Description
Set it and forget it! Crockpot Fiesta Chicken and Rice combines tender chicken, vibrant spices, and comforting rice all cooked low and slow to create a bold, flavorful, and effortless one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Grains
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
Vegetables & Beans
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
Liquids
- 3 cups chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice any fresh ingredients if using, drain canned black beans and corn, and measure out all spices so everything is ready before starting.
- Layer the Crockpot: In the crockpot, evenly spread the rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and seasoning mix at the bottom to distribute the flavors well.
- Add the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice and vegetable mixture, making sure they are well positioned to cook evenly.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- Finish and Fluff: Remove the cooked chicken, shred it with forks, then stir the shredded chicken back into the rice mixture for a cohesive, flavorful dish.
- Add Fresh Touches: Just before serving, stir in chopped fresh cilantro and squeeze lime juice to brighten and enhance all the flavors.
Notes
- Use long-grain white rice for best texture as it cooks evenly in the crockpot.
- Ensure chicken broth just covers the rice and chicken to avoid sogginess.
- Check the rice near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and mushiness.
- Layer rice on the bottom and chicken on top to optimize cooking results.
- Add lime juice at the end to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg