Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken and Rice Recipe

This Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and festive dish that’s perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner! Imagine tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered together in a creamy and cheesy sauce with a hint of Mexican spice. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few minutes of hands-on time and a handful of simple ingredients. Your slow cooker does the rest of the work, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Let your slow cooker do the work! Simply combine the ingredients and let them simmer to perfection while you go about your day.
• Flavorful and Festive: The combination of Mexican spices, tender chicken, and cheesy sauce creates a delicious and festive dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, saving you time and effort.
• Versatile: Serve this Fiesta Chicken and Rice as a main dish with your favorite toppings, or use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or burrito bowls.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: A lean and healthy protein source.
• Garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and pepper: A blend of spices that adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
• Cream of chicken soup: Adds a creamy base and enhances the flavor of the sauce.
• White onion: Diced and adds a savory base and sweetness.
• Green bell pepper: Diced and adds sweetness, color, and a bit of crunch.
• Corn: Adds sweetness and texture. You can use canned or frozen corn.
• Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and freshness to the dish.
• Spanish rice: Use your favorite type of Spanish rice, either the kind that requires boiling or the 90-second microwaveable kind.
• Sour cream: Adds a creamy tanginess to the sauce.
• Cheddar cheese: Shredded and adds a cheesy and gooey texture.
• Optional: Black beans and/or green chilies can be added for extra flavor and texture.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Season with garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, cumin, and pepper. Spread the cream of chicken soup over the top of the chicken breasts. Add the diced onions, diced green peppers, corn, and diced tomatoes to the slow cooker. Do not stir.

Step 2: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.

Step 3: Shred Chicken and Add Rice and Cheese

About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, prepare the Spanish rice according to package directions. Shred the chicken breasts in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir in the sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and the cooked rice.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the mixture. Cover the slow cooker, turn it to HIGH if it isn’t already, and cook for another 10-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot as a main dish or use as a filling for tacos, burritos, or burrito bowls.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken in the slow cooker.
• Adjust the spice level: Adjust the amount of chili powder or other spices to your liking, depending on how spicy you want the dish.
• Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker along with the onions and peppers, such as diced zucchini, sliced mushrooms, or black beans.
• Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole (without the rice and cheese) ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking.

How to Serve

This Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken and Rice is delicious served in a variety of ways:

• Main Dish: Serve it as a main dish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, shredded lettuce, or extra cheese.
• Tacos: Spoon the chicken mixture into warm tortillas and top with your favorite taco toppings.
• Burritos: Wrap the chicken mixture in large flour tortillas with rice, beans, and other fillings for a hearty burrito.
• Burrito Bowls: Create a delicious and healthy burrito bowl with a base of rice or quinoa, topped with the chicken mixture, your favorite vegetables, and a drizzle of sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken and Rice is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

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

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can! You can use white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa. However, using Spanish rice adds a distinct flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

2. Can I make this recipe without the cream of chicken soup?

Yes, you can! You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a simple white sauce made with butter, flour, and milk.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.

4. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Definitely! Add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a diced jalapeño to the slow cooker.

This Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken and Rice Recipe is a flavorful and convenient way to enjoy a delicious and festive meal. With its easy preparation, versatile ingredients, and endless customization options, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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