Go Back
Southwest Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

Southwest Crock Pot Chicken and Rice

Southwest Crock Pot Chicken and Rice is a comforting, flavor-packed slow cooker dinner that's easy to prepare and perfect for busy families. With tender chicken, cheesy rice, beans, and Southwest-inspired spices, it's a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • For Serving
  • Diced avocado
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Sour cream optional

Method
 

  1. Lightly grease the slow cooker.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Add the onion, garlic, diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, chicken broth, taco seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked.
  5. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
  6. Stir the uncooked rice into the slow cooker.
  7. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix well.
  8. Cover and cook on HIGH for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Stir once or twice during cooking if possible.
  9. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for about 5 minutes.
  10. Serve topped with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime.

Notes

  • Long-grain white rice cooks more evenly than instant rice.
  • Stir the rice once during cooking if possible for even texture.
  • Add a splash of broth if the mixture becomes too thick.
  • Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.