Slow-Cooked Mexican Chicken Fiesta
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this Slow-Cooked Mexican Chicken Fiesta! This easy and delicious recipe transforms simple boneless, skinless chicken breasts into a savory, salsa-infused dish that's perfect for any meal. Whether you want to create mouthwatering burritos, a hearty taco salad, or a flavorful topping for nachos, this crock pot recipe makes it all effortless. With a delightful blend of spices, fresh salsa, and optional toppings like sweet corn and black beans, your family will be asking for seconds. Enjoy the convenience of slow cooking while savoring the rich, bold flavors of this delightful Mexican-inspired dish!
4
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 lbs (trimmed of excess fat)
salsa
12-16 ounces (your favorite variety)
taco seasoning
1 packet (1 ounce) (store-bought or homemade)
sour cream
1 cup (for mixing in later)
sweet corn
1 can (12 ounces) (drained (optional))
black beans
1 can (12 ounces) (drained and rinsed (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by seasoning the boneless skinless chicken breasts generously on both sides with the taco seasoning.
2
Place the seasoned chicken in the base of your crock pot.
3
Pour your favorite salsa evenly over the chicken, ensuring it's well coated.
4
Cover the crock pot and cook on the low setting for 7 to 8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
5
Once cooked, carefully shred the chicken right in the crock pot using two forks. Mix in the drained sweet corn, black beans, and sour cream until well combined.
6
Let the mixture cook for an additional 30 minutes on low to heat through and develop flavors.
7
Serve the chicken fiesta filling in warm tortillas, over rice, on top of tortilla chips, or as a topping for a fresh salad. Enjoy with your favorite Mexican sides and toppings!
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow-Cooked Mexican Chicken Fiesta?
Slow-Cooked Mexican Chicken Fiesta is a vibrant, easy-to-make dish that transforms chicken breasts into a flavorful meal using a crock pot and salsa.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat.
How long does the chicken need to cook?
The chicken should cook in the crock pot on the low setting for 7 to 8 hours.
What is the primary liquid used for cooking?
A 12-16 ounce jar of your favorite salsa provides the moisture and flavor for the chicken.
When do I add the corn and black beans?
Add the drained sweet corn and black beans after the chicken has been shredded, then cook for 30 more minutes.
Is the sour cream added at the beginning?
No, the sour cream is mixed in after the chicken is shredded and cooked for the final 30 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories, 7.5g of fat, 37.5g of carbohydrates, and 22.5g of protein.
Can I make this recipe if I don't have a crock pot?
This recipe is specifically designed for a slow cooker or crock pot to ensure the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
What seasoning is required?
You will need one 1-ounce packet of taco seasoning, either store-bought or homemade.
How do I shred the chicken?
Once the chicken is tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the crock pot base.
Are the corn and black beans mandatory?
No, the sweet corn and black beans are optional additions to the fiesta filling.
What are the best ways to serve this chicken?
Serve it in warm tortillas, over rice, on top of nachos, or as a topping for a fresh taco salad.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs, though the cooking time and fat content may vary slightly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends entirely on the variety of salsa and taco seasoning you choose to use.
How much salsa should I use?
The recipe recommends using between 12 and 16 ounces of your favorite salsa variety.
Do I need to drain the corn and beans?
Yes, both the sweet corn and black beans should be drained (and beans rinsed) before adding them to the pot.
Can I use this for taco night?
Yes, this shredded chicken is a perfect and easy protein for family taco nights.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely, this flavorful chicken is excellent for preparing meals ahead of time for the week.
What kind of salsa works best?
Any variety works, from chunky tomato salsa to salsa verde, depending on your flavor preference.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
While the basic nutritional data does not list it, adding the optional beans and corn will provide natural fiber.
Can I add the sour cream at the end of the 8 hours?
Yes, it is mixed in after shredding the chicken for the final 30-minute heating phase.
What size taco seasoning packet do I need?
A standard 1-ounce packet is the recommended amount for 1.5 lbs of chicken.
Is this considered a Mexican dish?
Yes, it is categorized as a Mexican-inspired dish due to the use of salsa, taco seasonings, and beans.
Can I use homemade salsa?
Yes, homemade salsa is a great way to customize the flavor profile of the chicken fiesta.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: chicken, salsa, taco seasoning, sour cream, corn, and black beans.
Is the chicken seasoned before or after putting it in the pot?
The chicken breasts should be seasoned generously on both sides before being placed in the crock pot base.
Can I skip the final 30 minutes of cooking?
The final 30 minutes allow the flavors to develop and the added corn and beans to heat through properly.
Is this dish high in protein?
Yes, each serving provides a significant 22.5g of protein.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
For food safety and even cooking, it is best to thaw chicken breasts completely before placing them in a slow cooker.