Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken is a delightful dish that everyone loves. It is a simple and tasty way to serve chicken that can please a crowd. The recipe features tender chicken cooked with zesty flavors from ranch dressing, fresh limes, and spicy diced tomatoes. Adding beans and corn makes it hearty and filling. Plus, it has creamy cheese, which adds a wonderful texture. This meal is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. You can enjoy it in tacos, over rice, or even on its own. Let’s dive in to learn more about this delicious recipe!
Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Place the chicken breasts into the Crock Pot, spread out evenly.
- Add the drained and rinsed black beans and drained corn to the pot.
- Add the can of Rotel diced tomatoes, do not drain the juices.
- Sprinkle onion powder, ranch dressing packet, and ground black pepper over the top.
- Squeeze the juice of the fresh limes over the ingredients.
- Pour in the chicken broth to keep the chicken moist.
- Place the block of cream cheese on top of all the ingredients.
- Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces, returning it to the pot.
- Stir everything together until the cream cheese coats all the ingredients.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken. First, it is incredibly easy. You just need to add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do the work. This is perfect for anyone with a busy lifestyle. You can prepare it in the morning and come home to a warm and delicious meal.
Second, the flavors in this recipe are vibrant and enjoyable. The combination of ranch seasoning, lime juice, and spices creates a fiesta in your mouth! It’s a great way to bring a little excitement to your dinner table.
Third, it is versatile. You can serve it in many ways, such as in tortillas, over rice, or with tortilla chips. You can even enjoy it as a filling for burritos or salads. This makes it suitable for various diets and preferences.
Lastly, this dish is affordable and will feed a large group. If you are hosting friends or family, you can easily make a big batch without breaking the bank. It is a win-win recipe that delivers great taste and value!
How to Make Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken
Making Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken is simple. Follow these steps to enjoy this tasty meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 dry ranch dressing packet
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (do not drain)
- 1 15 oz can whole kernel corn (drained)
- 1 15 oz can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 8 oz block of plain cream cheese
- 2 fresh squeezed limes
- ½ cup chicken broth
Directions
Start by placing the chicken breasts into the Crock Pot. Make sure they are spread out so they cook evenly.Next, add the drained and rinsed black beans and drained corn to the pot. Then add the can of Rotel diced tomatoes. You don’t need to drain the Rotel, as the juices will add flavor to the dish.
Sprinkle the onion powder, ranch dressing packet, and ground black pepper over the top of the other ingredients.
Now, take the fresh limes and squeeze the juice over everything in the Crock Pot. The lime juice will add a fresh, tangy flavor that brightens the dish.
Pour in the chicken broth. This will help keep the chicken moist while it cooks.
Finally, place the block of cream cheese on top of all the ingredients. This will melt and create a creamy sauce as it cooks.
Cover the Crock Pot with its lid. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees FahrenheitOnce cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the Crock Pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot.
Stir everything together until the cream cheese coats all the ingredients. This will create a creamy, flavorful mixture.
Serve your Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken hot and enjoy the fantastic flavors!
How to Serve Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken
Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken is very versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some great ideas:
Tacos: Spoon the fiesta chicken into soft or hard taco shells. Top with your favorite toppings like cheese, avocado, salsa, or sour cream.
Rice Bowl: Serve the chicken over a bed of rice. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a different twist.
Salads: Use the chicken as a topping for a fresh salad. This adds protein and flavors to your greens.
Burritos: Roll the chicken in a large tortilla with some cheese and delicious veggies for a filling burrito.
Chips and Dip: For a fun appetizer, serve the chicken with tortilla chips. It makes a great dip!
No matter how you choose to serve it, your family and friends will love the flavors of this dish!
How to Store Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken
If you have leftovers, storing Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken is easy. Follow these steps:
Let it Cool: Allow the chicken to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to a storage container.
Use an Airtight Container: Place the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure to keep some of the sauce with it to maintain the flavors and moisture.
Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within the next few days. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers. The dish can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Reheating: To reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop. If it has been frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Fiesta Chicken turns out great:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh limes and high-quality tomatoes will enhance the flavors in your dish.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you like it spicier, consider using spicy salsa or adding jalapeños to the mix.
Cream Cheese Alternatives: If you prefer a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead.
Add More Veggies: You can toss in other vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra nutrition.
Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you can skip the cooking step. Just combine the cooked chicken with the other ingredients for a quick meal.
Variation
If you’re looking for variations, there are several fun ways to change up this recipe:
- Southwest Fiesta Chicken: Add diced bell peppers and corn for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
- Buffalo Chicken Style: Swapping the ranch seasoning for buffalo sauce can give the dish a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: You can replace the chicken with lentils or extra beans to make a delicious vegetarian meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, make sure to increase the cooking time by an hour or two to ensure they cook through properly.
2. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients in the Crock Pot the night before, store it in the fridge, and start cooking it in the morning.
3. What can I serve with Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken?
It goes great with rice, tortilla chips, salads, or in tacos. You can pair it with anything that suits your preference.
Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken is an easy and delicious meal that will quickly become a favorite at your table. With its vibrant flavors and simple preparation, you can make dinner stress-free and enjoyable! Remember to try it in many ways, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and toppings. Enjoy your cooking!