Zesty Black Bean Salsa Chicken with Creamy Finish
Transform your dinner routine with this flavorful and easy-to-make Zesty Black Bean Salsa Chicken. Perfectly suited for both immediate enjoyment and once-a-month cooking (OAMC), this dish combines tender chicken breasts with hearty black beans and corn, all enveloped in a zesty salsa sauce. A rich, creamy finish from cream cheese elevates the flavors, creating a delightful contrast. Serve it over rice or enjoy it as a dip with tortilla chips for a satisfying meal that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking for a relaxed evening, this dish is sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
360
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken breasts
6 (chopped)
corn
2 (15 ounce) cans (drained)
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
salsa
2 cups (separated)
cream cheese
8 ounces (cubed)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
rice
optional (for serving)
Instructions
1
For immediate cooking, begin by mixing the drained corn, rinsed black beans, and 1 cup of salsa in a bowl. Spread this mixture evenly at the bottom of the crock pot.
2
Take the chopped boneless chicken breasts and place them over the corn and bean mixture.
3
Season lightly with salt and pepper to your preference.
4
Pour the remaining 1 cup of salsa over the chicken, covering it evenly.
5
Cook on low for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
6
After 6 hours, add the cubed cream cheese to the crock pot. Stir gently until it melts into a creamy sauce.
7
Serve hot over cooked rice, or enjoy it with tortilla chips for dipping.
8
For OAMC, simply combine all ingredients (except the cream cheese) in a freezer bag. Seal and freeze.
9
When ready to cook, dump the frozen contents into your crock pot, and set it to cook on low for 8 hours. Stir in the cream cheese at the end.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
45g
Carbs
22g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Black Bean Salsa Chicken with Creamy Finish?
It is a flavorful and easy-to-make slow cooker dish combining chicken breasts, black beans, corn, and salsa, finished with melted cream cheese for a rich texture.
How many chicken breasts are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 boneless chicken breasts, which should be chopped before cooking.
Can this recipe be prepared as a freezer meal?
Yes, it is perfect for Once-A-Month Cooking (OAMC). You can combine all ingredients except the cream cheese in a freezer bag and freeze them for later use.
What are the primary ingredients in this salsa chicken?
The main ingredients include boneless chicken breasts, canned corn, black beans, salsa, and cream cheese.
How long should I cook the chicken in the crock pot?
For fresh ingredients, cook on low for 6 hours. If cooking from frozen as an OAMC meal, cook on low for 8 hours.
When do I add the cream cheese?
The cubed cream cheese should be added at the very end of the cooking process. Stir it gently until it melts into a creamy sauce.
What should I serve with Zesty Black Bean Salsa Chicken?
This dish is best served hot over cooked rice or enjoyed as a dip with crunchy tortilla chips.
Do I need to drain the corn and beans?
Yes, the corn should be drained and the black beans should be both rinsed and drained before being added to the crock pot.
How much salsa is required for this recipe?
You will need a total of 2 cups of salsa, which is added in two separate 1-cup portions during the assembly.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, each serving contains approximately 22g of protein.
What is the calorie count per serving?
One serving of this recipe contains approximately 360 calories.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 13g of fat per serving in this recipe.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving provides 45g of carbohydrates.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute, though the nutritional values and texture may vary slightly.
Is salt and pepper necessary?
The recipe suggests seasoning lightly with salt and pepper to your preference, though the salsa provides significant flavor on its own.
Can I make this spicy?
You can easily control the heat by choosing a mild, medium, or hot salsa variety.
Should I chop the chicken into small pieces?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the chicken breasts should be chopped for even cooking and easier serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are typically gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on your specific brand of salsa and cream cheese to ensure no additives contain gluten.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 to 4 days.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, low-fat or Neufchatel cheese can be used, although the sauce may be slightly less rich than with full-fat cream cheese.
How do I layer the ingredients in the slow cooker?
Start with the corn, beans, and 1 cup of salsa at the bottom, then place the chicken on top, and finally cover with the remaining salsa.
Can I cook this on high heat instead of low?
You can cook it on high for about 3-4 hours, but low heat is recommended to ensure the chicken remains tender and the flavors meld properly.
Is rice included in the nutritional facts?
The nutritional information typically covers the main chicken mixture; serving it with rice or chips will increase the calorie and carb count.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely! Diced bell peppers or onions would make excellent additions to the corn and bean mixture.
What size of cans are used for the corn and beans?
The recipe uses two 15-ounce cans of corn and one 15-ounce can of black beans.
How many ounces of cream cheese are needed?
You will need one standard 8-ounce block of cream cheese.
Can I use frozen corn?
Yes, frozen corn can be used instead of canned corn. Use approximately 3 cups of frozen kernels to replace the two cans.
Is this a good recipe for kids?
Yes, its creamy texture and familiar flavors like corn and chicken make it a very kid-friendly meal.
Can I use homemade salsa?
Yes, homemade salsa works perfectly as long as you have the required 2 cups.
What is the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge.