Easy Creamy Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Recipe - Modernmealmakeover.com (2024)

Easy Creamy Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Recipe - Modernmealmakeover.com (1)

29 commentsBy April KingThis post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money from the companies mentioned in this post.

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This easy slow cooker fiesta chicken recipe is an easy, versatile Mexican dinner dish. With chicken breasts, corn, black beans, ranch seasoning, Rotel, cream cheese, lime juice, and chicken broth, this creamy crock pot fiesta chicken can be served in tacos, rice bowls, or even on nachos!

Easy Creamy Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Recipe - Modernmealmakeover.com (2)

Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken is the perfect Mexican meal for a busy family on the go. I love being able to throw all of the ingredients in the crock pot in the morning and when dinner time rolls around, it’s ready to serve! You can use fiesta chicken crock pot recipe to make tacos or put it in a rice bowl. You can even use it this flavorful, creamy chicken as a topping for nachos. This is such a great slow cooker meal because it is so versatile and the uses for dinner are endless.

If you love creamy chicken you are going to love this easy, creamy slow cooker fiesta chicken recipe. You may have heard of it as fiesta ranch chicken or just fiesta chicken. Either way, the Mexican inspired flavors make this slow cooker fiesta chicken delicious. This is such a great recipe to double and freeze some for later in the week. You can just reheat it on a night when you are busy and add it to some rice or put it in some tortillas.

One of my favorite things about slow cooker recipes is how simple they are to make! This crock pot fiesta chicken is no exception. First, you place your chicken breasts in the crock pot. Then you will add your black beans, corn, Rotel, and seasonings. Next, squeeze your fresh lime juice on top and pour in the chicken broth. Once you have done that, you will put your block of cream cheese on top. That is what will give this crock pot fiesta chicken the creaminess that you are looking for! Once everything is in the slow cooker, just let it cook!

If you are looking for more great dinner ideas for busy nights. You should check out our Instant Pot Goulash or our Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner for the family.

Why You’ll Love This Fiesta Chicken Crock Pot Recipe

  • All of the work is done in advance. When you’re hungry for dinner, this fiesta chicken will be ready to enjoy!
  • This slow cooker fiesta chicken is creamy, tender, and delicious.
  • This fiesta chicken is very versatile! It can be served in a rice bowl, on nachos, on a tortilla, or even in a quesadilla!
  • This chicken is a kid-friendly weeknight dinner recipe – your whole family will love it!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken

With just a few ingredients and a Crock Pot, you can make this tasty fiesta chicken crock pot recipe with very little effort.

  • Chicken Breasts: look for chicken breasts that are similar in size so they bake evenly.
  • Ranch Dressing Seasoning: Adds so much flavor to this fiesta chicken and can be substituted for spicy or fiesta dry ranch seasoning.
  • Onion Powder: Onion powder is a delicious addition to add lots of flavor to the slow cooker fiesta chicken.
  • Black Pepper: You can add more to season this fiesta chicken to your liking.
  • Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies: See substitutions down below to make it less spicy.
  • Corn: I used canned corn in this easy slow cooker fiesta chicken, but you can use fresh corn as well.
  • Black Beans: You can also use dry beans for this slow cooker fiesta chicken recipe. You will need to follow the directions and re-hydrate them first.
  • Cream Cheese: This is what makes this shredded Mexican chicken so creamy.
  • Limes: Try to use freshly squeezed lime juice. The bottled stuff just doesn’t taste the same.
  • Chicken Broth: You can make your own with bullion or use chicken broth from a can.
Easy Creamy Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Recipe - Modernmealmakeover.com (3)

How To Make This Easy Slow Cooker Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken

Step 1: Place chicken breasts in the Crock Pot. Add drained and rinsed black beans, drained corn, Rotel tomatoes, onion powder, ranch seasoning, and black pepper.

Step 2: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. Then pour chicken broth over ingredients and place cream cheese block on top.

Step 3: Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours. Chicken is done when it reaches 165 degrees internal temperature.

Step 4: Remove chicken from the Crock Pot. Using two forks shred the chicken and add back into the Crock Pot.

Step 5: Stir all the ingredients together until cream cheese coats everything.

Step 6: Serve while hot and enjoy!

    Popular Substitutions & Additions

    Store brand tomatoes and diced chiles can be used in place of the Rotel brand. You can also use any variation of your choice for this fiesta chicken recipe.

    For some extra spice, when you serve this slow cooker fiesta chicken, top it with some chopped jalapenos. If everyone in your family likes the spice, add some into the slow cooker.

    You can use dry black beans or drained canned black beans for this chicken recipe.

    You can use chicken broth from a can or make your own bouillon cube for this fiesta chicken.

    Easy Creamy Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Recipe - Modernmealmakeover.com (4)

    What to Serve with Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken

    • Tacos: Add crock pot fiesta chicken to your favorite corn or flour tortillas.
    • Over Rice: Serve easy slow cooker fiesta chicken over plain white rice, cilantro lime rice or Mexican rice.
    • Burrito Bowl: Make a layer of rice and add the creamy fiesta chicken on top. Then add your favorite toppings like guacamole, sour cream, shredded lettuce, tortilla strips and pico de gallo. Then sprinkle a little shredded cheese over the top.
    • Salad: Place a tortilla in the bottom of a bowl and sprinkle cheddar cheese over it. Melt the cheese in the microwave or oven. Then add cilantro rice, fiesta chicken, shredded lettuce, guacamole, pico de gallo, shredded cheese and tortilla strips. Then add your favorite dressing over the top.
    • Sandwich: Add slow cooker fiesta chicken to your favorite bun or bread.
      Easy Creamy Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Recipe - Modernmealmakeover.com (5)

      Storing Leftover Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken

      Leftover Crock Pot fiesta chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container and reheated in the microwave, making it ideal for quick lunches or dinners.

      Slow cooker fiesta chicken is the perfect freezer meal. I like to double or even triple this recipe and then divide it into dinner sized portions. Then I will put them in individual freezer bags and freeze them for later. Make sure to let the shredded chicken cool to room temperature before placing it in the freezer bags and freezing. This fiesta chicken recipe will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to serve it, remove it from the freezer the night before and let it thaw in the refrigerator. You can microwave the chicken or throw it back in the Crock Pot.

      Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken Recipe FAQ’s

      Can I Make This Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Less Spicy?

      Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies can have a little bit of a kick to them. So if you and your family don’t like spice. Here are a few ways you can tone it down.

      • If you can find mild Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies this is a great alternative.
      • Use your favorite mild salsa. You will need about 2 cups to use this as a substitute.
      • You can also use plain diced tomatoes to remove all the spice

      How will I know that my chicken is cooked all the way?

      When your chicken is completely cooked, you won’t see any pink and it will easily shred with two forks. If you want to be extra safe, you can check the temperature with a meat thermometer.

      Do I need to spray or line my crock pot before I cook this fiesta chicken?

      I always recommend either spraying or lining your slow cooker to make cleanup a little easier!

      Easy Creamy Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Recipe - Modernmealmakeover.com (6)

      Other Slow Cooker Recipes You’ll Love

      • Easy Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs
      • Crock Pot Italian Sausage Penne Pasta
      • Crock Pot Pork Carnitas

      Don’t forget to come back and let me know how your easy creamy slow cooker fiesta chicken recipe turned out!

      Easy Creamy Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Recipe - Modernmealmakeover.com (7)

      Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken

      Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken is the perfect meal for a busy family on the go. You can use it to make tacos or put it on a rice bowl. You can even use it as a topping for nachos. This is such a great slow cooker meal because it is so versatile and the uses for dinner are endless.

      4.83 from 46 votes

      Print Recipe Pin Recipe

      Prep Time 5 minutes mins

      Cook Time 4 hours hrs

      Total Time 4 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

      Course Chicken, Main Course

      Cuisine American, Mexican

      Servings 8

      Calories 356 kcal

      Ingredients

      • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
      • 1 dry ranch dressing packet
      • 1 tsp onion powder
      • 1 tsp ground black pepper
      • 1 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (do not drain)
      • 1 15 oz can whole kernel corn (drained)
      • 1 15 oz can black beans (drained and rinsed)
      • 1 8 oz block of plain cream cheese
      • 2 fresh squeezed limes
      • ½ cup chicken broth

      Instructions

      • Place chicken breasts in the Crock Pot. Add drained and rinsed black beans, drained corn, Rotel tomatoes, onion powder, ranch seasoning, and black pepper.

      • Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. Then pour chicken broth over ingredients and place cream cheese block on top.

      • Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours. Chicken is done when it reaches 165 degrees internal temperature.

      • Remove chicken from the Crock Pot. Using two forks shred the chicken and add back into the Crock Pot.

      • Stir all the ingredients together until cream cheese coats everything.

      • Serve while hot and enjoy!

      Notes

      *Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on Modernmealmakeover.com should only be used as a general guideline.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 356kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 31gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 104mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 856mgFiber: 6gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 589IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 73mgIron: 2mg

      Keyword Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken, Fiesta Chicken, Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken

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      April King

      Hi I'm April! I've been married to my husband, Brent for 17 years, and we have 3 kids who keeps us on our toes. I love to create easy, simple, yet delicious family friendly recipes. If I'm not in the kitchen you can find me in the carpool lane, dance recitals, sitting on the football field, or chasing our busy toddler.

      29 Comments

      1. Andrea Metlika

        December 2, 2020 at 10:36 am ·Reply

        Easy Creamy Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Recipe - Modernmealmakeover.com (8)
        I love easy and delicious crock pot recipes like this!

        • Shanna

          December 2, 2020 at 2:09 pm ·Reply

          I love them too!

      2. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry

        December 2, 2020 at 10:47 am ·Reply

        Easy Creamy Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Recipe - Modernmealmakeover.com (9)
        This sounds like such a flavourful and delicious meal – my family would totally love it!

        • Shanna

          December 2, 2020 at 2:08 pm ·Reply

          You should totally make this for them.

      3. jacque hastert

        December 2, 2020 at 12:14 pm ·Reply

        Easy Creamy Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Recipe - Modernmealmakeover.com (10)
        I am loving this chicken dinner idea! I can’t believe so much flavor is packed into such an easy dish. I love it when I can let the slow cooker do all the work.

        • Shanna

          December 2, 2020 at 2:08 pm ·Reply

          I love when the slow cooker does all the work too.

      4. Emmeline

        December 2, 2020 at 1:13 pm ·Reply

        Easy Creamy Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Recipe - Modernmealmakeover.com (11)
        Oh this I have to try – saving to make this weekend!

        • Shanna

          December 2, 2020 at 2:07 pm ·Reply

          Let me know what you think once you try it.

      5. Tara

        December 2, 2020 at 1:15 pm ·Reply

        Easy Creamy Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Recipe - Modernmealmakeover.com (12)
        Ooh such a great use of the slow cooker! So many great flavors. Love that the chicken reheats well for leftovers too.

      6. Paul

        July 15, 2021 at 11:05 am ·Reply

        Guy question here. Are the chicken breasts thawed? IE not frozen? I think so but wanted to make sure.

        • Shanna Allen

          July 16, 2021 at 3:22 pm ·Reply

          The recipe calls for thawed chicken breasts. But if you want to use frozen you can bump the cooking time up by one hour. Just make sure the chicken reaches 165 degrees.

      7. Jayden

        December 29, 2021 at 5:45 pm ·Reply

        I’m trying this tonight! I followed the recipe exactly, except I added an additional small can of green chilies.I will then turn the result into enchiladas 🙂

        • April King

          December 29, 2021 at 9:40 pm ·Reply

          I love the addition of green chilies. I can’t wait to hear how you like them.

      8. Frances

        July 18, 2022 at 11:13 am ·Reply

        I have tried and follow the recipe and is watery not thick what should I do ?

        • April King

          July 18, 2022 at 12:13 pm ·Reply

          Did you drain both the black beans and corn? Also, make sure your chicken is not frozen, this could cause it to be thinner.

      9. Julie

        August 11, 2022 at 6:56 pm ·Reply

        Easy Creamy Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Recipe - Modernmealmakeover.com (13)
        My family really liked this.

        • April King

          August 16, 2022 at 2:57 pm ·Reply

          I’m so glad

      10. Anastasia Maczko

        August 15, 2022 at 10:17 am ·Reply

        How would you make this without a crock pot?

        • April King

          August 16, 2022 at 2:56 pm ·Reply

          I haven’t made this on the stovetop, but you can add cooked chicken and all other ingredients to a large pot and cook on the stove top

      11. Sheree

        December 9, 2022 at 6:12 pm ·Reply

        I have two questions can we use taco seasoning? Can we omit the black beans? What would be a good substitution?

        • April King

          December 10, 2022 at 3:36 pm ·Reply

          Yes you an use taco seasoning and if you want to omit the black beans all together you can. You can substitute them with kidney beans if you prefer.

      12. Bernadette

        December 24, 2022 at 7:17 am ·Reply

        Easy Creamy Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Recipe - Modernmealmakeover.com (14)
        Could I make this recipe and use it to make pinwheels using flour tortillas? Would I have to do anything extra to the mixture?

        • April King

          December 27, 2022 at 6:07 pm ·Reply

          I havent made this into pinwheels, but I would love to hear how it turns out if you decide to try it.

      13. Betty Horton

        January 11, 2023 at 9:39 am ·Reply

        This recipe is totally awesome 🥰
        I’ve made this fiesta chicken 3 or 4 times! We love the finished dish, and it’s very easy to make. You have to try this, you won’t be disappointed! 😋

        • April King

          January 11, 2023 at 12:28 pm ·Reply

          Thank you for sharing Betty!

      14. Tunie

        January 23, 2023 at 7:29 pm ·Reply

        Easy Creamy Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Recipe - Modernmealmakeover.com (15)
        I added some extra seasoning and hot sauce. I can say this one is better.

        • April King

          January 30, 2023 at 11:00 am ·Reply

          Glad you liked it.

      15. Karla

        August 31, 2023 at 7:42 pm ·Reply

        Easy Creamy Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Recipe - Modernmealmakeover.com (16)
        I modified this only because I didn’t have time to go to the store first and still turned out great! I used diced tomatoes instead of Rotel, added a canned chipotle pepper, left out the ranch mix and used a partial container of chive and onion cream cheese. Served it with Fritos and shredded cheddar.

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      Easy Creamy Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Recipe - Modernmealmakeover.com (2024)

      FAQs

      Do you need to put liquid in the slow cooker when cooking chicken? ›

      Using a nice, long, low-and-slow cook time helps chicken breasts retain plenty of moisture - but you can certainly opt to add a splash of water or chicken stock to the crockpot if you like! If you're worried about dry chicken, you can also swap boneless skinless chicken thighs in for a bit of extra moisture.

      What makes chicken rubbery in crockpot? ›

      In addition, chicken breast has less fat and can become dry (chewy or rubbery) if cooked for too long. Without moisture, the protein fibers in the chicken become elastic.

      Why is my crockpot chicken mushy? ›

      Most of the time mushy Crock Pot chicken is a result of cooking it too long. As you cook meat, the collagen breaks down into a gelatin. The longer chicken is cooked, the more this process happens. Do it right and you have perfectly tender meat; too long and your chicken becomes mushy.

      How do you make chicken less dry in a slow cooker? ›

      If the chicken is cooked too long, it will become dry (even if you use broth or water) and tough. That means the best way to keep chicken from drying out in a crockpot is to stop cooking it as soon as it reaches the proper internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

      Is it OK to put raw chicken in slow cooker? ›

      Yes, you can put raw chicken in a slow cooker! Slow cookers and Crock-Pots are designed to cook raw meats. The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking time and steam created from the tightly covered container destroys bacteria, making slow cooking safe. You can put frozen chicken in a slow cooker, too!

      Is it safe to cook raw chicken on low in a slow cooker? ›

      A slow cooker is designed to cook raw meats. The long (slow) cooking time combined with the heat from the pot creates steam that safely cooks the meat. Just place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker and then add the other ingredients on top of the chicken.

      Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in crockpot? ›

      For optimal results, it's generally recommended to cook chicken on the low setting in a crockpot. This slower cooking method allows the chicken to become more tender and absorb flavors, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish compared to using the high setting.

      How long can you leave chicken in slow cooker on low? ›

      Cover your crock pot and cook chicken breasts on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Chicken is done when the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F. Use chicken in your favorite recipes. Perfect for shredding!

      How long does it take for chicken to cook in the crockpot? ›

      However, here is a general guideline for cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a slow cooker: Low Setting: Cooking on the low setting typically takes around 6 to 7 hours for boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

      What cannot be cooked in a slow cooker? ›

      10 Foods You Should Never Make in a Slow Cooker
      1. Raw Meat.
      2. Seafood.
      3. Pasta.
      4. Rice.
      5. Delicate Vegetables.
      6. Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts.
      7. Dairy.
      8. Wine and Other Liquor.
      Jan 19, 2024

      Does chicken get more tender the longer you slow cook it? ›

      That is why tough meats become “fork tender” in the slow cooker. Chicken breasts have very little connective tissue; that means they can be cooked quickly because the long cooking time needed to soften connective tissue isn't necessary. They also have little fat, which means they can become dry if cooked too long.

      Is it safe to leave a slow cooker on for 12 hours? ›

      Yes, if you use them correctly. The slow cooker cooks foods slowly at a low temperature, generally between 170 and 280 degrees F, over several hours. The combination of direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking and steam, destroys bacteria making the slow cooker a safe process for cooking foods.

      Can I leave chicken in slow cooker overnight? ›

      The short answer: Yes. slow cookers are made to cook food for extensive periods of time (some can be left up to 24 hours). But, of course, follow safe practices outlined in your instruction manual, and keep the appliance on low or warm, as opposed to high, overnight.

      Why is my crockpot chicken hard to shred? ›

      It's likely that it hasn't cooked long enough to shred. While chicken breasts are often cooked through in just 2 hours on low, I like to let them cook a little longer if I plan to shred them so that they are fall-apart tender. How do I keep chicken from drying out in the slow cooker? Don't overcook!

      How do you thicken chicken in a slow cooker? ›

      Cornstarch, potato starch, and chickpea flour are a couple of pantry-friendly ways to thicken soups, stews, and sauces in the slow cooker. Just a tablespoon or two of any — added towards the end of cooking — will thicken sauces especially well.

      What happens if you don't put liquid in a slow cooker? ›

      Not adding enough liquid can lead to burning.

      "It's important to add enough liquid to ensure the bottom of your dish doesn't burn." If your meal does burn, the chef said to avoid scraping the bottom of the pot while stirring and serving because it can give the entire dish a burnt flavor.

      Why is my slow cooker chicken always dry? ›

      As the chicken cooks, the heat causes the water in the meat to evaporate, which can result in a dry and tough texture. To prevent this, it's important not to overcook the chicken and to use cooking methods that help retain moisture, such as poaching or using a marinade.

      Can I use water instead of broth for crockpot chicken? ›

      Whether you're making just a few servings or enough to feed a crowd, the effort remains the same. The important thing to remember is keeping the right ratio of chicken to liquid. 1/2 cup stock, low-sodium chicken broth, or water for every pound of chicken.

      Do you cook chicken first before putting in slow cooker? ›

      Totally up to you. While chicken is meant to be slow cooked from raw, many do like to just brown or sear it first. This can help to lock in moisture, speed up cooking time or simply to improve visual appearance of the finished dish. Keep in mind that chicken will release a lot of liquid during cooking.

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