Spicy Slow-Cooked Salsa Chicken Over Rice
Indulge in the bold flavors of this spicy slow-cooked salsa chicken, infused with vibrant tomatoes and a hint of heat from fresh jalapeño and cayenne peppers. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile. Adjust the spice level to your liking by substituting the spicy salsa with milder tomatoes if desired. Serve it over fluffy cooked rice for a fulfilling meal that will excite your taste buds and warm your soul.
4
Servings
170
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken pieces
6 (of your choice, skinless and boneless recommended)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon
lemon pepper
1/2 teaspoon
canned tomatoes with green chilies
16 ounces (diced)
jalapeno pepper
1 (sliced paper thin (optional, for heat))
cayenne pepper
1 (sliced paper thin (optional, for extra heat))
cooked rice
to serve (steamed or boiled)
Instructions
1
Wear disposable gloves while handling spicy peppers to avoid irritation.
2
Slice the jalapeno and cayenne peppers paper thin and set aside.
3
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder and lemon pepper.
4
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken pieces, rubbing it in to ensure they are well coated.
5
Layer the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the crock pot.
6
Top the chicken with the diced tomatoes and green chilies. If you're using jalapeno and cayenne peppers, sprinkle them over the top.
7
Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on LOW heat for 6 to 8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
8
Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks inside the crock pot to mix with the sauce.
9
Serve the spicy salsa chicken over a bed of fluffy cooked rice.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Slow-Cooked Salsa Chicken Over Rice?
It is a flavorful chicken dish slow-cooked with canned tomatoes, green chilies, and fresh peppers, served over a bed of fluffy rice.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to produce 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 170 calories.
How much protein is in one serving of this dish?
There are 14g of protein per serving.
What are the fat and carbohydrate contents per serving?
Each serving has 2.5g of fat and 17.5g of carbohydrates.
How long does the chicken need to cook in the crock pot?
The chicken should be cooked on LOW heat for 6 to 8 hours.
What type of chicken is recommended?
Skinless and boneless chicken pieces of your choice are recommended.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the heat by substituting the spicy salsa/tomatoes with milder versions or by omitting the optional peppers.
Why should I wear gloves when preparing this meal?
Gloves are recommended while handling the jalapeno and cayenne peppers to avoid skin and eye irritation from the pepper oils.
What seasoning mixture is used for the chicken?
The chicken is coated in a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon pepper.
How do I prepare the peppers?
The jalapeno and cayenne peppers should be sliced paper thin before being added to the crock pot.
When do I add the tomatoes and green chilies?
Layer the diced tomatoes and green chilies over the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the crock pot.
How is the chicken served?
The chicken is shredded inside the crock pot and then served over a bed of steamed or boiled rice.
Is this recipe suitable for a slow cooker?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a crock pot or slow-cooker recipe.
What size of canned tomatoes is needed?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of canned tomatoes with green chilies.
Are the fresh peppers mandatory?
No, the jalapeno and cayenne peppers are optional and can be used to add extra heat.
How do I shred the chicken?
Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, use two forks to shred it directly inside the crock pot.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Chicken dishes.
Is this a Mexican-inspired dish?
Yes, it is tagged as Mexican-inspired due to the use of salsa, chilies, and peppers.
Can I use frozen chicken pieces?
While the recipe specifies chicken pieces, it is generally safer to thaw them before slow cooking to ensure even cooking.
Does this recipe contain fiber or sugar?
The provided nutritional information does not list fiber or sugar content for this specific recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe uses 7 main ingredients including the rice and spices.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to put on disposable gloves before handling the spicy peppers.
Can I use chicken breast or thighs?
Yes, either can be used as long as they are boneless and skinless.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food recipe.
What is the purpose of the lemon pepper?
Lemon pepper adds a citrusy and peppery flavor profile that complements the garlic and salsa.
Do I need to add water to the slow cooker?
No, the liquids from the canned tomatoes and the chicken's natural juices are sufficient.
How should I prepare the rice?
The rice should be steamed or boiled until fluffy before serving the chicken over it.
Can I make this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, this is an easy weeknight meal that can be prepared in advance using a slow cooker.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include slow-cooked, salsa chicken, spicy, comfort food, and crock pot.