Are you ready to take your taste buds on a flavorful journey to the heart of Mexico? Our Slow Cooker Tex Mex Cheesy Chicken and Rice is not just a meal; it's an experience that will have your family begging for seconds! With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, this dish combines tender chicken, zesty beans, and gooey cheese for a comforting feast that's perfect for busy weeknights. Trust us, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen. Dive into the details below and discover how to create this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 cup rice
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb of chicken breasts, 1 cup of rice, 1 can of black beans (drained), 1 can of corn (drained), 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 packet of taco seasoning, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and 2 cups of chicken broth.
- Prepare your slow cooker by lightly greasing the inside with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Ensure they are spread out evenly for even cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the rice, drained black beans, drained corn, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and taco seasoning. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined.
- Pour the rice and bean mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, spreading it evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Next, pour the chicken broth over the entire mixture in the slow cooker. This will help cook the rice and keep the chicken moist.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain the heat and moisture.
- After 4 hours, check the chicken for doneness. It should be cooked through and easily shred with a fork. If it’s not done, continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the mixture in the slow cooker. Cover and let it sit for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once the cheese has melted, give the mixture a final stir to incorporate the cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the Tex Mex Cheesy Chicken and Rice hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado, or sour cream if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prep your ingredients the night before. Chop your veggies and mix the rice and beans so everything is ready to go in the morning.
- Layering Matters: Make sure to place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. This ensures it cooks evenly and remains juicy, while the rice and beans soak up all the delicious flavors from the chicken.
- Don’t Peek: Avoid lifting the lid while your dish is cooking. Each time you open the slow cooker, you release heat and moisture, which can affect the cooking time and texture.
- Customize Your Spice: If you like it spicy, feel free to add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the rice mixture for an extra kick.
- Cheese Galore: For an even cheesier experience, consider mixing in a variety of cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack along with the shredded cheese on top.
- Garnish for Flavor: Once your dish is ready, don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream to elevate the flavors and presentation.
- Leftover Magic: This dish makes fantastic leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge, and enjoy it the next day for lunch or dinner.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
