why make this recipe
This Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken is easy and fast. It uses simple canned ingredients and a slow cooker. You can make a big batch with little work. It tastes creamy, tangy, and a bit spicy. It is great for work nights, meal prep, or family dinners.
introduction
This is a slow cooker chicken recipe that mixes ranch seasoning, Rotel tomatoes, corn, black beans, and cream cheese. The chicken cooks until tender and then you shred it in the same pot. The cream cheese makes the sauce rich and smooth. Lime adds bright flavor.
how to make Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken
- Put the chicken breasts in the Crock Pot.
- Add the black beans (drained and rinsed), corn (drained), Rotel (do not drain), onion powder, ranch packet, and black pepper on top.
- Squeeze the lime juice over everything. Pour the chicken broth over the top. Place the cream cheese block on top.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 5–6 hours. Cook until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Take the chicken out and shred it with two forks. Put the shredded chicken back into the Crock Pot.
- Stir until the cream cheese melts and coats the chicken and veggies.
- Serve hot.
Ingredients :
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 dry ranch dressing packet
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (do not drain)
- 1 15 oz can whole kernel corn (drained)
- 1 15 oz can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 8 oz block of plain cream cheese
- 2 fresh squeezed limes
- ½ cup chicken broth
Directions :
Place chicken breasts in the Crock Pot. Add drained and rinsed black beans, drained corn, Rotel tomatoes, onion powder, ranch seasoning, and black pepper. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. Then pour chicken broth over ingredients and place cream cheese block on top. Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours. Chicken is done when it reaches 165 degrees internal temperature. Remove chicken from the Crock Pot. Using two forks shred the chicken and add back into the Crock Pot. Stir all the ingredients together until cream cheese coats everything. Serve while hot and enjoy!
how to serve Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken
Serve it over rice, warm tortillas, or over a bed of greens. Top with cilantro, extra lime, shredded cheese, or sour cream. Use it for tacos, burrito bowls, or nachos. It goes well with chips and salsa on the side.
how to store Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken
Cool the chicken to room temperature no longer than two hours. Put in an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3–4 days. You can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on low in the slow cooker or in a pan on the stove.
tips to make Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken
- Use chicken thighs if you want more flavor and fat.
- Do not drain the Rotel; it adds moisture and flavor.
- Cut the cream cheese into chunks so it melts faster.
- Check chicken temperature with a thermometer for safety.
- If sauce is too thin, remove lid and cook on HIGH for 15–30 minutes to reduce it.
variation (if any)
- Make it spicy: add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
- Make it milder: use mild diced tomatoes or reduce the ranch.
- Add rice or quinoa to the Crock Pot in the last hour for a one-pot meal (add extra broth as needed).
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt stirred in at the end (do not boil yogurt).
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes. Cook time will be longer. Use a meat thermometer to make sure chicken reaches 165°F.
Q: Can I skip the cream cheese?
A: Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less creamy. You can stir in sour cream or a little cream at the end instead.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: It is mildly spicy from the Rotel. You can choose mild Rotel or add extra chilies to change the heat.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger slow cooker and increase cooking time slightly if needed.
Q: Can I make this on the stovetop?
A: Yes. Cook chicken in a pot with a little oil, add the other ingredients, simmer until chicken is done, then shred and stir in cream cheese.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken is simple, tasty, and versatile. For another take on this idea and a full recipe version, see Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken Recipe on Eating on a Dime. If you want a similar slow cooker version with extra tips, check Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken – The Magical Slow Cooker. For a creamy and healthy variation, try the notes at Crockpot Fiesta Chicken (Creamy & Healthy Recipe).
Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Use thighs for more flavor if desired.
- 1 packet dry ranch dressing packet
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 can 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (do not drain) Adds moisture and flavor.
- 1 can 15 oz whole kernel corn (drained)
- 1 can 15 oz black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 block 8 oz plain cream cheese Cut into chunks for faster melting.
- 2 pieces fresh squeezed limes Squeeze juice over other ingredients.
- ½ cup chicken broth Add extra if needed for cooking rice or quinoa.
Instructions
Preparation
- Put the chicken breasts in the Crock Pot.
- Add the black beans (drained and rinsed), corn (drained), Rotel (do not drain), onion powder, ranch packet, and black pepper on top.
- Squeeze the lime juice over everything.
- Pour the chicken broth over the top. Place the cream cheese block on top.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 5–6 hours until the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Take the chicken out and shred it with two forks. Put the shredded chicken back into the Crock Pot.
- Stir until the cream cheese melts and coats the chicken and veggies.
Serving
- Serve hot over rice, warm tortillas, or a bed of greens.
