When you are looking for a versatile recipe that will make more than just one dish, this Mexican Chicken Recipe will do just that.
With this recipe, you can use it in a Mexican Tortilla soup, Chicken Taco Salad Bowl, or even atop of your favorite Mexican rice. The whole family will enjoy this Mexican chicken slow cooker meal.
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Why Make this Mexican Chicken Recipe in the Crockpot?
My answer to that is why not? Everyone is busy it seems these days whether it is working outside the home, or inside the home.
Running kids to their after school activities, shopping, playdates and more. Who has time for a meal that keeps you in the kitchen for hours in your day?
My second answer to this question is chicken in the crockpot is so much more tender than on top of the stove.
You will find your chicken falls apart without any effort after it cooks in your slow cooker. Not to mention the seasonings throughout your meat.
What Can I Serve as a Side with my Mexican Chicken Recipe?
If you are making it a festive night you can make Spanish Rice, Queso, and tortilla chips, or a tasty black bean soup.
For dessert, you can make Fried Ice cream which is something we always enjoy when we go out to dinner at our local Mexican restaurants. Drizzled with honey and rolled in cinnamon. Yum.
Do I Have to Use Chicken Thighs?
No, you don’t but if you use boneless, skinless chicken breasts I would cut them in pieces (vertically) so they would be the size of your chicken thighs.
Also if you would rather have white meat vs dark meat this can be another reason to do chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs.
What Ingredients Will I Need for Mexican Chicken Recipe?
You will want either 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts your choice). Two- 10oz cans of Rotel fire-roasted diced tomatoes & green chilies, undrained.
Two-15oz. cans of black beans, rinsed and drained. Three to four cloves of garlic, minced, as well as 1 small jalapeno pepper, finely diced. And 1 -1/2 tablespoons of hickory-flavored liquid smoke.
For spices, you will need 2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, salt & pepper to taste.
Mexican Chicken Recipe in a Slow Cooker
When you are looking for a versatile recipe that will make more than just one dish, this Mexican Chicken Recipe will do just that.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
- 2 10-oz. cans Rotel fire-roasted diced tomatoes & green chilies, undrained
- 2 15-oz. cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small jalapeno pepper, finely diced
- 1½ T. hickory-flavored liquid smoke
- 2 t. ground cumin
- 1 T. chili powder
- 1 t. smoked paprika
- 2 t. dried oregano
- 1 t. cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 limes, quartered
- ¼ c. fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Unroll and add chicken thighs to the bottom of a 5 or 6-quart slow cooker crock. Top with tomatoes, black beans, garlic, jalapeno pepper, liquid smoke, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Stir to combine, making sure the chicken thighs are coated and submerged in the liquid.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. 30 minutes before done cooking, remove the lid and shred chicken while in the slow cooker with two forks. Stir to combine shredded chicken with other ingredients. Cover and cook for the remaining 30 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Remove lid and squeeze fresh lime juice into the crock. Add cilantro and stir to combine. Season with additional salt and black pepper, if desired.
- To serve, spoon chicken mixture over plain brown rice or white rice. Enjoy!
Notes
Cooking time can be 3-8 hours depending on if you are going out for the day and want it to cook longer just put it on 6-8 hours on Low OR if you are short on time 3 hours would be fine on high.
Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 479Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 184mgSodium 829mgCarbohydrates 44gFiber 15gSugar 2gProtein 51g
These recipes are calculated as a courtesy. They are not intended as medical advice or guaranteed accurate. Please do your own calculations if necessary.
Try these other delicious slow cooker chicken recipes:
Here are some other recipes that you can make with chicken in your Crockpot. There are so many you’ll have to come back and try them all!
I love making chicken and dumplings. So indulgent and delicious. It’s a close second for this tasty pot pie. If you want to make a whole chicken try this roasted chicken recipe.
Another awesome choice is Super easy nacho chicken, you can also make wings in the Crockpot!
Chicken Stew made in the crockpot is really simple and delicious for dinners. It’s also nice for leftovers and lunches throughout the week. If you need even more convincing try this chicken parmesan!