The Best Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice Recipe Ever Made

Crafting delicious slow cooker taco chicken & rice feels like a culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Weeknight dinners demand something special that satisfies hunger and sparks joy.

Mexican-inspired flavors dance through this simple yet incredibly tasty dish.

Tender chicken mingles with perfectly seasoned rice, creating a meal that brings comfort and excitement to the table.

Minimal effort delivers maximum flavor in this hearty recipe.

Spices blend seamlessly, promising a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to experience this mouthwatering combination that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast.

Why Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice Hits The Spot

• Customize with Ease: Personalize this dish by swapping ingredients or adding your favorite toppings, making it a versatile meal that adapts to your taste preferences.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Spend just a few minutes preparing ingredients, then let the slow cooker work its magic, creating a rich, delicious meal with minimal effort.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and cheesy goodness, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a breeze.
• Hands-Off Cooking Adventure: Perfect for busy days, this one-pot wonder allows you to set it and forget it, returning to a mouthwatering meal that requires little to no supervision.

Ingredients List For Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that serves as the main protein base for the slow cooker dish.

• Garlic, Onions, Bell Peppers: Fresh vegetables that add depth and aromatic flavor to the recipe.

• Taco Seasoning: Spice blend that provides bold Mexican-inspired flavor to the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Salsa: Adds zesty tomato-based sauce that contributes to the liquid and flavor profile.

• Uncooked Rice: Absorbs the flavorful liquid and creates a hearty, filling base for the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts to create a creamy, rich topping that adds richness.
• Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that provide a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

• Sour Cream, Lime Wedges: Provide tangy and citrusy elements to complement the main dish.

How To Make Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice

Step 1: Season The Chicken

Rub chicken breasts generously with zesty taco seasoning, ensuring every inch gets coated with flavor-packed goodness.

Step 2: Create The Base Layer

Place seasoned chicken smoothly at the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a perfect foundation for the meal.

Step 3: Add Aromatic Vegetables

• Minced garlic
• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers

Distribute evenly to guarantee a balanced taste experience.

Step 4: Pour In Liquid Gold

• Chicken broth
• Salsa

This creates a moisture-rich cooking environment.

Step 5: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover and set slow cooker on low heat. Let chicken simmer and tenderize for 6-7 hours until it falls apart effortlessly with a fork.

Step 6: Rice Integration

During the final cooking hour, gently fold uncooked rice into the mixture. Ensure rice gets fully submerged to soak up all the delectable flavors.

Step 7: Shred And Mix

Use two forks to shred chicken completely. Stir and blend chicken with rice and vegetables until thoroughly combined.

Step 8: Cheese Finale

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top. Allow cheese to melt for 5-10 minutes, creating a creamy layer.

Step 9: Garnish And Serve

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced green onions

• Sour cream
• Lime wedges

Step 10: Rest And Enjoy

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize before serving.

Best Tips For Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Generously coat chicken breasts with extra taco seasoning for a robust, zesty taste profile that penetrates deeply into the meat.
• Prevent Dryness: Pour chicken broth and salsa to create a moisture-rich cooking environment, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and tender throughout slow cooking.
• Rice Absorption Trick: Stir uncooked rice during the final hour of cooking, allowing it to soak up all the delicious broth, salsa, and meat juices for maximum flavor infusion.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, letting it melt perfectly and create a creamy, indulgent texture.

Creative Ideas For Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice

• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Replace salsa with hot pepper sauce and add diced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.
• Vegetarian Rice Bowl: Swap chicken with black beans or tofu, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Use Greek seasoning, replace salsa with diced tomatoes and oregano, add feta cheese instead of cheddar for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and create a lighter dish for keto diet followers.

What Goes Well With Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice

• Enhance Taco Chicken Rice with Perfect Pairings
• Match Crisp Margaritas: Bright, citrusy cocktail complements the spicy, zesty chicken flavor with refreshing lime undertones that dance alongside the dish's rich profile.
• Create Southwest Slaw: Tangy, crunchy cabbage salad with cilantro and jalapeño adds textural contrast and cuts through the hearty, creamy rice mixture while maintaining regional culinary harmony.
• Serve Fresh Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip with hints of lime and salt provides cool, smooth counterpoint to the warm, spicy chicken rice, elevating each bite with authentic Mexican-inspired freshness.

How To Keep Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice Good

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice mixture to freezer-safe containers, storing for up to 3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warm.
• Warm leftovers in skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding small amounts of broth to maintain moisture, ensuring even heating without scorching.

FAQ For Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice

• What makes taco chicken and rice so easy to prepare?

The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to simply add ingredients and let it cook without constant monitoring, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, frozen chicken works great in the slow cooker. Just add an extra 1-2 hours of cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add extra taco seasoning, use a hot salsa instead of mild, or include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce during cooking to increase the heat level.

Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes – 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker taco chicken & rice delivers Mexican-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables. Packed with zesty spices and tender chicken, this one-pot meal brings family and friends together for a delicious, hassle-free culinary adventure you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Grains:

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 cup chicken broth

Produce & Extras:

• 1 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Dairy:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Garnish:

• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 2 green onions, sliced

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken breasts by generously coating them with taco seasoning, ensuring each piece is thoroughly covered for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Layer the seasoned chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even base for the dish.
3. Sprinkle minced garlic, diced onions, and bell peppers over the chicken, distributing them evenly for balanced taste and texture.
4. Pour chicken broth and salsa directly into the slow cooker, creating a moisture-rich environment for cooking.
5. Cover and set the slow cooker to low heat, allowing the chicken to simmer and tenderize for 6-7 hours until it easily shreds with a fork.
6. During the last hour of cooking, gently stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid and will absorb all the delicious flavors.
7. Once chicken is fully cooked and rice is tender, use two forks to shred the chicken and mix it thoroughly with the rice and vegetables.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt for an additional 5-10 minutes.
9. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and serve with a dollop of sour cream and lime wedges for squeezing.
10. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and settle.

Notes

• Boost seasoning by using homemade taco blend for more robust flavor control and reduced sodium compared to store-bought packets.
• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for richer taste and increased moisture, preventing potential dryness during long slow cooking.
• Make gluten-free by confirming taco seasoning ingredients and using certified gluten-free chicken broth and salsa.
• Customize protein options by substituting chicken with pork or turkey for varied meal experiences without changing core cooking technique.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 68 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg