Effortless & Delicious: Summer Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Summer is here, and that means more time enjoying the sunshine and less time slaving away in the kitchen! This Summer Crockpot Chicken recipe is your new best friend. It’s incredibly easy, unbelievably flavorful, and perfect for those hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven. Imagine tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked to perfection with vibrant summer flavors. This family-friendly recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. So, ditch the takeout menus and get ready to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal with minimum effort.
Why You’ll Love This Summer Crockpot Chicken
- Super Easy: Just dump the ingredients in and let the crockpot do its magic.
- Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love the simple, delicious flavors.
- Versatile: Serve it in tacos, salads, sandwiches, or alongside your favorite sides.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with protein and customizable with healthy ingredients.
- Perfect for Summer: No oven required, keeping your kitchen cool!
Ingredients for Summer Crockpot Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs(can use a chicken tenderloin recipes in crockpot)
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained (or 1 cup frozen corn)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- Optional: 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (for a little heat)
- Optional: Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Substitutions: Feel free to swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a richer flavor. You can also use different beans, such as pinto beans, or add other veggies like zucchini or squash. For a keto crockpot recipes version, omit the corn and beans, and add diced avocado for healthy fats after cooking.
How to Make Summer Crockpot Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Crockpot: Lightly spray your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Dump and Stir: Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chicken broth, taco seasoning, onion, and bell pepper over the chicken. If using, add jalapeño.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. This works perfectly as one of various crockpot recipes slow cooker.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks.
- Return to Crockpot: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve as desired.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken can become dry. Check for doneness after 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high.
- Add Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegan Variation: Substitute the chicken with 1-2 cans of lentils or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.
This recipe also works excellent with chicken thigh recipes crockpot!
Serving Suggestions
This Summer Crockpot Chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:
- Tacos or Burritos: Pile the chicken into tortillas with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
- Salad: Serve over a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a healthy and refreshing meal.
- Rice Bowls: Combine with cooked rice, black beans, corn, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Nachos: Layer the chicken on top of tortilla chips with cheese, jalapeños, and other nacho toppings.
- Sandwiches: Use as a filling for sandwiches or sliders.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover Summer Crockpot Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the crockpot. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. You can use this chicken to create amazing easy dinner recipes crockpot.
FAQ about Summer Crockpot Chicken
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: While it’s best to use thawed chicken for optimal texture, you can cook frozen chicken in the crockpot. Add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time. Also, be sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This is one of the many easy crockpot chicken recipes that is extremley versatile.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Prepare the chicken in the crockpot in the morning and let it cook all day. Shred the chicken and keep it warm or refrigerate for later use. These are the reasons why people love crockpot dinner recipes
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your taco seasoning is also gluten-free. There are several healthy crockpot recipes that are gluten free as well.
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
A: Yes, you sure can! Brown it first, then drain it, then add it to the crockpot with the remainder of the ingredients. This would be perfect if you are looking for ground beef crockpot recipes.
Q: Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies. Diced sweet potatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions. You even add some Boston button recipes crockpot!
Final Thoughts on Summer Crockpot Chicken
This Summer Crockpot Chicken is your ticket to easy, delicious, and stress-free summer meals. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest boards for future reference, leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out, and subscribe to my blog for more easy and delicious recipes!
Summer Crockpot Chicken
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Non-stick cooking spray
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs (can use chicken tenderloin)
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn drained (or 1 cup frozen corn)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- 0.5 cup chopped onion
- 0.5 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 1 jalapeño seeded and minced (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Lightly spray your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chicken broth, taco seasoning, onion, and bell pepper over the chicken. If using, add jalapeño.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve as desired.
