Crockpot Southwestern Chicken Recipe Easy Chicken Recipe Meat Recipe

Crockpot Southwestern Chicken Recipe Easy Chicken Recipe Meat Recipe is a easy Southwestern American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking With Sandra Fay on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 3 hrs | Total: 3 hrs 35 min

Cost: $13.22 total, $3.31 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces Chicken Leg Quarters (skin removed, excess fat trimmed)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder (pantry staple)
  • 1 tbsp McCormick Complete Seasoning (or any all‑purpose seasoning blend)
  • 1 tsp Sazón Seasoning (Latin‑style seasoning packet)
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (approx. two capfuls, use gloves to avoid staining)
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce (plain, no added herbs)
  • 1 cup Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (canned, 10 oz)
  • 1/2 medium Onion (peeled and diced)
  • 1/2 piece Bell Pepper (any color, diced)
  • 1 tsp Chicken Bouillon Powder (adds depth of flavor)

Instructions

  1. Trim Chicken

    Remove the skin from each leg quarter and cut away any excess fat using a knife or kitchen shears.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Wash Chicken

    Rinse the trimmed chicken under cold running water to remove any slime, then pat dry with paper towels.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Season Chicken

    Sprinkle garlic powder, McCormick seasoning, Sazón, and black pepper evenly over both sides of each piece. Rub the spices in with your hands.

    Time: PT4M

  4. Add Oil

    Drizzle two capfuls (about 2 Tbsp) of vegetable oil over the seasoned chicken and rub it in, wearing gloves to avoid staining your hands.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Prepare Sauce

    In a mixing bowl combine tomato sauce, Rotel, chicken bouillon powder, and the remaining seasoning blend. Stir until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Add Veggies to Sauce

    Dice half a medium onion and half a bell pepper; add them to the sauce mixture and stir well.

    Time: PT4M

  7. Spray Crock Pot

    Lightly coat the inside of the crock pot with non‑stick cooking spray, covering the sides as well as the bottom.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Load Crock Pot

    Place the seasoned chicken quarters into the crock pot in a single layer. Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is evenly coated.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Cook on High

    Cover the crock pot, set it to the HIGH setting, and cook for about 3 hours, or until the chicken is fork‑tender and easily pulls apart.

    Time: PT3H

  10. Rest and Serve

    Turn off the crock pot, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then serve hot. Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges if desired.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, High-Protein, Dairy-Free

Allergens: None (may contain soy in Sazón seasoning)

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Crockpot Southwestern Chicken Recipe Easy Chicken Recipe Meat Recipe

Recipe by Cooking With Sandra Fay

A flavorful, low‑fat Southwestern‑style chicken cooked low‑and‑slow in a crock‑pot. Seasoned with garlic powder, Sazón, tomato sauce, Rotel and fresh veggies, this easy dinner is perfect for meal‑prep or a quick family supper.

EasySouthwestern AmericanServes 4

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

Source Video
32m
Prep
3h 1m
Cook
26m
Cleanup
3h 59m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$13.22
Total cost
$3.31
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Removing skin and excess fat
  • Washing chicken thoroughly to eliminate slime
  • Seasoning both sides of the chicken evenly
  • Mixing the sauce and vegetables thoroughly
  • Coating the chicken completely with sauce before cooking
  • Cooking on HIGH for the full 3 hours until tender

Safety Warnings

  • Always wash hands and all surfaces after handling raw chicken
  • Use gloves when handling oil to avoid skin irritation
  • Crock pot becomes very hot; use pot holders when removing the lid

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Southwestern Chicken in American Southwest cuisine?

A

Southwestern Chicken reflects the blend of Mexican and Native American flavors that define the American Southwest. The use of Rotel, Sazón, and chili‑infused tomatoes traces back to Tex‑Mex cooking, while slow‑cooking methods were popularized by ranch families seeking easy, one‑pot meals.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Southwestern Chicken in the Southwest United States?

A

In Texas, the dish often includes smoked paprika and cumin, while New Mexico versions add green chile powder or roasted Hatch chiles. Some cooks also incorporate black beans or corn for a heartier stew.

cultural
Q

How is Southwestern Chicken traditionally served in the Southwest?

A

It is commonly served over rice, with warm corn tortillas, or alongside a simple side of refried beans. Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced avocado are typical garnishes that add brightness to the rich sauce.

cultural
Q

During what occasions or celebrations is Southwestern Chicken typically enjoyed in Southwestern cuisine?

A

The dish is popular for family gatherings, weekend barbecues, and casual potlucks. Its one‑pot nature makes it a favorite for game‑day meals and church socials in the Southwest.

cultural
Q

What other Southwestern dishes pair well with Southwestern Chicken from Cooking With Sandra Fay?

A

Pair it with Mexican street‑style corn (elote), a side of cilantro‑lime quinoa, or a simple avocado and tomato salad. For a full Southwest feast, serve alongside black bean soup or churro‑style cinnamon sugar dessert.

cultural
Q

What makes Southwestern Chicken special or unique in Southwest American cuisine?

A

The combination of low‑fat chicken leg quarters, bright Rotel tomatoes, and Sazón seasoning creates a tangy, mildly spicy profile that’s both hearty and lighter than traditional fried chicken dishes. Cooking it in a crock pot preserves moisture while infusing the spices throughout the meat.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Southwestern Chicken in a crock pot?

A

Common errors include not removing the skin/fat, which can make the dish greasy; under‑seasoning the chicken; and cooking on LOW for too short a time, resulting in tough meat. Always season both sides and cook on HIGH for the full 3 hours for tenderness.

technical
Q

Why does this Southwestern Chicken recipe use the HIGH setting on the crock pot instead of LOW?

A

High provides a quicker, more vigorous simmer that breaks down the lean leg‑quarter meat faster, ensuring the chicken becomes fork‑tender within 3 hours. Low would require 6‑8 hours and may leave the meat slightly firmer.

technical
Q

How do I know when Southwestern Chicken is done cooking in the crock pot?

A

The chicken should easily pull apart with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C). The sauce should be thickened and coating the pieces, with a gentle bubbling visible near the end of cooking.

technical
Q

Can I make Southwestern Chicken ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare and season the chicken, then refrigerate up to 12 hours before cooking. After cooking, store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3‑4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking With Sandra Fay specialize in?

A

Cooking With Sandra Fay focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that emphasize healthy ingredients, quick techniques, and comfort‑food twists. Sandra often shares weight‑loss friendly tips and encourages viewers to customize dishes for personal dietary goals.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cooking With Sandra Fay's approach to Southwestern cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Sandra emphasizes low‑fat preparation, such as removing chicken skin and trimming excess fat, while still delivering bold Southwest flavors. Her step‑by‑step narration, use of everyday pantry items, and encouragement to share, like, and comment set her apart from more gourmet‑focused channels.

channel

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