Make Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice Recipe With One Pot Ease

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker taco chicken & rice dish means transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Busy weeknights demand simple yet delectable solutions that satisfy everyone at the table.

Vibrant spices and tender chicken create a magical combination that feels like a culinary adventure.

Mexican-inspired flavors weave through each bite, promising comfort and excitement on your plate.

Perfectly balanced ingredients meld together, creating a one-pot wonder you’ll want to devour.

Quick preparation meets delicious results, making this recipe a weeknight hero.

Prepare to experience a meal that brings zest and ease directly to your dinner table.

Ingredients For Taco Chicken & Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts perfect for slow cooking.

• Taco Seasoning: Zesty spice blend for Mexican-style flavor.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy base for rich sauce.

• Undrained Tomatoes: Juicy, tangy addition to the dish.

• Mexican Rice: Pre-packaged rice mix with traditional seasonings.
• Salsa: Fresh tomato-based condiment.
• Cheese: Melty topping for extra richness.
• Sour Cream: Cool and creamy garnish.

Steps To Make Chicken Taco Rice

Step 1: Kickstart the Chicken Base

Place chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker, ensuring they sit comfortably at the bottom of the pot.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Taco seasoning
• Cream of chicken soup
• Diced tomatoes (with juices)

Whisk the ingredients together until thoroughly blended.

Step 3: Pour and Prep

Gently pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well-coated.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Low setting: Cook for 6-8 hours
• High setting: Cook for 3-4 hours

Step 5: Shred and Soften

Once cooking is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken directly inside the slow cooker, mixing it with the flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Rice Integration

Prepare Mexican-style rice according to package instructions.

Fold the cooked rice into the shredded chicken, creating a harmonious blend.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Transfer the chicken and rice mixture to serving dishes.

• Fresh salsa
• Shredded cheese
• Creamy sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños

Enjoy your zesty, comforting meal!

Pro Tips For Chicken Taco Rice

• Add a dash of chili powder or cumin to the taco seasoning mix for an extra flavor punch that elevates the entire dish.
• Choose bone-in chicken breasts or thighs to keep the meat moist and tender during the long slow cooking process.
• Allow the rice to sit in the slow cooker for 10-15 minutes after mixing to help it absorb the delicious chicken and sauce flavors.
• Experiment with fresh additions like diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or pickled jalapeños to personalize your taco chicken experience.
• This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep and quick weeknight dinners.

Store And Reheat Taco Chicken & Rice

• Store leftover taco chicken and rice in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled mixture to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Pour chicken and rice into skillet, add splash of water or broth. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated completely, about 5-7 minutes.

Sides For Chicken & Rice Taco Dish

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Mix a classic lime margarita to complement the spicy taco chicken flavors, cutting through the richness with a tangy citrus kick.
• Serve with Fresh Cilantro Slaw: Create a crisp, cool side salad with shredded cabbage, lime juice, and fresh cilantro to balance the warm, hearty slow cooker dish.
• Match with Mexican Cerveza: Choose a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to refresh the palate and enhance the dish's southwestern profile.
• Add Creamy Guacamole: Prepare a homemade guacamole with ripe avocados, diced onions, and lime juice to provide a smooth, creamy contrast to the spicy chicken and rice.

Variations On Chicken Taco Rice

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using same seasonings and cooking method for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free taco seasoning, corn-based rice, and verify cream of chicken soup is gluten-free to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining flavor profile and nutritional value.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or increase cayenne pepper in taco seasoning for those who enjoy extra heat and bold southwestern flavors.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need for the taco chicken and rice?

You’ll need chicken breasts, taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, canned tomatoes, and Mexican rice mix. Optional toppings include salsa, cheese, and sour cream.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They tend to be more tender and flavorful compared to chicken breasts, and they’ll still shred perfectly in the slow cooker.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning you use. If you want a milder version, choose a mild taco seasoning or reduce the amount. For more heat, select a spicy version or add some hot sauce.

• Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the slow cooker?

No, you can add the chicken breasts directly to the slow cooker without browning. The slow cooking process will ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Why Taco Chicken & Rice Is A Go-To

• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Packed with zesty taco seasoning and creamy textures, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a crowd-pleasing experience.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Easily customize with your favorite toppings like salsa, cheese, and sour cream, transforming a simple chicken and rice recipe into a personalized feast.
• Hands-Off Cooking Convenience: Perfect for busy households, this recipe allows you to set it and forget it, returning to a scrumptious meal that requires minimal kitchen work.

Slow Cooker Taco Chicken & Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired slow cooker taco chicken & rice brings zesty flavors to family dinner tables with minimal effort. Tender chicken nestled in seasoned rice creates a hearty meal you can enjoy without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 or 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds / 907 grams)

Seasoning and Sauce:

• 1 (1-ounce / 28 grams) package taco seasoning
• 1 (10.5-ounce / 298 grams) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10-ounce / 283 grams) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained

Rice:

• 1 (7.6-ounce / 215 grams) box Old El Paso cheesy Mexican rice

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Instructions

1. Nestle raw chicken breasts into the slow cooker’s ceramic basin, creating a single layer.
2. Whisk taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and diced tomatoes in a separate mixing container until thoroughly combined.
3. Cascade the seasoned liquid mixture directly over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Secure the slow cooker lid and program the appliance to LOW temperature for 6-8 hours or HIGH temperature for 3-4 hours.
5. After cooking duration concludes, utilize two forks to meticulously shred the chicken within the cooking liquid, creating tender, flavor-infused meat strands.
6. Simultaneously prepare Mexican rice according to package guidance, ensuring fluffy and well-seasoned grains.
7. Gently fold the cooked rice into the shredded chicken, allowing the grains to absorb the rich, spicy cooking juices.
8. Transfer the chicken and rice mixture to serving dishes, creating an inviting presentation.
9. Enhance the dish with vibrant toppings such as fresh salsa, shredded cheese, tangy sour cream, and chopped cilantro for added texture and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning to match personal heat preferences.
• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for extra moisture and richer flavor, ensuring tender meat after slow cooking.
• Use low-sodium taco seasoning and soup to control salt content, perfect for health-conscious individuals or those watching sodium intake.
• Transform this dish into a gluten-free meal by selecting gluten-free taco seasoning and rice, making it accessible for people with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg