Slow Cooker Creamy Salsa Chicken Delight
Indulge in this comforting Slow Cooker Creamy Salsa Chicken Delight, a perfect one-dish meal bursting with flavor and texture. This creamy dish features tender boneless chicken thighs simmered in a zesty salsa, complemented by hearty black beans and sweet corn. Best served alongside crunchy tortilla chips, warm flatbread, or hoagie rolls, even right out of a bowl! It's a family favorite, easy to prepare, and the leftovers are just as delicious. A wonderful option for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen boneless chicken thighs
3 lbs (No preparation necessary, add directly to crockpot.)
Salsa
32 ounces (Pour directly over the chicken.)
Black beans
15 ounces (Rinsed and drained.)
Corn
15 ounces (Drained.)
Minute rice
1 cup (Add during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking.)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (Add during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking.)
Instructions
1
Place the frozen boneless chicken thighs directly into the crockpot. If using thawed chicken, reduce cooking time by one hour.
2
Pour the salsa over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly covered.
3
If using regular rice, add it to the crockpot at this stage.
4
Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
5
In the last 30-60 minutes of cooking, add the drained corn, rinsed black beans, minute rice, and cream cheese. Stir gently to combine.
6
Once cooked, shred the chicken into the mixture using two forks, allowing it to mix with the creamy sauce.
7
Serve hot with tortilla chips, flatbreads, hoagie rolls or simply enjoy in a bowl.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Slow Cooker Creamy Salsa Chicken Delight?
It is a comforting one-dish meal featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a zesty salsa, complemented by black beans, corn, rice, and cream cheese.
Can I use thawed chicken instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use thawed chicken, but you should reduce the cooking time by one hour.
How long does it take to cook the chicken on high?
When set to high, the chicken should cook for approximately 4 hours.
How long does it take to cook the chicken on low?
When set to low, the chicken should cook for 6 to 8 hours until tender.
When should I add the black beans and corn?
The black beans and corn should be added during the last 30 to 60 minutes of the cooking process.
Do I need to drain the black beans?
Yes, the 15 ounces of black beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the crockpot.
Should the corn be drained before adding?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the 15 ounces of corn should be drained.
What kind of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of minute rice, added during the final stages of cooking.
Can I use regular rice instead of minute rice?
Yes, but if you use regular rice, you must add it at the beginning of the cooking process rather than at the end.
When is the cream cheese added?
The 8 ounces of cream cheese should be added during the last 30 to 60 minutes of cooking.
How do I prepare the chicken for the sauce?
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly into the mixture so it combines with the creamy sauce.
What are the best serving suggestions for this dish?
It is best served with crunchy tortilla chips, warm flatbread, hoagie rolls, or simply in a bowl.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Yes, it is an easy-to-prepare meal specifically recommended for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
How much salsa is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 32 ounces of salsa.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 6 main ingredients: chicken thighs, salsa, black beans, corn, minute rice, and cream cheese.
What type of chicken is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 3 lbs of frozen boneless chicken thighs.
Does the salsa need to cover the chicken?
Yes, you should pour the salsa over the chicken to ensure it is evenly covered.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a complete one-dish meal bursting with flavor and texture.
Are the leftovers good for this dish?
Yes, the leftovers are described as being just as delicious as the fresh meal.
What makes the chicken sauce creamy?
The creaminess comes from the addition of 8 ounces of cream cheese near the end of the cooking time.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite that is easy to prepare.
What is the preparation for the frozen chicken thighs?
No preparation is necessary; they can be added directly to the crockpot from the freezer.
What kind of flavor profile does this dish have?
It is a Mexican-inspired dish with zesty salsa and creamy textures.
How do I stir the final ingredients?
You should stir gently to combine the corn, beans, rice, and cream cheese into the mixture.
Can I serve this as a dip?
While intended as a meal, serving it with tortilla chips allows it to be enjoyed similarly to a hearty dip.
Does the recipe include any sugar or sodium information?
No, the nutritional values for sugar and sodium are not specified in this raw data.
Is there a specific order for the final additions?
The corn, black beans, minute rice, and cream cheese are all added together in the last 30 to 60 minutes.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Key tags include slow cooker, one-dish meal, chicken, creamy, salsa, and comfort food.
How much chicken is used?
The recipe calls for 3 pounds of chicken thighs.
What kind of beans are used?
The recipe specifically uses 15 ounces of black beans.