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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by generously coating them with taco seasoning, ensuring each piece is thoroughly covered for maximum flavor infusion.
- Layer the seasoned chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even base for the dish.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, diced onions, and bell peppers over the chicken, distributing them evenly for balanced taste and texture.
- Pour chicken broth and salsa directly into the slow cooker, creating a moisture-rich environment for cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and serve with a dollop of sour cream and lime wedges for squeezing.
- 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