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This Crockpot Fiesta Chicken and Rice is a total weeknight hero. With bold Tex-Mex flavors, tender shredded chicken, hearty rice, black beans, corn, and salsa, it’s a colorful one-pot meal the whole family loves. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and come back to a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Why We Love This Fiesta Chicken and Rice
This recipe checks every box: easy, hearty, flavorful, and flexible. Here’s why it’s always in rotation:
- Tex-Mex Flavor Bomb: Salsa, taco seasoning, beans, and corn bring big flavor to every bite.
- Crockpot Convenience: Set it and forget it—dinner cooks while you do life.
- Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers are just as good (maybe better!) the next day.
- Totally Customizable: Adjust spice level, switch up toppings, or wrap it in a tortilla.
Key Ingredients
These pantry staples and simple ingredients bring the fiesta to your bowl:
- Shredded Chicken – Use leftovers or cook and shred in the crockpot.
- White Rice – Long-grain white rice absorbs all the saucy goodness.
- Salsa – Choose mild or spicy depending on your taste.
- Black Beans – Drained and rinsed for hearty fiber and protein.
- Corn – Sweet kernels add texture and color.
- Taco Seasoning – Store-bought or homemade spice mix for that classic flavor.
- Chicken Broth – Keeps everything juicy and flavorful.
- Cheddar Cheese (optional) – Stir in at the end for melty goodness.
How to Make Crockpot Fiesta Chicken and Rice
This one’s as easy as toss, cook, stir, and serve:
- Combine Ingredients: In a crockpot, add uncooked rice, salsa, black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and chicken broth.
- Add Chicken: Nestle whole chicken breasts on top, or use pre-cooked shredded chicken.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or until rice is tender.
- Shred & Stir: If using whole chicken breasts, shred and return to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Optional Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar until melted (optional).
- Serve: Scoop into bowls and top with avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
- Use Brown Rice: Increase liquid and cooking time slightly.
- Add Heat: Use spicy salsa or toss in jalapeños.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap rice for riced cauliflower added in the last 30 minutes.
- Make It a Bowl or Wrap: Serve over greens, in tortillas, or with tortilla chips.
- Freezer-Friendly: Let cool and freeze in individual portions.
What to Serve with Fiesta Chicken and Rice
Toppings Bar
Sour cream, shredded lettuce, hot sauce, guac, diced tomatoes, lime wedges.
Simple Sides
Tortilla chips, cornbread, or a light salad work great.
Leftover Remix
Stuff into bell peppers and bake, roll into burritos, or layer into taco salads.
Crockpot Fiesta Chicken and Rice
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours
Total Time: ~4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
This Crockpot Fiesta Chicken and Rice is a bold and colorful Tex-Mex dish that practically cooks itself. With tender shredded chicken, hearty rice, black beans, sweet corn, and zesty salsa all seasoned with taco spices, this slow cooker meal is bursting with flavor and perfect for a fuss-free family dinner or meal prep win.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (or 2–3 raw chicken breasts)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups salsa (mild or spicy)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- Optional: 1–1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- In a crockpot, stir together uncooked rice, salsa, black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and chicken broth.
- Add shredded chicken or place whole chicken breasts on top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- If using whole breasts, remove and shred, then stir back into the mixture.
- (Optional) Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve with desired toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Brown Rice: Add ½ cup more broth and increase cook time by 1–2 hours.
- Make it Spicy: Use hot salsa or add diced jalapeños.
- Switch It Up: Turn leftovers into burritos, tacos, or a layered taco salad.
