Zesty Mexican Chicken Fiesta
Experience a burst of vibrant flavors with our Zesty Mexican Chicken Fiesta! This delightful dish can be easily prepared in a crock pot or on the stove, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation. The combination of tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and zesty spices creates a hearty dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends. For the best texture and flavor, we recommend adding the chicken during the final hour of cooking to ensure it remains juicy and tender. Elevate your dinner experience by serving it over fragrant brown rice, nestled in a tortilla bowl, and garnished with fresh cilantro, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy a fiesta of flavors in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion, chopped
1 cup (chopped)
hot peppers, chopped
2 tablespoons (chopped)
corn
1 can (15 1/4 ounces) (drained)
pinto beans
1 can (15 1/4 ounces) (rinsed and drained)
black beans
1 can (15 1/4 ounces) (rinsed and drained)
diced tomatoes
1 can (24 ounces) (none)
salsa
1 jar (16 ounces) (none)
taco seasoning (reduced sodium)
1 package (1 1/4 ounces) (none)
cumin
to taste (none)
salt & pepper
to taste (none)
chicken breast
1 lb (cut into bite-sized pieces)
cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large pot or crock pot, sweat the chopped onions over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
2
Add the chopped hot peppers and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3
Stir in the drained corn, rinsed pinto beans, rinsed black beans, the can of diced tomatoes, and jar of salsa into the pot.
4
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine.
5
Allow the mixture to simmer gently over medium-low heat for about 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Just before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro and taste; adjust seasoning if desired.
6
Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the pot, cover, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 20-30 minutes.
7
To serve, spoon the mixture over brown rice, or create a delicious layered dish by placing a tortilla in a bowl, filling it with rice, and topping it with the chicken mixture. Finish with a garnish of shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream for a creamy touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Mexican Chicken Fiesta?
It is a vibrant Mexican-inspired dish featuring chicken, beans, corn, and spices that can be made in a crock pot or on the stove.
Can I cook this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, this dish is designed to be easily prepared in a crock pot for a convenient one-pot meal.
How long does it take to sweat the onions?
The chopped onions should be sweated over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
When should I add the chicken to the pot?
Add the chicken during the final 20-30 minutes of simmering to ensure it remains juicy and tender.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
One pound of chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces is recommended.
How do I serve Zesty Mexican Chicken Fiesta?
It is best served over fragrant brown rice, in a tortilla bowl, or topped with cheese and sour cream.
What beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one can each of pinto beans and black beans.
Do I need to rinse the beans?
Yes, both the pinto beans and black beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the pot.
Should the corn be drained?
Yes, you should drain the 15 1/4 ounce can of corn before adding it to the mixture.
What size can of diced tomatoes is required?
A 24-ounce can of diced tomatoes is used for this recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
The dish features hot peppers and salsa, giving it a zesty kick, but you can adjust the heat to your preference.
How much hot pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of chopped hot peppers.
What seasonings are included in the fiesta?
The dish is seasoned with taco seasoning, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Is there a specific taco seasoning recommended?
A 1 1/4 ounce package of reduced-sodium taco seasoning is recommended.
How long should the vegetable mixture simmer?
The mixture of beans, corn, tomatoes, and salsa should simmer for about 60 minutes before adding the chicken.
Can I make this on the stove?
Yes, the recipe provides instructions for cooking in a large pot over the stove as an alternative to a crock pot.
When do I add the fresh cilantro?
Stir in the chopped cilantro just before serving for the freshest flavor.
What are the best garnishes for this dish?
Fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream are excellent garnishes.
How do I prepare the hot peppers?
Sauté the chopped hot peppers for 1-2 minutes after the onions have softened.
Can I use a different type of rice?
While brown rice is suggested for its fragrance, you can use white rice or even quinoa.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is a hearty and flavorful dish that is great for family gatherings.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients used to create this chicken fiesta.
Can I adjust the amount of cumin?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding cumin to taste so you can customize the flavor profile.
How much salsa is needed?
One 16-ounce jar of your favorite salsa is required.
Is this a healthy meal option?
Yes, with lean chicken, fiber-rich beans, and vegetables, it is considered a healthy and nutritious choice.
How do I create a layered tortilla bowl?
Place a tortilla in a bowl, fill it with rice, and then top it with the chicken and bean mixture.
Can I use frozen corn?
While the recipe calls for canned corn, you can substitute with an equivalent amount of frozen corn.
Should I stir the mixture while it simmers?
Yes, stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used, though they may require slightly different cooking times to become tender.
What if I don't have fresh cilantro?
You can omit it or use dried cilantro, though fresh provides a more vibrant garnish.