Description
Tender shredded chicken slow-cooked with salsa, tomatoes, black beans, corn, and Mexican-inspired spices. This easy crockpot recipe is versatile enough for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, and meal prep, offering a flavorful and convenient main dish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Base
- 700 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup chicken broth
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Herbs
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the crockpot: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the crockpot to form a solid base for the other ingredients.
- Add vegetables and liquids: Pour salsa, diced tomatoes, black beans (drained and rinsed), corn, diced onion, diced bell pepper, minced garlic, and chicken broth over the chicken in the crockpot.
- Season the mixture: Sprinkle in ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper evenly across the crockpot contents for balanced flavor.
- Combine gently: Stir the ingredients gently in the crockpot to mix the spices and vegetables around the chicken without displacing the chicken at the bottom too much.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or alternatively on HIGH for 2½ to 3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them thoroughly using two forks, ensuring fine, even shreds.
- Return and mix: Place the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and stir it well with the cooking liquid and vegetables.
- Finish with fresh flavors: Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro into the crockpot mixture for a bright, fresh finish.
- Serve and enjoy: Spoon the shredded chicken mixture into tacos, burrito bowls, wraps, salads, or serve it over rice according to your preference.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts to create a juicier texture and richer flavor.
- For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce before cooking.
- This dish pairs well with avocado slices, Greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh salsa as toppings or sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Meal Prep
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
