long should I cook the chicken in the Crock Pot?
Cook the chicken on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until it is tender and fully cooked.
Do I need to rinse the black beans?
Yes, you should use one 15-ounce can of black beans that has been rinsed and drained.
Should the corn be drained?
Yes, ensure the two 15 1/4-ounce cans of whole kernel corn are drained before adding them to the Crock Pot.
What kind of salsa works best?
A thick and chunky bottled salsa is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
How many chicken breasts are needed?
The recipe calls for 5 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
When do I add the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be added after the chicken is fully cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Why should I cube the cream cheese?
Cutting the cream cheese into smaller cubes helps it melt faster and incorporate more evenly into the sauce.
What should I serve this chicken dish with?
It is traditionally served over a bed of rice and topped with shredded cheddar cheese.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use fresh or thawed chicken breasts for this recipe.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, its hearty nature and ease of storage make it an ideal choice for meal prep.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 16g of fat in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 52g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much cream cheese is required?
One 8-ounce package of cream cheese is used in this recipe.
Do I mix all the salsa with the beans and corn?
No, you mix 1/2 cup of salsa with the beans and corn first, then pour the remaining salsa over the chicken.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
One cup of shredded cheddar cheese is used for the topping.
Is this a spicy dish?
The spice level depends on the heat level of the salsa you choose to use.
Can I cook this on a low setting?
While the recipe specifies high heat for 3 hours, you can typically cook it on low for 6 to 8 hours.
What makes this a 'Santa Fe' style dish?
The combination of black beans, corn, and salsa gives it a southwestern or Santa Fe flavor profile.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used, though cooking times may vary slightly.
How do I prepare the chicken after it is cooked?
Remove the chicken from the pot, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the Crock Pot to mix with the cheese.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe because most of the work is done effortlessly in the Crock Pot.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add ingredients like diced bell peppers or onions for more texture.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is a satisfying, comforting dish that is generally well-liked by both adults and children.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat or Neufchatel cheese can be used, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
While the specific fiber count isn't listed, the black beans and corn provide a good source of dietary fiber.
How do I ensure the cream cheese is fully incorporated?
Once the cheese is added, continue warming the Crock Pot on high and stir occasionally until the sauce is smooth.