Imagine coming home to a mouthwatering, flavor-packed meal that practically cooks itself - no culinary skills required! This Tex-Mex Slow Cooker Chicken is your ticket to an effortless, delicious dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. With just minutes of prep time and six hours of hands-off cooking, you'll create a versatile dish that's perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or enjoying straight from the slow cooker.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and placing them at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Drain the black beans and corn completely, then add them evenly around and on top of the chicken breasts.
- Pour the salsa over the chicken and beans, ensuring the ingredients are well-distributed.
- Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper evenly across the top of the ingredients to season thoroughly.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat setting for 6 hours. Do not lift the lid during cooking to maintain consistent temperature.
- After 6 hours, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the beans, corn, and salsa.
- Let the shredded chicken sit in the cooking liquid for an additional 10 minutes to absorb more flavor.
- Serve hot in tortillas, over rice, or as a standalone dish. Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Use fresh, boneless chicken breasts for the most tender result. Pat them dry before placing in the slow cooker to help seasonings stick better.
- Layer for Maximum Flavor: Distribute ingredients evenly to ensure each bite is packed with Tex-Mex goodness. The salsa and seasonings should coat everything uniformly.
- Avoid Lifting the Lid: Resist the temptation to peek! Each time you remove the lid, you'll lose heat and increase cooking time.
- Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Shred While Warm: Shred the chicken immediately after cooking while it's still hot for the most tender texture.
- Make It Your Own: Customize with different salsas, add jalapeños for heat, or experiment with various toppings like avocado or lime juice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 110mg
