Description
A hands-off slow cooker recipe that delivers tender, juicy chicken bursting with vibrant fiesta flavors, perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or nachos.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 16 oz (450g) jarred salsa (medium heat preferred, mild for kids)
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup (150g) sweet corn, frozen or canned
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, lime wedges, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or favorite taco fixings
Instructions
- Prep the slow cooker by setting it to low heat (or high if in a rush). Lightly spray or oil the inside to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken thighs evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour the salsa over the chicken. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over everything without stirring.
- Add the drained and rinsed black beans and sweet corn on top to keep them from getting mushy.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours until chicken is fork-tender.
- Shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks or tongs. Stir gently to combine with beans, corn, and salsa juices.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Optionally add a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice and top with desired fixings like cheese, cilantro, avocado, or sour cream.
Notes
If your slow cooker runs hot, check chicken at 5 hours to avoid drying out. For crispy edges, broil shredded chicken 3-5 minutes before serving. This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months. Adjust spice level by adding cayenne or jalapeños. Use chicken breasts for leaner meat but watch cooking time to prevent drying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 35
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, fiesta chicken, taco bowls, easy dinner, crockpot chicken, Mexican chicken, meal prep, chicken thighs