Zesty Taco Chicken Delight
Experience a flavorful journey with this Zesty Taco Chicken Delight recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chopped chicken with vibrant vegetables and bold taco seasoning. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a hearty and comforting meal. Serve it over rice or enjoy it as a standalone dish. Ideal for family gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chopped chicken
3 cups (Raw, chopped into bite-sized pieces)
Taco seasoning
1 (1 1/3 ounce) envelope (Pre-packaged)
White rice
1 cup (Uncooked)
Chopped celery
2 cups (Washed and chopped)
Green bell pepper
1 (Seeded and chopped)
Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
2 (15 ounce) cans (Canned, undrained)
Pepper
To taste (Freshly cracked)
Instructions
1
In a large slow cooker, combine the chopped chicken, taco seasoning, uncooked rice, chopped celery, chopped green bell pepper, and both cans of Mexican-style stewed tomatoes.
2
Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure that the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the taco seasoning.
3
Season with freshly cracked pepper according to your taste preferences.
4
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Allow the dish to cook for 4 to 5 hours, stirring occasionally if possible.
5
Once cooked, check that the chicken is tender and the rice is fully cooked. Serve hot and enjoy your Zesty Taco Chicken Delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Taco Chicken Delight?
Zesty Taco Chicken Delight is a hearty and flavorful slow cooker meal that combines tender chicken, white rice, and vibrant vegetables with bold Mexican-style seasonings.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include chopped chicken, taco seasoning, uncooked white rice, chopped celery, green bell pepper, and Mexican-style stewed tomatoes.
How long does this dish need to cook?
The recipe should be cooked on low heat in a slow cooker for 4 to 5 hours.
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, you should use uncooked white rice as it will cook in the moisture from the tomatoes and chicken during the slow cooking process.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of raw chicken chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Should I drain the Mexican-style stewed tomatoes?
No, do not drain the cans. The liquid from the stewed tomatoes is necessary to cook the rice and create the sauce.
What setting should my slow cooker be on?
The slow cooker should be set to the low heat setting for the best results.
How do I prepare the vegetables?
The celery should be washed and chopped, and the green bell pepper should be seeded and chopped before being added to the cooker.
How much taco seasoning is required?
You will need one 1.33-ounce envelope of pre-packaged taco seasoning.
Is it necessary to stir the mixture?
Yes, you should stir the mixture thoroughly at the start to coat the ingredients and occasionally during the cooking process if possible.
Can I serve this as a standalone dish?
Yes, it can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or served over additional rice.
Is this recipe suitable for busy weeknights?
Absolutely, it is designed as an easy 'dump and go' slow cooker meal perfect for busy schedules.
What kind of tomatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for two 15-ounce cans of Mexican-style stewed tomatoes.
How much celery is added to the dish?
The recipe requires 2 cups of washed and chopped celery.
When do I add the pepper?
Freshly cracked pepper should be added to the mixture before you start the slow cooker, according to your taste preferences.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, the use of 3 cups of chicken and 1 cup of rice typically feeds 4 to 6 people.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is described as a comforting and hearty meal that is sure to become a favorite at the family dinner table.
What type of cuisine is this dish?
This dish is inspired by Mexican cuisine, featuring taco seasoning and Mexican-style tomatoes.
How do I know when the dish is ready?
The dish is ready when the chicken is tender and the rice is fully cooked after 4 to 5 hours.
Can I use different types of bell peppers?
The recipe calls for a green bell pepper, but you could substitute it with red or yellow for a sweeter flavor.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
The chicken should be chopped into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
Does the recipe require any oil?
No oil is mentioned; the liquid from the canned tomatoes provides enough moisture for the cooking process.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, the combination of tender chicken, rice, and savory seasonings makes it a very hearty and comforting meal.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, provided your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume of ingredients.
What is the first step in making this dish?
The first step is combining the chicken, taco seasoning, rice, celery, bell pepper, and tomatoes in a large slow cooker.
Do I need to add water for the rice?
No additional water is required as the two cans of undrained stewed tomatoes provide the necessary liquid.
Is the chicken cooked before going into the slow cooker?
No, the chicken starts raw and cooks thoroughly during the 4 to 5 hours in the slow cooker.
How many cans of tomatoes are needed?
You will need two 15-ounce cans of Mexican-style stewed tomatoes.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by choosing different strengths of taco seasoning or adding more cracked pepper.
What is the best way to serve this delight?
It is best served hot, straight from the slow cooker, either by itself or as a topping for more rice.