Slow Cooker Taco Chicken and Rice is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender shredded chicken, savory spices, and wholesome ingredients—all cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious and satisfying dinner with minimal preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Preparation: Simply combine the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work.

Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of taco seasoning, salsa, and vegetables creates a rich, savory flavor profile.

Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a standalone dish, in tortillas, or over a bed of lettuce for a taco salad.

Family-Friendly: A dish that’s sure to please both adults and children alike.

Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers store well, making it ideal for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
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Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot based on your preference)

1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 oz)

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn (frozen or canned)

1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

1 small onion, diced

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Sour cream for serving (optional)

Directions
Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Add Ingredients: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken. Add the salsa, chicken broth, uncooked rice, black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, and diced onion. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the rice is submerged in the liquid.

Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
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Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts, shred them using two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for about 5 minutes.

Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and Timing
Servings: 6

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high

Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 15 minutes

Variations
Spicier Version: Use hot salsa or add diced jalapeños for extra heat.

Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with turkey or beef for a different flavor profile.

Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add extra beans or tofu for a meatless meal.

Cheesy Twist: Mix in cream cheese or a cheese sauce for a creamier texture.

Add Greens: Stir in spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrients.

Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to prevent drying out.

FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the cooking time and add extra broth as needed.

Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Feel free to add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.

Is it necessary to cook the rice separately?
No, the rice cooks in the slow cooker along with the other ingredients, absorbing the flavors.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but ensure they are fully thawed before adding to the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.

What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with a side salad, tortilla chips, or warm tortillas.

Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, add hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or use a spicier salsa to increase the heat.

How can I make this dish creamier?
Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese towards the end of cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, ensure that the taco seasoning and other ingredients used are certified gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume.

How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
Avoid overcooking and ensure the correct ratio of liquid to rice. If concerned, you can cook the rice separately and stir it in just before serving.

Conclusion
Slow Cooker Taco Chicken and Rice is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd. With its combination of tender chicken, savory spices, and wholesome ingredients, it’s a meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to the table. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a reliable and delicious choice.

Slow Cooker Taco Chicken and Rice

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Author: Olivia
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 6 servings

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Description

This Slow Cooker Taco Chicken and Rice is a hearty, one-pot meal packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors. With tender shredded chicken, seasoned rice, beans, corn, and melty cheese, it’s an easy and delicious dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Instructions

Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker.
Sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken, then add salsa and chicken broth.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
After initial cook time, remove chicken and shred with two forks.
Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add rice, black beans, corn, bell pepper, and onion. Stir well.
Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 1.5 to 2 hours, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Sprinkle cheese over the top and cover for a few minutes until melted.

Serve topped with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.

Notes

Brown rice can be used but may require extra liquid and longer cooking time.
Make it spicier with jalapeños or hot salsa.

Leftovers make great burrito or taco fillings.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours total
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker