Mexican Chicken Crock Pot Recipe

This Easy Mexican Chicken recipe is a Crock Pot wonder! Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked with a vibrant blend of salsa, spices, and fire-roasted tomatoes, creating a flavorful and versatile dish that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, and more. It’s a simple and satisfying meal that’s ready when you are, thanks to the magic of your slow cooker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and convenient: Simply toss the ingredients in your crock pot and let it do its magic while you go about your day.
• Flavorful: The combination of salsa, spices, and fire-roasted tomatoes creates a delicious and authentic Mexican flavor.
• Versatile: Use the cooked chicken for tacos, burritos, bowls, salads, or any other dish that calls for shredded chicken.
• Healthy: Chicken breasts are a lean protein source, and this recipe is naturally low in fat.

this Recipe

Ingredients for Easy Mexican Chicken (Crock Pot)

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a flavorful and versatile dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe.
• Olive Oil: Used to coat the chicken and prevent sticking.
• Mild Salsa: Use medium salsa if you prefer a spicier flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Mild Diced Green Chilies: Adds a mild chili flavor.
• Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Adds a smoky sweetness and depth of flavor. You can also use regular diced tomatoes.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: A blend of spices that create a warm and inviting flavor.
• Smoked Paprika, Dried Oregano, Pepper: Additional spices that enhance the overall flavor.
• Ground Chipotle Chili Pepper (optional): For those who like extra heat.
• Liquid Smoke: Adds a smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Hot Sauce (to taste): Use your favorite hot sauce to adjust the spiciness to your liking.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

How to Make Easy Mexican Chicken (Crock Pot)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and place them in the bottom of your slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Add all of the remaining ingredients, except for the hot sauce, to the slow cooker. This includes the salsa, brown sugar, green chilies, fire-roasted tomatoes, chili powder, salt, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, pepper, chipotle chili pepper (if using), and liquid smoke.

Step 3: Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2-4 hours, or on LOW for 6-7 hours, or until the chicken is tender enough to shred easily.

Step 4: Shred and Reduce

Shred the chicken using two forks. Let the shredded chicken cook in the sauce on LOW for an additional 20 minutes to absorb some of the liquid and flavors. Drain any excess liquid from the slow cooker.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Taste the chicken and add hot sauce to your liking. Serve the Easy Mexican Chicken in tacos, burritos, bowls, salads, or any other dish that calls for shredded chicken.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Instant Pot instructions: If you’re using an Instant Pot, cook the chicken and other ingredients on high pressure for 13 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then shred the chicken and pressure cook for another 5 minutes.
• Spice level: Adjust the amount of salsa, chili powder, and chipotle chili pepper to your liking.
• Serving suggestions: This chicken is delicious in tacos, burritos, bowls, salads, or served with rice and beans.

How to Serve Easy Mexican Chicken

• Tacos: Serve the shredded chicken in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese.
• Burritos: Wrap the chicken in large flour tortillas with rice, beans, and your favorite toppings.
• Bowls: Create a hearty and healthy bowl with rice, beans, shredded chicken, and your favorite toppings.
• Salads: Add the shredded chicken to your favorite salad for a protein boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to increase the cooking time.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply brown the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop, then transfer it to a pot with the remaining ingredients. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

My chicken is dry, what did I do wrong?
If your chicken is dry, it could be that you overcooked it. Make sure to check the chicken for doneness after the initial cooking time and shred it promptly.

Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes, you can add more chili powder, use a hotter salsa, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Easy Mexican Chicken (Crock Pot). I hope you enjoy it!

Print