If you’re looking for a simple and delicious meal to serve your family, look no further than Southwest Crock Pot Chicken and Rice. This dish is packed with flavors, easy to make, and requires minimal effort. Perfect for busy days, it cooks slowly in a crock pot, allowing the ingredients to blend together beautifully.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, it’s a one-pot meal, which makes for easy clean-up. Second, it’s versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste or dietary needs. Lastly, it’s hearty and filling, making it a perfect choice for a cozy family dinner.
How to Make Southwest Crock Pot Chicken and Rice
Making Southwest Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is straightforward. Just follow the steps below for a tasty meal that’s sure to please everyone.
Ingredients:
- 4 Chicken Breasts
- 1/2 Onion (diced)
- 1 can Black Beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can Corn (drained)
- 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 Tbsp Taco Seasoning
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 3 cups Cooked White Rice
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
Directions:
- Place the chicken at the bottom of a crock pot.
- Top with the beans, corn, tomatoes, onion, cream of chicken soup, milk, paprika, taco seasoning, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the crock pot.
- Stir in the cooked rice and 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
- Top with the remaining cheese. Cover and let the cheese melt for 3-5 minutes.
- Serve immediately and store leftovers in an airtight container. Enjoy!
How to Serve Southwest Crock Pot Chicken and Rice
This dish can be served warm, straight from the crock pot. You can top it with additional shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado for extra flavor. Pair it with a simple salad or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
How to Store Southwest Crock Pot Chicken and Rice
To store leftovers, place the chicken and rice in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to cool it completely before placing it in the freezer.
Tips to Make Southwest Crock Pot Chicken and Rice
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to add more or less taco seasoning based on how spicy you like your food.
- Add more veggies: You can include bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Make it creamy: For a creamier dish, increase the amount of cream of chicken soup or add some cream cheese.
Variation
You can switch out the chicken for shredded beef or turkey to change up the flavor. For a vegetarian option, use tofu or skip the meat altogether and add more beans and veggies.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that cooking times may increase when starting with frozen meat.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
While this recipe is designed for a crock pot, you can adapt it to the stovetop. Just sauté everything in a large pot, add the cooked rice, and simmer until heated through.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To make it spicier, consider adding jalapeños, hot sauce, or using a spicier taco seasoning blend.
