Imagine a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish that practically cooks itself, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas and promising a meal that'll have everyone begging for seconds! This Crock Pot Chicken Santa Fe is your ticket to an effortless, incredibly delicious dinner that transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for convenience, or just someone who loves bold, zesty flavors, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight superhero.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and cumin on both sides.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, creating an even layer.
- Drain the black beans and corn completely, then distribute them evenly around and on top of the chicken breasts.
- Pour the salsa over the chicken and beans, ensuring the ingredients are well-coated and the salsa covers most of the surface.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to LOW heat setting for 6 hours, or HIGH heat setting for 3-4 hours.
- After cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks, pulling the meat apart into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to mix with the beans, corn, and salsa.
- Let the shredded chicken sit in the cooking liquid for an additional 10-15 minutes to absorb more flavor.
- Serve hot over rice, in tortillas, or as a standalone dish, optionally garnishing with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
Tips
- Chicken Selection: Use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best texture and easiest shredding.
- Seasoning Secrets: Don't be shy with cumin, salt, and pepper. Generously coat both sides of the chicken to enhance flavor depth.
- Salsa Matters: Choose a quality salsa - the better the salsa, the more delicious your final dish will be. Experiment with mild, medium, or spicy versions.
- Moisture is Key: Ensure your chicken is well-covered with salsa to prevent drying out during slow cooking.
- Shredding Technique: For perfectly tender shredded chicken, use two forks and pull apart while the meat is still warm.
- Serving Suggestions: Customize your meal by serving over rice, in tortillas, or as a protein-packed salad topping.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 85mg
