Go Back

slow cooker fiesta chicken

πŸŽ‰πŸ’ƒπŸ™Œ An EASY recipe for fiesta ranch chicken that the whole family LOVES! There’s tender chicken, cream cheese, salsa, black beans, green chiles, and more which creates a little fiesta in your mouth! Serve it as-is, over rice, or in tacos. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or make it for your next game-day party!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 10
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika regular paprika may be substituted
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder use 2 to 3 teaspoons for a spicier dish
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup reduced sodium chicken broth or water
  • 8 ounces brick-style full-fat cream cheese cubed and softened to room temp
  • 1.1 ounce dry fiesta ranch seasoning mix or your favorite flavor of ranch seasoning mix
  • 12 ounces red salsa
  • 15 ounces canned corn drained well (frozen or freshly shaved corn may also be used)
  • 15 ounces canned black beans drained and rinsed (I use reduced sodium beans)
  • 7 ounces canned diced green chiles do not drain
For Serving (Optional)
  • 10 corn tortillas or flour tortillas, if serving as tacos
  • Queso fresco or Mexican shredded cheese blend
  • Mexican crema or sour cream thinned with milk
  • Cilantro for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a bowl combine the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and stir to combine the spice rub mixture.
  2. Evenly drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and then pat on the spice rub evenly all over both sides of each chicken breast.
  3. Place the chicken breasts in a large 7 to 8-quart slow cooker, add the broth, cover, and slow cook on HIGH heat for about 3 hours, or until chicken is done (165F internal temp).
  4. Place the chicken on a cutting board and shred it using two forks. Alternatively, you can shred chicken by placing it in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted the the paddle attachment, and mixing on low speed until shredded.
  5. Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.
  6. Add the cream cheese, fiesta ranch seasoning mix (or another flavor of dry ranch seasoning mix), salsa, corn, beans, green chiles (do not drain), stir to combine, cover with the lid, and slow cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, or until bubbly; OR slow cook on HIGH for 1 hour or until bubbly.
  7. Serve immediately, as desired - either plain and as-is, over rice, in a lettuce leave like a lettuce wrap, or in tortillas. Tip - Soften tortillas by wrapping them in a kitchen towel and microwave them for about 30 seconds or just until warmed. Additionally, you can blister or brown them in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. It only takes about 30 seconds per side, at most.
  8. Garnish with your favorite cheese, Mexican crema, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice; all optional and as desired. Fiesta chicken will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months. Reheat gently and on low heat.

Notes

Fiesta chicken will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months. Reheat gently and on low heat.