Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken

The Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken is one of those recipes that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table. I remember the first time I made it; the smell of the spices wafting through the house was simply irresistible. It was a chilly evening, and I craved something warm and fulfilling. I had friends coming over, and I wanted to impress them with a dish that had bold flavors and was easy to prepare. As I tossed the ingredients into my trusty slow cooker, I knew I was in for a treat. This meal not only satisfied my hunger but also created an atmosphere of warmth and friendship, which is what cooking is all about. The Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken has become a staple in my household ever since, and I’m excited to share it with you!

What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken

To create a spectacular Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken, you’ll want to gather a few key ingredients that work seamlessly together. This recipe is built around tender chicken, vibrant spices, and a medley of beans and veggies, making it not only delicious but also nutritious. Each ingredient plays a role in contributing to the rich flavors, ensuring a satisfying experience in every bite.

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a warm earthy flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a subtle smokiness that enhances the overall taste.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: Brings the right amount of heat; adjust according to your spice preference!
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: A great way to add depth without the hassle of chopping onions.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a wonderful aroma and flavor into the dish.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
• 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to coat the chicken, helping the spices adhere.
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, becoming tender and flavorful.
• 1 cup reduced sodium chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist while it cooks.
• 8 ounces brick-style full-fat cream cheese: Creamy texture that melds with the spices for a luscious sauce.
• 1 packet dry fiesta ranch seasoning mix: Adds a burst of flavor; feel free to use your favorite ranch mix.
• 12 ounces red salsa: The key to a vibrant and tangy taste.
• 15 ounces canned corn: Sweetness and crunch that pairs perfectly with the spices.
• 15 ounces canned black beans: A source of fiber and protein, making the dish even heartier.
• 7 ounces canned diced green chiles: Adds a mild kick without overwhelming the dish.
• 10 corn tortillas: For serving; these are perfect for tacos or wraps.
• Queso fresco: A delightful cheese to sprinkle on top.
• Mexican crema: Adds a creamy finish to the dish.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb garnish that brightens up the meal.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime adds a refreshing zing.

Making Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken

Let’s dive into creating this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken. The steps are simple, and the results are utterly delicious. You’ll want to gather your ingredients and get ready for a culinary experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas.

1. Start by preparing the spice rub. In a large bowl, combine ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until well combined, creating a fragrant spice blend that will elevate your chicken.
2. Next, coat the boneless skinless chicken breasts with olive oil. This will help the spices adhere better. Evenly drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, making sure to cover both sides.
3. Now, pat the spice rub evenly on both sides of each chicken breast. This is where the flavor really starts to build! Ensure that every piece of chicken is well-coated with the aromatic spices.
4. Place the seasoned chicken breasts directly into your slow cooker. Make sure to space them out a bit for even cooking.
5. Pour in the chicken broth around the chicken. This will keep the chicken moist and create a flavorful base for your dish.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH heat for about three hours. Check the chicken occasionally; it’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can place the chicken in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix on low speed until shredded.
8. Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. This is where the magic happens! Stir in the cream cheese, fiesta ranch seasoning mix, salsa, corn, black beans, and green chiles. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
9. Cover the slow cooker again and cook on LOW heat for another two to three hours, or on HIGH for one hour, until everything is bubbly and heated through. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld together.
10. Finally, it’s time to serve! You can enjoy the Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken as-is, over rice, or in corn tortillas. To warm the tortillas, wrap them in a kitchen towel and microwave for about thirty seconds or blister them in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Garnish with queso fresco, Mexican crema, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor!

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Here are some tips to help you perfect your Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before refrigerating.
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully! You can freeze it for up to four months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of Mexican rice or fresh guacamole to complement the flavors.
• Serving size: Consider making this dish for gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for potlucks!
• Garnish wisely: Top your dish with chopped avocado, sliced jalapeños, or fresh lime wedges for extra flavor.

Serving Options for Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken

The beauty of Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken lies in its versatility when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas:

• Tacos: Serve the chicken in warm corn tortillas for a fantastic taco night!
• Burrito Bowls: Create a burrito bowl with rice, beans, and fresh toppings like avocado and salsa.
• Over Rice: Spoon the chicken mixture over fluffy white or brown rice for a satisfying meal.
• Salad: Add the chicken to a greens salad, and top with creamy dressing for a lighter option.
• With Chips: You can even serve it as a dip with tortilla chips—a great option for parties!
• Meal Prep: Great for meal prep! Portion it out in containers for easy lunches or dinners.
• Snacks: Use the chicken as a filling for quesadillas, perfect for quick snacks or appetizers.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together savory flavors and comforting textures. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, and its versatility makes it a go-to recipe. I encourage you to try it for yourself—you’ll love how easy it is and how quickly it becomes a favorite in your home!

Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Packed with tender chicken, spices, and fresh ingredients, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that your family will love. Make it tonight and savor the deliciousness!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 10 servings

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• Large Bowl
• 7 to 8 Quart Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika regular paprika may be substituted
• 1 teaspoon chili powder use 2 to 3 teaspoons for a spicier dish
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil to drizzle over chicken
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup reduced sodium chicken broth or water
• 8 ounces brick-style full-fat cream cheese cubed and softened to room temp
• 1 packet dry fiesta ranch seasoning mix or your favorite flavor of ranch seasoning mix
• 12 ounces red salsa
• 15 ounces canned corn drained well (frozen or freshly shaved corn may also be used)
• 15 ounces canned black beans drained and rinsed (I use reduced sodium beans)
• 7 ounces canned diced green chiles do not drain
• 10 count corn tortillas or flour tortillas, if serving as tacos
• Queso fresco or Mexican shredded cheese blend
• Mexican crema or sour cream thinned with milk
• Cilantro
• Lime wedges

Instructions

 

• Start by preparing the spice rub. In a large bowl, combine ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until well combined, creating a fragrant spice blend that will elevate your chicken.
• Next, coat the boneless skinless chicken breasts with olive oil. This will help the spices adhere better. Evenly drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, making sure to cover both sides.
• Now, pat the spice rub evenly on both sides of each chicken breast. This is where the flavor really starts to build! Ensure that every piece of chicken is well-coated with the aromatic spices.
• Place the seasoned chicken breasts directly into your slow cooker. Make sure to space them out a bit for even cooking.
• Pour in the chicken broth around the chicken. This will keep the chicken moist and create a flavorful base for your dish.
• Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH heat for about three hours. Check the chicken occasionally; it’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can place the chicken in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix on low speed until shredded.
• Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. This is where the magic happens! Stir in the cream cheese, fiesta ranch seasoning mix, salsa, corn, black beans, and green chiles. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
• Cover the slow cooker again and cook on LOW heat for another two to three hours, or on HIGH for one hour, until everything is bubbly and heated through. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld together.
• Finally, it's time to serve! You can enjoy the Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken as-is, over rice, or in corn tortillas. To warm the tortillas, wrap them in a kitchen towel and microwave for about thirty seconds or blister them in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Garnish with queso fresco, Mexican crema, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor!

Notes

• Tip: You need two pounds of chicken for this recipe, and if you are buying large boneless skinless chicken breasts from your butcher that are about one pound each, consider pounding them a bit thinner or even slicing them in half. Thinner chicken cooks faster.
• Tip: Don’t use reduced-fat cream cheese or any type of “lite” cream cheese. It is made with more water, and your fiesta chicken mixture could be soupy if you use a lite cream cheese product.
• Tip: If you want thicker and chunkier fiesta chicken, use a thicker and chunkier salsa—perhaps one with beans and corn in it too.

Keyword easy chicken dinner, fiesta chicken, Mexican chicken dish, slow cooker chicken recipe

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Meet Eva Sterling

I have a restless palate and I love that our blog covers such a wide range of food. I am always excited to cook something we haven’t tried before. I jump into every cooking session with enthusiasm, ready to chop, sauté, bake, or grill. I love the collaborative energy of our kitchen we all learn from each other, and that makes every dish we publish better.