Crock-Pot Southwest Chicken Dinner: An Effortless Family Favorite
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this incredibly simple yet explosively flavorful Crock-Pot Southwest Chicken Dinner. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for busy families craving vibrant, hearty flavors without the hassle. The slow cooker does all the hard work, melding tender chicken with a colorful medley of black beans, corn, and zesty diced tomatoes, creating a dish that’s bursting with a delicious Southwestern flair. If you’re searching for an easy-to-prepare chicken recipe that consistently delivers on taste, look no further!
Why Choose a Crock-Pot for Your Southwest Chicken?
The beauty of cooking in a Crock-Pot, or slow cooker, cannot be overstated. It’s a culinary superhero for modern living, allowing you to prepare healthy, delicious meals with minimal effort. Imagine waking up, tossing a few ingredients into a pot, and returning home to the enticing aroma of a ready-to-eat dinner. That’s the magic of this Southwest Chicken recipe!
Slow cooking is particularly beneficial for chicken, as it ensures the meat remains incredibly moist and tender, practically shredding itself with a fork. It’s also incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. This method allows the flavors of the ingredients to deeply meld over hours, creating a richness and depth that’s hard to achieve with quicker cooking techniques. Furthermore, a slow cooker is an energy-efficient appliance, making it a smart choice for your kitchen. We highly recommend using a slow cooker equipped with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after the cooking cycle. This feature provides peace of mind, ensuring your meal doesn’t overcook and stays at the perfect serving temperature until you’re ready to eat.
The Irresistible Allure of Southwest Flavors
Southwest cuisine is celebrated for its bold, dynamic flavors and colorful presentation, and this Crock-Pot chicken dish perfectly embodies that spirit. It combines the comforting heartiness of chicken with the vibrant, spicy notes typical of the region. The blend of black beans, sweet corn, and fiery diced tomatoes with green chilies (Ro-Tel) creates a harmonious balance of textures and tastes. Each bite offers a delightful mix of savory chicken, earthy beans, sweet kernels, and a gentle kick that awakens the palate. It’s a versatile flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of tastes, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
One of the best aspects of this Crock-Pot Southwest Chicken recipe is its straightforward ingredient list. You’ll likely find most of these staples already in your pantry or easily accessible at any grocery store. The key is to select quality ingredients that contribute to the overall robust flavor of the dish.
- Chicken Breast: While our original recipe from 2013 used a seasoned Tyson Southwest Pepper Trio Chicken Breast, that product is no longer widely available. The good news is that any boneless, skinless chicken breast works perfectly! You can use fresh or frozen chicken breasts. If using frozen, simply ensure they are thawed before placing them in the slow cooker for more even cooking. For added flavor, consider seasoning your chicken breasts with a pinch of salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder before adding them to the pot. This creates a fantastic base for the Southwest profile.
- Ro-Tel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies: This ingredient is a cornerstone of Southwest flavor. Ro-Tel provides not only the juiciness of diced tomatoes but also a distinctive mild to medium heat from the green chilies. It’s crucial for that signature zest. We recommend draining the Ro-Tel before adding it to avoid excess liquid, but if you prefer a saucier dish, you can add some of the liquid.
- Black Beans: A staple in Southwest cooking, black beans add a creamy texture, earthy flavor, and a significant boost of protein and fiber to the dish. Always remember to rinse and drain canned black beans thoroughly before adding them to your slow cooker. This removes excess sodium and any starchy liquid, resulting in a cleaner flavor.
- Mexi-Corn (or Canned Corn with Peppers): This ingredient brings a lovely sweetness and a delightful crunch, along with a bit of extra color from the mixed peppers. If you can’t find Mexi-corn, a can of regular drained corn combined with a small can of diced green chilies (or a fresh diced bell pepper) makes an excellent substitute.
Optional Additions to Elevate Your Dish
While the basic recipe is fantastic on its own, feel free to customize it with additional ingredients to suit your taste preferences:
- Onions and Bell Peppers: Sautéing some diced onions and bell peppers (red, green, or yellow) before adding them to the slow cooker will add an extra layer of sweetness and aromatic depth.
- Spices: Enhance the Southwest profile with additional spices like smoked paprika, a pinch of cayenne for extra heat, or a dash of oregano.
- Garlic: Minced garlic can be added to the vegetable mixture for an aromatic boost.
- Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens all the flavors.
Crafting Your Crock-Pot Southwest Chicken: Step-by-Step
Preparing this dish is truly a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:
- Prepare the Beans and Tomatoes: Begin by rinsing and thoroughly draining your can of black beans. This step is essential for both flavor and reducing sodium. Next, drain your cans of Ro-Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies.
- Layer the Vegetables: Add the drained black beans, drained Ro-Tel, and the can of Mexi-corn to the bottom of your slow cooker. Give these ingredients a good stir to ensure they are well combined and evenly distributed. This forms a flavorful bed for your chicken.
- Add the Chicken: Place your chicken breasts directly on top of the vegetable mixture in the slow cooker. If you’ve chosen to season your chicken, this is the time to do so before placing it. The chicken will cook immersed in the delicious flavors from the vegetables below.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 6 hours. This slow, gentle cooking method ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the wonderful Southwest flavors. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours, but we recommend low for the best texture and flavor development.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, the chicken should be fork-tender and easily shreddable. You can shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker with two forks, mixing it with the vegetables, or remove it to shred and then return it to the pot. Serve immediately and savor the fantastic flavors!
Serving Suggestions for Your Southwest Chicken
This versatile Crock-Pot Southwest Chicken Dinner pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it easy to create a complete and satisfying meal:
- Spanish Rice: Our personal favorite! Serving the chicken mixture over a bed of fluffy Spanish rice is a classic combination that soaks up all the delicious juices.
- Tacos or Burritos: Shred the chicken and use it as a flavorful filling for tacos, burritos, or even quesadillas. Top with your favorite fixings like sour cream, shredded cheese, salsa, and fresh cilantro.
- Salad Bowls: For a lighter option, serve the chicken and vegetable mixture over a bed of crisp lettuce or mixed greens. Add avocado, a sprinkle of cheese, and a light vinaigrette for a vibrant salad.
- Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: Healthy alternatives that provide a great base for the flavorful chicken.
- Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread is perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
Don’t forget the toppings! A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime can take this meal to the next level.
Tips for Success and Customization
- Don’t Peek: Resist the urge to lift the lid of your slow cooker during cooking. Each time you do, heat escapes, adding about 15-20 minutes to the total cooking time.
- Spice it Up: If you love heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the vegetables. You can also choose “Hot” Ro-Tel for an extra kick.
- Make it Creamy: For a richer, creamier dish, stir in a block of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers are Gold: This recipe makes fantastic leftovers! Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s also great for meal prepping.
- Freezing Instructions: To freeze, allow the chicken mixture to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
I still remember the first time I made this for John. He loves anything spicy and Southwest flavored, and the amazing aroma filling the house as it cooked made him absolutely starving. He couldn’t even wait for me to snap a photo before digging in! It truly is a meal that brings joy and satisfaction.
Explore More Crock-Pot Creations
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease of slow cooking, you’ll be thrilled to discover more of our top Crock-Pot recipes. The slow cooker is incredibly versatile, capable of producing everything from savory main courses to delightful desserts!
- 1. Crock Pot Monkey Bread
- 2. Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole
- 3. Crock Pot Ham
- 4. Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff
- 5. Crock Pot Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken
- 6. Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage
- 7. Crock Pot Spicy Barbecue Kielbasa
- 8. Crock Pot Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa
- 9. Crock Pot Apple Crisp
- 10. Crock Pot Cajun Boiled Peanuts
And if you’re particularly fond of the zesty kick that Ro-Tel brings to dishes, be sure to explore more of our Rotel Recipes for even more culinary inspiration!
Discover a world of delicious possibilities with our copycat recipes, indulgent dessert recipes, and an extensive collection of Crock-Pot Recipes that will make mealtime a joy.
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Crock-Pot Southwest Chicken Dinner Recipe
Learn how to make this incredibly easy and flavorful Crock-Pot Southwest Chicken. A perfect weeknight dinner solution!
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Breast
- 2 cans RO-TEL Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (Drained)
- 1 can Black Beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 can Mexi-corn
Instructions
- Rinse and drain black beans thoroughly.
- Drain both cans of Ro-Tel diced tomatoes and green chilies.
- Add the drained black beans, drained Ro-Tel, and Mexi-Corn to the bottom of your crock pot.
- Stir all the added ingredients together until well combined.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetable mixture in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook for 6 hours on the LOW setting.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with the vegetables. Serve hot.
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 63
Recipe originally shared on April 8, 2013. Updated and expanded in November 2023.
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Crock Pot Southwest Chicken Dinner
I love cooking in the Crock Pot. It makes dinner so easy and quick to prepare. John loves anything spicy and southwest flavored. I knew instantly what I wanted to do with the chicken. I love how bright and vibrant all of the vegetables are in this recipe.
Ingredients
- Frozen Chicken
- Ro-Tel
- Black beans
- Mexi-corn
Serve over Spanish Rice or shred and use in tacos.
The Tyson Southwest Pepper Trio Seasoned Chicken Breast may not be available in your stores. We first made this recipe back in 2013 and since then the chicken is not produced. We switched to using chicken breast or another seasoned chicken breast.
Crockpot- We suggest using a crockpot that has a digital timer that automatically switches the slow cooker to warm after a set amount of time. This helps make sure your dinner cooks perfectly and you don’t have to stress about what time it is going to be done.
Directions
1. Rinse and drain black beans, drain Rotel
3. Add Black Beans, Rotel, and Mexi-Corn to the bottom of your crockpot
Stir ingredients together so they are well combined
4. Place Tyson Southwest Pepper Trio on top of the ingredients.
5. Cook for 6 hours on low
6. Serve and enjoy
The chicken will be flaky and taste great over the vegetables. I served the mixture over a bed of Spanish rice.
As I went to take a picture of the Tyson Southwest Pepper Trio Chicken in the crockpot I realized that John could not wait for me to take a picture and had to try a chunk of the chicken. He said coming home to the amazing smells of the chicken cooking was making him starving.
Top Crock Pot Recipes
1. Crock Pot Monkey Bread
2. Crock Pot Tater Tot Casserole
3. Crock Pot Ham
4. Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff
5. Crock Pot Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken
6. Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage
7. Crock Pot Spicy Barbecue Kielbasa
8. Crock Pot Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa
9. Crock Pot Apple Crisp
10. Crock Pot Cajun Boiled Peanuts
Rotel Recipes – Check out all of our recipes made with Rotel
Do you love recipes? Check out our copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and ourCrockPot Recipes.
Follow Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, for all of our recipe posts.
Crock Pot Southwest Chicken Dinner Recipe
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Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Breast
- 2 cans RO-TEL Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies Drained
- 1 can Black Beans rinsed and drained
- 1 can mexi-corn
Instructions
- Rinse and drain black beans
- Drain Rotel
- Add Black Beans, Rotel and Mexi-Corn to the bottom of your crock pot
- Stir ingredients together so they are well combined
- Place chicken breast on top of the ingredients.
- Cook for 6 hours on low
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 63
Recipe originally shared on April 8, 2013. Updated December 2020