Are you tired of bland, boring chicken dinners that leave you uninspired? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Chicken and Peppers recipe that promises to revolutionize your weeknight meals! With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this Mexican-inspired dish will transport you straight to culinary heaven, all while requiring just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips, and set them aside.
- Take the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season them with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
- In the bottom of your slow cooker, place the sliced onions and bell peppers evenly.
- Next, lay the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Open the can of diced tomatoes and pour it over the chicken, ensuring that it covers the chicken evenly.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning packet over the top of the tomatoes and chicken. Use a spoon to gently mix the seasoning into the tomatoes if desired, but avoid disturbing the chicken too much.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking method will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the chicken to become tender.
- After 6 hours, check the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked. It should be tender and easily shred with a fork. If it needs more time, you can cook it for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the peppers, onions, and tomatoes to combine all the flavors.
- Serve the slow cooker chicken and peppers warm, either on its own or with your choice of sides such as rice, tortillas, or over a salad. Enjoy your delicious Mexican-inspired meal!
Tips
- For extra tender chicken, choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts and avoid frozen meat.
- Don't skip seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking - this step is crucial for building deep flavor.
- Layer your vegetables first to create a flavorful base that helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the slow cooker.
- Use low-sodium taco seasoning if you're watching your salt intake, and feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
- For a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when adding the taco seasoning.
- If the sauce is too liquid after cooking, you can remove the chicken and reduce the sauce on the stovetop for a thicker consistency.
- This recipe freezes beautifully - store in airtight containers for up to 3 months for quick future meals.
- Experiment with different colored bell peppers to make the dish more visually appealing and nutritionally diverse.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
