Slow Cooker Mexican Fiesta Chicken & Rice

Are you looking for a delicious, hassle-free dinner option that the whole family will love? Look no further than Slow Cooker Mexican Fiesta Chicken & Rice. This vibrant dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and an array of colorful vegetables, all infused with zesty Mexican flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this slow cooker recipe allows you to set it and forget it. Just toss in your ingredients, and let the magic happen as your slow cooker works its wonders. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or just craving something comforting, this dish is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Slow Cooker Mexican Fiesta Chicken & Rice is more than just a meal; it’s a delightful experience for your taste buds. Here are several reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps and minimal chopping, this dish is incredibly easy to prepare. Just layer the ingredients in your slow cooker, and let it do the work!
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and tomatoes creates a fiesta of flavors that are both hearty and satisfying.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients to your liking. Add jalapeños for some heat, or swap out the chicken for ground beef or turkey. You can even make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken!
• Healthier Option: Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the beans, this recipe is a nutritious choice that still delivers on flavor.
• Leftover Friendly: If you happen to have leftovers, they make for fantastic lunch the next day. Just reheat and enjoy!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to cook can be a challenge. This is where the Slow Cooker Mexican Fiesta Chicken & Rice shines. It’s designed for those who want to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s why you should try this recipe:

• Time-Saving: Slow cookers are a busy cook’s best friend. You can prepare this dish in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a delicious, warm meal waiting for you.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with kids and adults alike. The colorful ingredients and mild spice level make it appealing to even the pickiest eaters.
• Meal Prep Made Easy: This recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook a large batch and portion it out for the week, ensuring you always have a wholesome meal on hand.
• Impress Your Guests: Planning a dinner party? This dish is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant colors and bold flavors. Serve it alongside some tortilla chips and guacamole for a complete feast!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Before you dive into making the Slow Cooker Mexican Fiesta Chicken & Rice, let’s gather all the ingredients and utensils you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes and green chilies
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Recommended Utensils

• Slow cooker (at least 4-quart capacity)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Two forks (for shredding chicken)

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have everything ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed steps to create your Slow Cooker Mexican Fiesta Chicken & Rice:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This allows the chicken to absorb all the flavorful juices as it cooks.
2. Add the Vegetables: Layer the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper over the chicken. These colorful vegetables not only add flavor but also make the dish visually appealing.
3. Add Rice and Beans: Sprinkle the long-grain white rice on top of the vegetables, followed by the black beans and corn. This layering technique ensures even cooking.
4. Mix the Liquids: In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes and green chilies, chicken broth, and taco seasoning. Stir until well mixed; this will be the sauce that brings everything together.
5. Combine: Pour the tomato mixture over the rice and vegetables in the slow cooker. Make sure everything is evenly distributed for maximum flavor.
6. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
7. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. This step will allow the chicken to absorb more of the delicious sauce when mixed back in.
8. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and cover for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
9. Serve: Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side. The lime adds a zesty finish that elevates the dish.

FAQs

Conclusion

In summary, the Slow Cooker Mexican Fiesta Chicken & Rice is a must-try recipe for anyone looking for an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Its minimal preparation and delicious results make it a staple for busy families and a hit at dinner parties. We hope you enjoy making this dish as much as we do! Don’t forget to comment below with your thoughts or share your variations. Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes like this one, check out our Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole or Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder. For more inspiration, visit our Pinterest page here.

Slow Cooker Mexican Fiesta Chicken & Rice

A flavorful and hearty dish combining chicken, rice, and beans, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, perfect for any fiesta.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6 servings

Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Long-grain white rice
• 1 can (15 oz) Black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) Corn, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) Diced tomatoes and green chilies
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 1 packet Taco seasoning
• 1 Red bell pepper, diced
• 1 Green bell pepper, diced
• 1 Onion, diced
• 1 cup Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Add the Vegetables: Layer the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper over the chicken.
• Add Rice and Beans: Sprinkle the long-grain white rice on top of the vegetables, followed by the black beans and corn.
• Mix the Liquids: In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes and green chilies, chicken broth, and taco seasoning. Stir until well mixed.
• Combine: Pour the tomato mixture over the rice and vegetables in the slow cooker. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
• Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
• Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well.
• Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and cover for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
• Serve: Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings such as avocado or sour cream.

Keyword chicken, rice, slow cooker