Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Chicken

When life gets extra hectic, like it has been lately, I turn to my good ol’ friend the slow cooker.  I don’t use it all that often–maybe every other month–but it’s always such a time saver when I have a million other things to do.  I mean, what could be better after a long day of work and errands than coming home to a delicious-smelling house and a finished dinner?

slow cooker tex mex chicken

This one was flavorful and healthy.  The colors of the dish were great on the table.  I served it with a small side salad, but this mixture would be great on top of a salad, for a burrito filling, or as a topping for amazing nachos!

Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Chicken

adapted from www.marthastewart.com

printer-friendly recipe

Ingredients:

1 c. dried pinto beans, rinsed

1 1/2 c. (11 oz.) good quality mild or medium salsa

2-3 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, chopped

2 TBSP all-purpose flour

1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts

coarse salt and ground pepper, to taste

1 large yellow onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper (ribs and seeds removed), chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed

1/4 c. low-fat sour cream, for serving

1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

4 scallions, white and green parts chopped, for serving

Directions:

1.  In a five to six-quart slow cooker, stir together beans, salsa, chiles, flour, and 1 c. water. 

2.  Season chicken with salt and pepper; arrange on top of bean mixture.  Scatter onion, bell pepper, and garlic on top of chicken. 

3.  Cover and cook on low heat for eight hours.  Do not open lid or stir–I promise it’s working! 

Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred into large pieces.  Return chicken to slow cooker and  Top with sour cream, cilantro,and scallions.  Serves six as a main course.

one year ago: The first item I checked off my 30 While 30 list–English muffins.

two years ago: Memories of a fantastic trip to Mexico and easy, healthy fish tacos.

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11 Comments

  1. Shawnda
    February 16, 2011 / 9:51 am

    I'm *so* making this next week as tacos. Thanks for sharing!

  2. Rebel Mel
    February 16, 2011 / 12:44 pm

    You expect me to let this cook for 8 hours and not open the lid once!? That's my one compulsive thing about slow cooking.., I constantly open the lid and check on it. Bookmarked this! 🙂

  3. Pretend Chef
    February 16, 2011 / 1:18 pm

    I hate to admit this but my guy's mom had given me a crock pot when we first moved in together and that was almost 4 years ago. The thing has never seen the light of day. I don't know why I don't use it but I need to. What a great recipe to do so. Yummy!

  4. That Girl
    February 16, 2011 / 5:46 pm

    I can't even begin to describe how exited I get when I see a beautiful chili recipe like this.

  5. All Things Yummy
    February 16, 2011 / 11:48 pm

    Looks so yummy and easy.

  6. cailen ascher
    February 17, 2011 / 5:33 pm

    slow-cooker meals are always so satisfying. and they make the house small fabulous!cute blog!til next time,cailenwww.cailenascher.blogspot.com

  7. Anonymous
    December 30, 2011 / 3:39 am

    How much water????

  8. Kelsey
    January 1, 2012 / 11:29 pm

    Oh my! I'm sorry about the water issue. You should add about 1 cup water, possibly more as the beans absorb it. I've corrected the recipe. Thanks for the spot!

  9. Jess E
    January 5, 2012 / 9:31 pm

    I made this today and it's really good! It's a bit spicy for me, but I'm pretty wimpy! I'm actually serving this over sweet cornbread muffins. My husband is salivating. 😀

  10. Anonymous
    January 12, 2012 / 6:58 pm

    Can this be made on a high setting?

  11. Kelsey
    January 13, 2012 / 9:15 pm

    I'm not sure about the high setting. I've never tried it that way and would hesitate to give you a definitive answer. My inclination would be to say yes because most slow cooker recipes work that, but I'm not certain. If you try it, please let me know how it goes!

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