Crock Pot Mexican Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup mild salsa)
(medium if you like spicy
- 3-4 tablespoons brown sugar
**
- 1 4 oz. can mild diced green chilies
- 1 14.5 oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes
drained), (or regular
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tsp EACH ground cumin
garlic powder, onion powder
- 1/2 tsp EACH smoked paprika
dry oregano, pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper)
(optional for more heat
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- Hot sauce to taste
Directions
- 1
Rub chicken breasts with oil and place in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add all of the remaining ingredients except for the hot sauce. Cook on high for 2-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken is tender enough to shred.
- 2
Shred the chicken and let it cook on low for an additional 20 minutes to absorb some of the liquid/juices. Drain all excess liquid (see note***). Taste and add hot sauce to taste if desired.
Crock Pot Mexican Chicken
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About this Recipe
Craving flavorful, tender Mexican chicken for all your favorite meals without spending hours in the kitchen? This Crock Pot Mexican Chicken recipe makes it effortless to create incredibly versatile, seasoned shredded chicken with minimal effort.
The magic lies in the slow cooker's ability to transform simple ingredients into intensely flavored, shreddable chicken with a "dump and run" approach. Simmered low and slow with a robust blend of Mexican spices, savory salsa, and mild green chilies, the chicken becomes infused with deep, satisfying flavors that taste like they've been cooking all day.
You'll be greeted with incredibly tender, moist chicken that practically shreds itself, swimming in a rich, aromatic sauce. Each bite bursts with the vibrant, earthy notes of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion, balanced by a hint of sweetness from the brown sugar and a subtle smokiness from the paprika and liquid smoke. This amazing flavor profile makes it the perfect base for everything from hearty tacos and burritos to loaded nachos, filling soups, or refreshing salads.
Customization & Variations:
- For a spicier kick, opt for medium salsa and increase the amount of the optional ground chipotle chili pepper, or add hot sauce to taste at the end.
- If you don't have fire roasted diced tomatoes on hand, regular diced tomatoes work perfectly fine.
- The brown sugar helps to balance the savory and acidic notes, and you can adjust it slightly to your preference.
This slow cooker Mexican chicken is a weeknight warrior, ready to become the star of countless easy meals. Serve it generously in tortillas for tacos or burritos, spoon it over crispy tortilla chips for nachos, or incorporate it into a vibrant grain bowl. It's also fantastic as a protein boost for everyday salads or comforting soups.