Slow-Cooked Creamy Black Bean Chicken Fiesta
This Slow-Cooked Creamy Black Bean Chicken Fiesta is a family favorite that combines tender, juicy chicken with protein-rich black beans and the zesty goodness of salsa. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish cooks effortlessly in your Crock-Pot, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while you focus on your day. The addition of cream cheese brings a rich creaminess that makes this dish even more satisfying. Plus, it's incredibly versatile—serve it over rice, with tortillas, or simply enjoy it as is. Leftovers, if there are any, taste even better the next day!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken breasts
4-5 (frozen)
black beans
1 (15 1/2 ounce can, drained)
corn
1 (15 ounce can, drained)
salsa
1 (15 ounce jar, any kind)
cream cheese
1 (8 ounce package)
Instructions
1
1. Place 4-5 frozen boneless chicken breasts in the bottom of your Crock-Pot.
2
2. Open and drain the can of black beans and the can of corn, then add both to the Crock-Pot with the chicken.
3
3. Pour the jar of salsa over the top, ensuring all the chicken breasts are covered with the mixture.
4
4. Cover the Crock-Pot and cook on high for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred.
5
5. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks.
6
6. Return the shredded chicken to the Crock-Pot, then add the package of cream cheese directly on top. Cover again and let it sit for about 30 minutes, allowing the cream cheese to soften.
7
7. Stir everything together until well combined, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow-Cooked Creamy Black Bean Chicken Fiesta?
It is a simple Crock-Pot meal that combines chicken, black beans, corn, and salsa with cream cheese for a rich, zesty flavor.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are only 5 main ingredients: chicken breasts, black beans, corn, salsa, and cream cheese.
Do I need to use frozen chicken?
The recipe specifically calls for 4-5 frozen boneless chicken breasts placed directly in the Crock-Pot.
How long does this recipe take to cook?
It cooks on high for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred.
Should I drain the black beans before adding them?
Yes, you should open and drain the 15 1/2 ounce can of black beans.
Do the corn kernels need to be drained?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one 15 ounce can of corn, drained.
What kind of salsa should I use?
You can use a 15 ounce jar of any kind of salsa you prefer.
When do I shred the chicken?
Once the chicken is fully cooked after 4-5 hours, remove it from the pot, shred it with two forks, and then return it to the pot.
At what point is the cream cheese added?
The cream cheese is added after the chicken has been shredded and returned to the Crock-Pot.
How much cream cheese is required?
You will need one 8 ounce package of cream cheese.
How long does the cream cheese need to soften?
After placing the cream cheese on top of the mixture, cover the pot and let it sit for about 30 minutes to soften.
How should I serve this dish?
It can be served over rice, with tortillas, or enjoyed on its own.
Are the leftovers good?
Yes, the flavors meld even better overnight, making the leftovers taste even better the next day.
Is this a good recipe for busy weeknights?
Absolutely, it is an effortless dish that allows you to focus on your day while it cooks in the slow cooker.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?
While the recipe specifies frozen, you can use fresh chicken, though you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly.
What size Crock-Pot is best?
A standard 6-quart slow cooker works perfectly for these ingredient amounts.
Do I need to add any extra water or broth?
No, the moisture from the chicken and the 15 ounce jar of salsa provides enough liquid.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spiciness level depends entirely on the variety of salsa you choose to use.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, you can easily add bell peppers or onions to the mix for extra nutrition.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It is rich and creamy thanks to the melted cream cheese and shredded chicken.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be substituted, though breasts are the standard ingredient.
How do I store this meal?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I use pinto beans instead of black beans?
Yes, you can substitute the black beans for pinto or kidney beans if preferred.
Is this a budget-friendly meal?
Yes, using canned goods and frozen chicken makes this a very cost-effective family recipe.
Can I cook this on low instead of high?
Yes, you can generally cook it on low for 7-8 hours if you have more time.
Should I stir the cream cheese immediately?
No, let it sit covered for 30 minutes first so it melts into a stirrable consistency.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, most children enjoy the mild creaminess and the corn/bean combination.
Can I freeze the cooked meal?
Yes, this dish freezes well in airtight containers for up to three months.
Can I add extra cheese on top?
Adding shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack on top before serving is a popular variation.
What is the main benefit of this recipe?
It is a protein-rich, one-dish meal that requires very little preparation time.