Name: SLOW COOKER SANTA FE CHICKEN
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 1.5 lbs; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 28 oz can of diced fire-roasted tomatoes; 16 oz jar of red salsa, use your favorite; 4 oz can of fire-roasted diced green chiles; 15.5 oz can of black beans, rinsed and drained; 12 oz of frozen corn; 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro, or more; 2-3 green onions, sliced; 1 lime wedge; 1/3 CUP Mexican light cheese blend, or more

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This slow cooker Santa Fe chicken effortlessly combines Southwest-inspired flavors. Diced tomatoes, fire-roasted green chiles, red salsa, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and a blend of spices come together for a savory sauce. As the slow cooker works its magic, the chicken becomes tender and soaks in the rich flavors of the sauce. Each bite is bursting with flavors. The Crockpot takes care of the slow cooking, resulting in a tender and juicy Santa Fe chicken. It’s the perfect hassle-free dinner for busy weeknights.

Why You Will Love This Crockpot Santa Fe Chicken

It effortlessly comes together in the slow cooker.
It is an easy and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week.
Leftovers are great for meal prep and are easy to reheat!
The combination of spices adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
The chicken is tender, juicy, and infused with incredible flavor.

What Is Santa Fe Chicken?

Santa Fe chicken is a Southwestern-inspired chicken dish. Instead of cooking it in a pan, the slow cooker does all the work for a flavorful and easy meal. This Santa Fe chicken is made with ingredients such as fire-roasted tomatoes, diced green chiles, black beans, corn, cumin, and smoked paprika.

Ingredients Needed For Slow Cooker Santa Fe Chicken

Ingredients for slow cooker Santa Fe chicken

Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe.
Salt and Pepper: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: Use diced fire-roasted tomatoes.
Red Salsa: Use a jar of your favorite red salsa.
Diced Green Chiles: Use a can of fire-roasted diced green chiles.
Black Beans: Add a can of rinsed and drained black beans.
Corn: Use frozen, fresh, or rinsed and drained canned corn.
Chipotle Peppers In Adobo: Chop the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. They add incredible flavor and dimension to the dish.
Seasonings: Add garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for flavor.
Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded Mexican light cheese blend or your favorite cheese.
Cilantro: Top with fresh chopped cilantro.
Green Onions: Slice green onions and sprinkle them over top once done.

How To Make Slow Cooker Santa Fe Chicken

Step 1: Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Add the diced fire-roasted tomatoes, red salsa, fire-roasted diced green chiles, rinsed and drained black beans, corn, and chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the slow cooker. Then, add the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.

Santa Fe chicken ingredients in slow cooker

Step 3: Mix the ingredients in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add the seasoned chicken to the slow cooker. Then, submerge it in the ingredients.

Step 5: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook everything on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 6: Shred the fully cooked chicken with two forks on a cutting board. After that, add it back to the slow cooker, mix, and simmer on low for 10 minutes or until ready to serve.

Step 7: Top with cheese, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and a splash of lime.

How To Serve Santa Fe Chicken

Serve cooked slow cooker Santa Fe chicken on its own or on top of cooked brown rice, cauliflower rice, or white rice. Or, make burritos, quesadillas, nachos, tacos, or lettuce wraps with this slow cooker chicken. Top with shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, a splash of lime, or your favorite toppings!

Topping Ideas

Here are some of our favorite topping ideas for Santa Fe chicken!

Avocado
Guacamole
Light Sour Cream
0-fat Greek Yogurt
Cheese
Fresh Lime
Green Onions
Cilantro

Expert Tips

Ensure The Chicken Is Cooked: Before shredding the chicken, serving, and enjoying this dish, ensure the chicken is fully cooked and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
Shred The Chicken With Two Forks: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Then, use two forks to shred it. After you shred the chicken, add it back to the slow cooker and mix.
Use Your Favorite Salsa: Use a jar of your favorite red salsa or any salsa you like the flavor of.
Store Leftovers: This recipe makes enough for meal prep. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freeze them for later!
Cook On Low: It is best to cook the chicken on low in the slow cooker so it is juicy and doesn’t dry out.

Storage Instructions

This slow cooker chicken tastes delicious the next day as the flavors have had even more time to meld together. Store leftover cooked and shredded chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Store them for 3-4 days and reheat them in the microwave, the oven, or a saucepan over low heat on the stove.

Santa Fe Chicken Variations

Leave The Cooked Chicken Whole: You can shred the cooked chicken for this recipe or leave it whole. If you leave it whole, ensure it is fully cooked, and pour the ingredients from the slow cooker on top.
Salsa Substitution: If you don’t have a jar of salsa, use one 16-ounce container of pico de gallo instead.
What Corn To Use: We used frozen corn in this recipe. You could use fresh corn or a can of rinsed and drained canned corn instead.
Cilantro Substitution: If you don’t like cilantro, don’t worry! Omit it from the recipe altogether and just use the sliced green onions, or substitute it with chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Freeze Santa Fe Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze cooked slow cooker Santa Fe chicken. Let it cool completely, and then transfer it to freezer-safe bags. Store it in the freezer for 1-2 months.

How Long Does This Leftover Santa Fe Chicken Last?

Leftovers of this chicken will last 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Is Santa Fe Chicken Spicy?

This Santa Fe chicken recipe is mildly spicy. You can always make it more spicy by using a spicy salsa.

More Recipes To Try Next!

If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.