Easy Crockpot Southwestern Chicken

Easy Crockpot Southwestern Chicken is a easy Tex-Mex recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Ashley Qurollo on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 4 hrs 30 min | Total: 5 hrs

Cost: $16.83 total, $4.21 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 breasts Frozen Chicken Breasts (about 1 lb each, no need to thaw)
  • 1 can (15 oz) Corn (drained)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes (drained)
  • 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Chili Powder (optional, omit for low‑sodium diet)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground if possible)
  • 2 cups White Rice (uncooked; cook according to package instructions)
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream (optional topping)
  • 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (optional topping)
  • 2 tbsp Pickled Jalapeños (optional, sliced)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Canned Ingredients

    Open the cans of corn, diced tomatoes, and black beans. Drain the corn and tomatoes; rinse and drain the black beans.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Add Chicken to Crock‑Pot

    Place the frozen chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the Crock‑Pot.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Add Vegetables and Beans

    Scatter the drained corn, diced tomatoes, and black beans over the chicken.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Season the Mixture

    Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, optional chili powder, salt, and black pepper over everything. Stir gently to combine.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Cook on High

    Cover the Crock‑Pot and set it to High. Cook for 4 to 5 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is easily shreddable.

    Time: PT4H30M

    Temperature: High setting (approx. 300°F internal)

  6. Shred the Chicken

    Using two forks, pull the chicken apart into bite‑size shreds and stir them back into the sauce.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Prepare Rice and Serve

    While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice according to package directions. Spoon the shredded chicken mixture over a bed of rice and top with optional sour cream, shredded cheese, and sliced jalapeños.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
45g
Fat
5g
Fiber
8g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Low-Fat, Dairy-Free if toppings omitted

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Easy Crockpot Southwestern Chicken

Recipe by Ashley Qurollo

A simple, hands‑off Tex‑Mex inspired chicken dinner made in a slow cooker. Frozen chicken breasts, corn, diced tomatoes, and black beans are seasoned with onion and garlic powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper, then cooked on high for 4‑5 hours. Shred the chicken and serve over rice with optional toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and jalapeños.

EasyTex-MexServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
17m
Prep
4h 35m
Cook
35m
Cleanup
5h 27m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$16.83
Total cost
$4.21
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cooking chicken until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Shredding the chicken while it is still hot for easy texture.
  • Seasoning the dish before cooking to allow flavors to meld.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw chicken with clean hands and sanitize all surfaces after contact.
  • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illness.
  • Be careful when removing the hot lid of the Crock‑Pot; steam can cause burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Tex‑Mex chicken dishes like this Crock‑Pot chicken in American cuisine?

A

Tex‑Mex cuisine blends Mexican flavors with American cooking methods, creating comfort dishes that are quick and affordable. Slow‑cooker chicken with beans, corn, and spices reflects the tradition of using pantry staples to feed families on busy weekdays.

cultural
Q

What are traditional regional variations of chicken and bean meals in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

In Texas, chicken is often paired with pinto beans, black beans, or refried beans and seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and sometimes smoked paprika. In northern Mexico, similar dishes may include tomatillo salsa or chipotle peppers for a smoky flavor.

cultural
Q

How is this Crock‑Pot chicken traditionally served in Tex‑Mex households?

A

It is commonly served over a bed of white or brown rice, topped with fresh salsa, shredded cheese, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños, and accompanied by warm tortillas or cornbread.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations feature chicken and bean dishes in Tex‑Mex culture?

A

These hearty meals are popular for family gatherings, game‑day parties, and casual weekend dinners because they can be prepared ahead and feed a crowd with minimal effort.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Tex‑Mex chicken and bean stew versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include black or pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, and fresh cilantro. Substitutes can be canned beans of another type, frozen corn, or using ground cumin in place of fresh, without compromising the flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What other Tex‑Mex dishes pair well with this Crock‑Pot chicken and rice?

A

Serve alongside guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, Mexican street corn (elote), or a simple avocado‑lime salad for a balanced meal.

cultural
Q

How does this recipe fit into the broader Tex‑Mex cuisine tradition?

A

It embodies the Tex‑Mex emphasis on bold spices, beans, corn, and convenience, using a slow cooker to create a comforting, one‑pot meal that mirrors the region’s love for hearty, flavorful dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this Crock‑Pot chicken?

A

Common errors include not seasoning before cooking, stacking the chicken breasts which leads to uneven cooking, and forgetting to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before shredding.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a slow cooker on High instead of Low for the chicken?

A

Cooking on High reduces total time to about 4‑5 hours, which fits a busy weekend schedule, while still allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender enough to shred.

technical
Q

Can I make this Crock‑Pot chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients the night before, refrigerate them in a sealed container, and start cooking in the morning. Leftovers store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Ashley Qurollo specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Ashley Qurollo focuses on quick, family‑friendly meals that use everyday pantry ingredients and kitchen gadgets like slow cookers, emphasizing simplicity and budget‑conscious cooking.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Ashley Qurollo's approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Ashley Qurollo emphasizes minimal prep and the use of frozen or canned components to create authentic‑tasting Tex‑Mex dishes without requiring fresh specialty items, making the cuisine accessible for home cooks with limited time.

channel

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