There’s something magical about tossing a few ingredients into the slow cooker and coming back hours later to a meal that smells absolutely incredible. This Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on repeat—it’s creamy, cheesy, packed with Tex-Mex flavors, and so easy to make! Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a casual weekend dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dump-and-go – Just throw everything into the crockpot and let it do the work
- Super versatile – Serve it over rice, in tacos, burritos, or even as a dip
- Family-approved – The perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors
- Great for meal prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week
Ingredients
You’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients for this dish. Here’s a sneak peek:
- Chicken breasts
- Black beans
- Corn
- Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- Cream cheese
- Taco seasoning
Full list of ingredients with exact measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken, then add black beans, corn, and Rotel. Stir everything to combine.
Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours) until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreddable.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. It should be super tender and easy to pull apart.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese
Stir in the cream cheese and let it melt into the mixture. Give everything a good stir until it’s smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Serve the fiesta chicken over rice, in tacos, or however you like. Top with shredded cheese, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or an extra ounce of cream cheese.
- Spice it up by using hot Rotel or adding diced jalapeños.
- Want a thicker consistency? Let the crockpot sit uncovered for 15 minutes after cooking to reduce some of the liquid.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap the protein – Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Make it dairy-free – Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Try different beans – Pinto or kidney beans work great instead of black beans.
- Add more veggies – Bell peppers or diced onions would be delicious additions.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Fiesta Chicken is incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
- Over steamed rice for a simple and hearty meal
- Inside tortillas for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas
- Scooped onto tortilla chips as a dip for a party
- Wrapped in a lettuce wrap for a lighter option
- Topped with avocado, cilantro, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave in 30-second intervals or heat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken, but increase the cooking time slightly. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes, then quick release, shred the chicken, and stir in the cream cheese.
What can I use instead of Rotel?
If you don’t have Rotel, use a can of diced tomatoes and a small can of diced green chilies.
How do I make it spicier?
Add some cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce to amp up the heat.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken is one of those foolproof recipes that never disappoints. It’s creamy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you serve it over rice, in tacos, or straight from the crockpot with a spoon (no judgment!), it’s sure to be a family favorite. Try it once, and I guarantee it’ll end up in your meal rotation!
PrintCrock Pot Fiesta Chicken – Easy & Flavorful Dinner Recipe
A creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy Tex-Mex flavored dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual weekend dinners. Serve it over rice, in tacos, burritos, or even as a dip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese
- Juice of 2 fresh limes
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add Seasonings and Vegetables: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning and taco seasoning over the chicken. Add the black beans, corn, and Rotel on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the cream cheese to the mixture and stir until fully melted and combined.
- Add Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and stir to combine.
- Serve: Serve the fiesta chicken over rice, in tortillas, or as desired.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream.
- To increase spiciness, use hot Rotel or add diced jalapeños.
- For a thicker consistency, let the mixture sit uncovered for 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 326
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 601mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 97mg