Looking for a delicious and effortless dinner option? This Slow Cooker Creamy Mexican Chicken recipe is a game-changer. Packed with simple yet flavorful ingredients, it’s perfect for those busy days when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you prefer it served over rice, farro, or cauliflower rice, or even as a filling for tacos, this versatile dish will surely become a family favorite. Plus, it can easily be transformed into a freezer meal for ultimate convenience.
The Magic of Mexican Shredded Chicken: The key to this recipe’s fantastic taste lies in the blend of spices that infuse the chicken with bold flavors. Adjust the spice level to your preference by choosing mild or spicy salsa, peppers, and chilis. Feel free to experiment and add more spices if desired. If you’re a cilantro lover, toss in a handful of fresh cilantro for an extra burst of freshness. On the other hand, if cilantro isn’t your thing, simply omit it. And for those craving a creamy and cheesy experience, a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese will do the trick.
Adapting to Instant Pot or Soup Variations: If you prefer using your Instant Pot, fear not! You can transform this recipe into Instant Pot Creamy Mexican Chicken by making a few adjustments. Add half a cup of chicken broth and exclude the cream cheese. Cook the chicken breasts for 10-15 minutes, depending on their thickness. Once cooked and shredded, add the cream cheese, cover the Instant Pot, and let it sit on the warm setting for about 10 minutes until the cream cheese blends in seamlessly.
Craving a hearty soup? Simply add some chicken broth to the recipe. The cream cheese will still contribute to the creamy texture, while the additional broth will transform it into a delightful Mexican chicken soup that can be savored with a spoon.
The Foolproof Slow Cooker Method: The beauty of Slow Cooker Creamy Mexican Chicken lies in its flexibility and forgiving nature. It’s virtually impossible to mess up this recipe, making it an ideal choice for those new to slow cooking. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the dish with rich flavors while keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup salsa
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained and rinsed
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 jalapeno or serrano pepper, minced (optional)
- 1 Tbsp cumin
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 (4.5 oz) can diced green chilis, optional (hot or mild)
- 8 oz cream cheese
- Optional mix-ins: shredded cheese, avocado, fresh cilantro
- Rice, farro, or cauliflower rice for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Pour salsa onto the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the chicken, black beans, corn, red pepper, onion, jalapeno or serrano pepper (if desired), cumin, chili powder, paprika, and diced green chilis (optional) to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
- Place the cream cheese on top of the mixture.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the chicken and stir to mix in the cream cheese. Alternatively, you can add the cream cheese halfway through the cooking process and mix it in then.
- If desired, top with additional mix-ins like shredded cheese, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or extra salsa.
- Serve the Slow Cooker Creamy Mexican Chicken over rice, farro, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
Notes:
- To make this recipe a freezer meal, combine all the ingredients (except cream cheese) in a ziplock bag and freeze. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. Once thawed, place the mixture in the slow cooker, top it with cream cheese, and cook as directed.
- While this recipe is specifically designed for the slow cooker, you can adapt it to an Instant Pot by following the suggested adjustments mentioned earlier.
With its effortless preparation and incredible flavors, the Slow Cooker Creamy Mexican Chicken recipe is a winner for busy individuals and families. Whether you choose to enjoy it as is or incorporate it into various dishes like tacos or soups, this versatile recipe offers a delicious way to savor the vibrant and bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. So go ahead, let your slow cooker work its magic and indulge in this satisfying and hassle-free meal.