Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal that your family will love, this slow cooker chicken taco recipe is the perfect choice. Packed with flavor and loaded with healthy ingredients, it’s a great way to enjoy the taste of tacos any day of the week. Simply set your slow cooker and let it do all the work for you.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 package of taco seasoning (mild or spicy)
15-ounce can of corn, drained (or bag of frozen corn)
½ cup low sodium chicken broth
1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
10-ounce can of Rotel (diced tomatoes with chopped green chilies), mild or original
1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
Cooked brown or white rice (for serving)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 4-5 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low
Total Time: 4-5 hours 15 minutes (or 7-8 hours 15 minutes)
Yield: Serves 4-6 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker and sprinkle a teaspoon of the taco seasoning over them. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Onions
Layer the sliced onions over the chicken and sprinkle half of the remaining taco seasoning over the onions.
Step 3: Incorporate Other Ingredients
Add the black beans, corn, Rotel, and the rest of the taco seasoning.
Step 4: Top with Bell Peppers
Place the sliced bell peppers on top of the mixture without stirring them in. For crisper bell peppers, add them during the last hour of cooking.
Step 5: Cooking Time
Cover and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 7-8 hours.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks.
Step 7: Return Chicken to Slow Cooker
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir everything together. The mixture may appear watery, but the chicken will absorb much of the liquid.
Step 8: Final Cooking Phase
Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Step 9: Serve
Serve the mixture over cooked rice and garnish with sour cream, guacamole, and shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese.
Notes
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Instructions
This dish can be frozen in portions for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Customization Options
Feel free to add additional vegetables, such as zucchini or corn, or adjust the spice level by choosing a different taco seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a side of tortilla chips, fresh salsa, or a simple green salad.
Cook techniques
Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is a gentle method that allows flavors to meld and develop over time. This technique is ideal for tough cuts of meat and dishes that benefit from gradual cooking, such as stews and casseroles.
Shredding Chicken
After cooking, you can shred chicken easily by using two forks to pull the meat apart. This technique makes it perfect for mixing into salads, tacos, or any dish where you want bite-sized pieces.
Layering Ingredients
When using a slow cooker, layer ingredients starting with the protein at the bottom, followed by vegetables and spices. This helps ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
Using Canned Ingredients
Canned ingredients like black beans and Rotel are convenient and can save time in meal preparation. Rinsing beans removes excess sodium, and using canned tomatoes can enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
Cooking Vegetables for Texture
Adding vegetables like bell peppers at different stages of cooking can adjust their texture. Adding them late in the cooking process helps maintain their firmness.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be aware that they may require additional cooking time.
What can I substitute for taco seasoning?
You can create a homemade taco seasoning using spices like cumin, paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder.
Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms based on your preference.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.
What type of rice pairs well with this dish?
Both brown and white rice are great options. Choose based on your personal preference for texture and nutritional needs.
Conclusion
This flavorful slow cooker chicken dish combines the zesty tastes of taco seasoning with nutritious ingredients like black beans, corn, and bell peppers, resulting in a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Serving it over rice adds a comforting element, making it an enjoyable dinner option that everyone will love.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Tacos
Use the cooked chicken mixture to fill warm tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and avocado.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Take the chicken mixture and stuff it into hollowed-out bell peppers. Bake in the oven until the peppers are tender.
Taco Salad
Serve the chicken mixture over a bed of lettuce with toppings like salsa, cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and avocado.
Chicken Burrito Bowls
Layer the chicken mixture over rice, topped with pico de gallo, black olives, and sour cream for a delicious burrito bowl.
Enchiladas
Wrap the chicken mixture in tortillas, top with enchilada sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden.
