Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken
Looking for a super easy, flavor-packed dinner
that will have everyone asking for seconds?
This Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken is your new go-to for busy weeknights. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little bit of patience, you’ll have juicy, tender chicken smothered in a creamy, zesty sauce that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or even over rice.
It’s hands-off cooking at its best—set it and forget it,
and let the slow cooker do the work!
For Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken
- Chicken Breasts – I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this dish, but you can substitute with thighs if you prefer dark meat.
- Hidden Valley Ranch Mix – A spicy or fiesta ranch seasoning packet is used for a zesty flavor boost.
- Black Beans – A can of black beans, drained, adds protein and fiber to the dish.
- Whole Kernel Corn – A can of drained corn brings a sweet and crunchy texture.
- Rotel® Tomatoes – These tomatoes (do not drain) add a burst of flavor and just the right amount of spice.
- Cream Cheese – A block of cream cheese adds creaminess and richness to the dish.
- Yellow Onion – A small diced onion brings a bit of sweetness and depth to the flavor.
Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken
Looking for a quick, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken is the ultimate hands-off recipe that combines tender, shredded chicken with creamy, zesty flavors.
Print
Pin
Servings: 8
Calories: 356kcal
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 oz. packet of spicy or fiesta Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning mix (can be labeled as dressing or dip)
- 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained
- 1 can (15.25 oz.) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz.) Rotel® tomatoes (do not drain)
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- 1 small sweet yellow onion, diced
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken.
- Add the drained corn, black beans, Rotel tomatoes, and diced onion. Place the block of cream cheese on top.
- Cover with the slow cooker lid. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
- After cooking, shred the chicken using two forks right in the slow cooker.
- Stir the cream cheese into the shredded chicken and other ingredients until fully combined.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- How to reduce spice:
- If you prefer a milder version, try using mild Rotel tomatoes, or substitute with a 16 oz. jar of mild salsa or a can of diced tomatoes.
- Replace the spicy ranch mix with a regular ranch mix.
- How to make it lower in fat:
- Skip the cream cheese.
- Use fat-free or low-fat sour cream and low-fat tortillas, or serve it on a salad instead.
- Serve on tortillas for burritos or tacos.
- Make a burrito bowl by serving over rice and topping with cheese.
- Enjoy in crunchy taco shells.
- You can use chicken thighs, cooked ground chicken or turkey, or leftover rotisserie chicken (cook for less time).
- Other beans, like pinto beans or red beans, can also be used.
- If spicy ranch is hard to find, a regular ranch packet works just as well.
Nutrition
Calories: 356kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 700mg | Potassium: 856mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 598IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 2mg
Save
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes! If you’re in a rush or don’t have fresh chicken, frozen chicken breasts work just as well. Simply add them directly to the slow cooker, and cook on HIGH for 4–5 hours or on LOW for 6–7 hours until they’re tender and easy to shred.
- How can I make this recipe less spicy?
If you’re not a fan of the spice, simply swap the spicy or fiesta ranch seasoning with a regular ranch packet. You can also use mild Rotel tomatoes or substitute them with a jar of mild salsa or canned diced tomatoes for a much gentler flavor.
- Can I make this dish lower in fat?
Absolutely! For a lighter version, skip the cream cheese. You can serve it with fat-free or low-fat sour cream, or use low-fat tortillas or a salad base for a healthier meal.
- What can I serve this Fiesta Chicken with?
There are so many ways to enjoy this! Serve it in tortillas for tacos or burritos, over a bowl of rice for a satisfying meal, or even in crunchy taco shells for that extra crunch.
- How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply use the microwave or warm it on the stove until it’s hot and ready to serve.
