Description
This Creamy Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken recipe combines tender, slow-cooked chicken breasts with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a rich cream cheese and taco seasoning sauce. Finished with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, this easy and flavorful dish is perfect for a relaxed weeknight meal or serving with tortilla chips and avocado for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
Seasoning and Dairy
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sliced avocado (optional, for serving)
- Tortilla chips (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray or olive oil to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
- Layer the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker evenly.
- Add Beans and Corn: Spread the drained and rinsed black beans and drained corn evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour the undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies over the top of the beans and corn layers.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, taco seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour Mixture Over Ingredients: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over all the ingredients in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is fully covered.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix well with the other ingredients.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and the mixture becomes creamy and cohesive.
- Season to Taste: Taste the mixture and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy fiesta chicken hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro. Optionally, top with sliced avocado and serve alongside tortilla chips for a delicious meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of spice by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning according to taste.
- For a thicker sauce, you can leave the slow cooker lid slightly ajar during the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce excess liquid.
- This dish pairs well with warm tortillas, rice, or as a topping for nachos.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the mixture is too thick.
