Savory Slow-Cooked Mexican Shredded Chicken
Transform your dinner routine with this delectable slow-cooked Mexican shredded chicken recipe. Using frozen chicken breasts, this dish is not only convenient but also yields incredibly tender and juicy chicken that practically shreds itself. Infused with a wonderful blend of taco seasoning, zesty diced tomatoes, and savory black beans and corn, this meal is packed with flavor and perfect served over fluffy white rice. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this one-dish meal promises to please the whole family with its delightful taste and heartiness.
N/A
Servings
220
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth
1 cup (none)
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
6 (frozen)
taco seasoning
1/4 cup (none)
diced tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (none)
diced green chilies
1 (4 ounce) can (none)
black beans
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
corn
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (drained)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken broth, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, diced green chilies, black beans, and corn until well mixed.
2
Place the frozen chicken breasts into the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged.
3
Cover the Crock Pot with the lid and set it to High. Cook for 5 hours or until chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
4
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the Crock Pot and place them on a cutting board.
5
Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot.
6
Turn the Crock Pot off, allowing the shredded chicken to soak in the flavorful sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes.
7
Serve the savory chicken over cooked white rice, garnished with fresh cilantro or lime wedges if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
21g
Carbs
32g
Protein
6g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chicken breasts instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken breasts. You may need to reduce the cooking time to approximately 3 to 4 hours on High since the meat is not frozen.
How long should I cook this if using a Low setting?
If you prefer to use the Low setting, cook the chicken for 7 to 8 hours or until it is tender enough to shred easily.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most ingredients like chicken and beans are naturally gluten-free, but you must check the label on your taco seasoning to ensure it does not contain wheat fillers.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth, beef broth, or even water with a bit of extra seasoning if you do not have chicken broth.
What size Crock Pot is recommended?
A 6-quart slow cooker is the ideal size for this recipe to accommodate the six chicken breasts and liquid ingredients.
Do I need to drain the black beans?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the black beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the mixture.
Should the corn be drained?
Yes, ensure you drain the canned corn before adding it to the Crock Pot to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used. They are very flavorful and stay moist during long cooking times.
Is this recipe spicy?
The dish has a mild heat from the diced green chilies and taco seasoning. You can adjust the spiciness by choosing 'mild' or 'hot' versions of these ingredients.
How many calories are in a serving?
This recipe contains approximately 220 calories per serving.
What is the best way to shred the chicken?
The most effective way is to use two forks to pull the meat apart on a cutting board, though some people prefer using a hand mixer for even faster results.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any remaining chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze the cooked shredded chicken?
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully. Place the shredded chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with this besides white rice?
This chicken is excellent in tacos, burritos, over nachos, or served with a side of Mexican street corn (elote).
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, for an Instant Pot, cook on High Pressure for about 15 minutes for fresh chicken or 25 minutes for frozen chicken, with a natural pressure release.
Do I need to thaw the chicken first?
No, this recipe is specifically designed for frozen chicken breasts, which makes it very convenient for busy schedules.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely. Diced onions, bell peppers, or even jalapeños would make great additions to the slow cooker.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, the recipe is very lean with only 1g of fat per serving.
What kind of taco seasoning is best?
Any standard store-bought taco seasoning packet works, or you can use a homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use about 2 to 3 cups of fresh diced tomatoes, but you may want to add a splash of tomato juice for extra moisture.
How long does it take to shred the chicken?
Once the chicken is tender, it should only take about 5 minutes to shred all six breasts with two forks.
What garnishes do you recommend?
Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sliced avocado, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese are all excellent choices.
Can I use fire-roasted tomatoes?
Yes, fire-roasted diced tomatoes would add a lovely smoky flavor to the finished dish.
Why let the chicken soak for 10-15 minutes after shredding?
Allowing the shredded meat to rest in the sauce helps it absorb the juices and flavors, making the chicken much more moist and savory.
Can I use pinto beans instead of black beans?
Yes, pinto beans are a great substitute and fit the Mexican flavor profile perfectly.
Is this meal kid-friendly?
Yes, most children enjoy the mild taco flavor and the familiar ingredients like corn and beans.
Can I double the recipe?
You can double the recipe as long as your slow cooker is large enough to hold all the ingredients while still allowing the lid to close securely.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
The recipe contains a very low amount of sugar (1g per serving), likely occurring naturally in the corn and tomatoes.
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
Yes, frozen corn works just as well as canned corn. You do not need to thaw it before adding it to the pot.
Can I use this chicken for meal prep?
Yes, this is an ideal meal prep dish because it makes a large quantity and reheats very well throughout the week.