Crockpot Fiesta Chicken with Mango Salsa
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy ditching the hot oven? Me too! These crockpot summer meals are a total game changer. Honestly, this Crockpot Fiesta Chicken with Mango Salsa is summer on a plate.
It's packed with flavour and so ridiculously easy.
Brief Overview
This dish is my take on some crockpot Mexican recipes , and is inspired by dishes from south-of-the-border. I love how it brings a bit of sunshine to any meal.
This recipe is super easy. From start to finish, it takes about 4 hours, and it makes enough for six hungry people.
Main Benefits
One of the best things about this recipe? It's a relatively healthy option! Chicken is a great source of protein.
And it's perfect for a backyard BBQ or a casual weeknight dinner. What makes this recipe special is the fresh mango salsa recipe .
It's like a party in your mouth!
So, why this Crockpot Fiesta Chicken with Mango Salsa is Awesome?
This recipe is perfect for those hot days. We are talking about easy summer dinner recipes ! I wanted something that was both delicious and required minimal effort.
So, I took an old favourite and adopted it for the summer.
It's one of those easy crockpot recipes for hot weather that you can throw together in the morning and forget about until dinnertime.
Plus, the summer slow cooker chicken tacos are always a hit.
We are talking about one of my favourite healthy crockpot summer meals . The flavours just burst with freshness. You can customize everything to your taste.
Get ready to have a summer slow cooker chicken tacos adventure!
Let's get straight to it. Next we'll need to assemble all the ingredients.
Ingredients & Equipment: Get Ready to Fiesta!
So, you're ready to dive into making some awesome crockpot summer meals ? Fantastic! This recipe for Crockpot Fiesta Chicken with Mango Salsa is all about easy, fresh flavours.
Let's get our ducks in a row, shall we?
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter
Here's the lowdown on what you'll need:
- Chicken: 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Seriously, get good quality chicken. You can almost always tell the difference.
- Black Beans: 1 can (15-ounce/425g), rinsed and drained. Nobody wants that can juice messing things up.
- Corn: 1 can (15-ounce/425g), drained. Frozen works too, but canned is just so easy.
- Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles: 1 can (10-ounce/283g) Rotel is my go-to.
- Taco Seasoning: 1 packet (1 ounce/28g). store-bought is fine, but homemade is always better.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml). Just a bit to get things going.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh garlic makes a huge difference. Trust me.
- Lime: 1 , juiced. That zesty zing is crucial.
- Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce: 1 , minced (optional). For that smoky heat. Omit if you're not into the spice.
Mango Salsa Magic:
- Mangoes: 2 , diced. Ripe, but not too ripe, you know? You don't want mush.
- Red Onion: 1/2 , finely diced. Adds a nice bite.
- Cilantro: 1/2 cup (113g), chopped. If you're one of those people who thinks cilantro tastes like soap, use parsley instead.
- Jalapeño: 1 , seeded and minced (optional). More heat, more fun!
- Lime: Juice of 1 . Balance those sweet mangoes!
- Salt and pepper to taste. Obvs.
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town, Population: You
This is where you can really make it your own, and try some really easy summer dinner recipes ! The taco seasoning is the base, but don't be afraid to add extra cumin or chili powder.
A pinch of smoked paprika can also do wonders. For a chipotle chicken slow cooker vibe, add an extra chipotle pepper.
Or if you really want to make this feel like authentic crockpot Mexican recipes , use your own favourite chilli powders.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Slow Cooker/Crockpot: A 6-quart (or larger) one is perfect. No need to be fancy. This will create some amazing summer slow cooker chicken tacos
- Large Bowl: For the mango salsa recipe .
- Fork: For shredding the chicken.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Because, precision, innit?
Honestly, that's all you need. No fancy gadgets required for these healthy crockpot summer meals ! This recipe is all about enjoying simple flavours and easy cooking.
Plus, it’s a good way to make easy crockpot recipes for hot weather ! So, get those ingredients ready, and let's get cooking some slow cooker fiesta recipes ! And remember, crockpot chicken recipes are your friend during the summer!
Cooking Method: Crockpot Fiesta Chicken with Mango Salsa
Oh my gosh, you guys! Summer is officially here, and that means one thing: less time in the kitchen and more time soaking up the sun.
Forget slaving over a hot stove! Let's talk crockpot summer meals .
I'm so excited to share my favourite easy summer dinner recipes : Crockpot Fiesta Chicken with Mango Salsa. This recipe is insanely easy and packed with flavour.
It's practically summer in a bowl! This also makes a fantastic summer slow cooker chicken tacos . If you are in the mood for other crockpot Mexican recipes , you could add other ingredients such as enchilada sauce.
Prep Steps: Get Your Fiesta On!
First, the essential mise en place . Chop those mangoes, dice that red onion, and mince that garlic. Honestly, the chopping is the hardest part.
A good mango salsa recipe is a must have for summer, and this one is a winner. This is one of my favorite easy crockpot recipes for hot weather .
For time saving organization tips , prep your salsa ingredients while the chicken is cooking. Talk about multitasking!
step-by-step: From Chicken to Fiesta
- Place chicken in your slow cooker with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 cloves minced garlic.
- Top the chicken with 1 can black beans, 1 can corn, 1 can diced tomatoes and green chiles (like Rotel).
- Sprinkle 1 packet taco seasoning, juice from 1 lime and 1 minced chipotle pepper (optional) over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4- 6 hours or on high for 2- 3 hours .
- Remove chicken and shred with forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot and mix with the sauce.
- Mix 2 diced mangoes, 1/2 diced red onion, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, lime juice in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve shredded chicken in warm tortillas with mango salsa and toppings.
That is it! A fantastic choice from crockpot chicken recipes .
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Fiesta
Want to be a slow cooker superstar? Here are a few tricks.
Spice it up! Adjust the chipotle chicken slow cooker to your liking. Don't be afraid to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or jalapeno for extra heat.
Avoid overcooking the chicken. Overcooked chicken in a slow cooker can become dry and stringy.
This recipe is a great base for other slow cooker fiesta recipes .
Recipe Notes for Your Crockpot Summer Meals
Right then, let's talk about this amazing crockpot fiesta chicken with mango salsa ! It's proper lush. It feels like such a summer meal to me.
Honestly, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure it turns out banging. I had one time I cooked the chicken for too long.
.. disastrous. I share here my own experience on that recipe and I have created it for myself to ensure I don't fail myself.
Serving Suggestions: Get Your Fiesta On!
Think about how you want to plate this up. It's all about the presentation , innit?
- I reckon serving this family style with bowls of the summer slow cooker chicken tacos filling, fresh mango salsa recipe , and toppings is a winner. Get everyone involved!
- Complementary sides : Mexican rice, refried beans, maybe some proper lush guacamole with tortilla chips. Wash it down with a cold Mexican beer or some tangy margaritas. Sorted!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
You've got leftovers? Lucky you!
- Refrigeration : Pop any leftover chicken in an airtight container and it'll be grand in the fridge for up to 3 days. Easy peasy!
- Freezing : This bad boy freezes really well! Put it in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool completely before freezing.
- Reheating : Reheat in the microwave or on the hob until piping hot, about 165° F ( 74° C) . If it's frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge first.
Variations: Make it Your Own
Fancy a bit of a change?
- Dietary Adaptations : Make this healthy crockpot summer meals by using gluten-free tortillas. For a low-carb option, ditch the tortillas and serve it over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps : No mangoes? No worries! Use peaches or pineapple in the salsa. Get creative with whatever is fresh and in season.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This easy summer dinner recipe isn't just tasty; it's pretty decent for you too! Each serving packs a punch of protein and fiber. Approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 10g
The slow cooker fiesta recipes are generally good for you if you don't overdo it with sour cream and cheese.
And let's be honest, the mango salsa recipe adds a load of vitamins.
So there you have it! With these tips, you're all set to nail this easy crockpot recipes for hot weather .
Honestly, even if you're a bit rubbish in the kitchen, this recipe is so forgiving. Give it a go, and let me know how it turns out! It might become one of your favorite crockpot chicken recipes or even your new go-to crockpot Mexican recipes or even a chipotle chicken slow cooker .
Happy cooking! I believe in you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really use my crockpot in the summer? Won't it heat up my kitchen like a furnace?
Absolutely! That's the beauty of these crockpot summer meals. Unlike firing up the oven, your slow cooker uses minimal electricity and keeps the heat contained, so you can enjoy delicious, home cooked meals without turning your kitchen into the Sahara.
Plus, it frees you up to actually enjoy the sunshine, rather than being stuck inside cooking.
My chicken always seems dry when I cook it in the crockpot. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the dreaded dry chicken! The key is not to overcook it. Chicken breasts are lean, so they can dry out easily. Aim for the lower end of the cooking time (4 hours on low, 2 hours on high), and check for doneness the internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).
You can also try adding a little extra liquid or placing the chicken on top of the other ingredients so it steams as it cooks.
I'm not a fan of mango. What else can I use in the salsa?
No worries, not everyone's a mango fan! Peaches or pineapple make excellent substitutes in the salsa, providing a similar sweet and tangy flavour. You could even try a more savoury salsa with tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Get creative and tailor it to your tastes that's what cooking's all about, innit?
Can I make this Crockpot Fiesta Chicken ahead of time?
You bet! This is a great make-ahead meal. You can cook the chicken in the crockpot and shred it up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Make the mango salsa on the day you plan to serve, or a day ahead if you must, but be aware it'll be at its freshest if made on the same day.
Just warm the chicken and assemble your tacos when you're ready to eat.
I'm watching my waistline is this Crockpot Summer Meal healthy?
Absolutely, it can be! This recipe is packed with protein and fibre, and it's relatively low in fat. To keep it even healthier, use whole wheat tortillas or even lettuce wraps instead of tortillas. You could also consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and load up on the veggies.
Be mindful of the sodium content in the taco seasoning and opt for a low-sodium version if needed.
What are some other variations of this Crockpot Summer Meals recipe?
There are loads of variations you can try! For a vegetarian option, add sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and an extra can of beans in place of the chicken. For a spicier kick, try adding jalapenos or cayenne pepper in place of chipotle peppers, or if you want to add another layer of flavour consider adding a can of green chilies
Crockpot Fiesta Chicken With Mango Salsa
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 8g |
