Are you craving a mouthwatering, hassle-free meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this Santa Fe Chicken recipe that's about to become your new favorite freezer-to-crockpot sensation! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of tender, spice-infused chicken that's been slow-cooking all day, ready to satisfy your hunger with minimal effort. This Trim Healthy Mama (THM) friendly recipe is not just a meal – it's a game-changer for busy home cooks who want delicious, nutritious food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by trimming any excess fat and patting them dry with paper towels.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into a large freezer-safe bag or container.
- Add drained black beans, drained corn, and salsa to the bag with the chicken. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the bag with the recipe name, date, and cooking instructions. Place in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- On the day of cooking, remove the freezer bag and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Transfer the entire contents of the bag into a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it with the beans, corn, and salsa.
- Serve hot over rice, in tortillas, or as a standalone dish. Garnish with optional toppings like cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
Tips
- Meal Prep Magic: This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. Prepare multiple bags at once to stock your freezer with quick, delicious meals.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the chili powder and cumin to match your personal heat preference. For a spicier version, add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce.
- Freezing Hack: When preparing the freezer bag, lay it flat while sealing to create a thin, easy-to-store package that thaws quickly.
- Serving Suggestions: This versatile dish can be transformed into multiple meals - try it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, in lettuce wraps, or as a protein-packed salad topper.
- Storage Tip: The cooked chicken will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
- Extra Flavor Boost: For added depth, consider using fresh salsa or adding a squeeze of lime juice just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
