Crockpot Tex Mex Chicken

Crockpot Tex Mex Chicken is my absolute favorite meal prep recipe when I need healthy, flavorful lunches ready for the entire week. This dump-and-go recipe uses just five simple ingredients and transforms into tender, shreddable chicken bursting with bold Tex-Mex flavors. I love knowing that I can throw everything in the slow cooker before work and come home to dinner that’s completely ready.

The first time I made this recipe, I was skeptical that something so simple could taste so good. But after one bite of that perfectly seasoned, tender chicken mixed with black beans and corn, I was completely sold. This Crockpot Tex Mex Chicken has become my go-to for busy weeks when I need versatile protein that works in bowls, tacos, salads, or even as a dip. The beauty of this easy Tex Mex chicken recipe is how the salsa, taco seasoning, and slow cooking work together to create deeply flavored, juicy meat without any effort.

I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and it never disappoints.

What You’ll Need for This Crockpot Tex Mex Chicken

I always use chicken breasts for this recipe because they’re lean and shred beautifully, but chicken thighs work wonderfully too if you prefer darker meat. Pro tip: using a good quality salsa makes a huge difference in the final flavor, so choose one you actually enjoy eating.

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 8 oz salsa of choice (mild, medium, or hot depending on preference)
• 15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup frozen corn

My personal tip: I prefer using fresh or restaurant-style salsa rather than jarred salsa for this Crockpot Tex Mex Chicken. The chunks of tomato, onion, and cilantro add so much more texture and authentic flavor.

How to Make This Easy Tex Mex Chicken

I recommend using crockpot liners for this recipe to make cleanup a breeze. Just peel out the liner when you’re done and toss it, no scrubbing required.

Step 1: Pour your salsa into the bottom of the crockpot first. This creates a flavorful base and prevents the chicken from sticking to the bottom during cooking. Place the chicken breasts on top of the salsa, then sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken. Add the rinsed and drained black beans and frozen corn directly on top. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the ingredients, making sure there’s sauce underneath the chicken so it doesn’t end up sticking or drying out.

Step 2: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with a fork. The longer, slower cooking on LOW produces the most tender, juicy results for your easy Tex Mex chicken recipe.

Step 3: Once the cooking time is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Pull the forks in opposite directions to create tender shreds. The chicken should fall apart easily and absorb all those delicious juices. Stir everything together so the shredded chicken mixes with the beans, corn, and flavorful sauce. Serve hot in your preferred way, whether that’s in taco shells, over a burrito bowl, in a salad, or straight from the pot as a hearty dip.

Pro tip: For even easier shredding, use a hand mixer on low speed for about 30 seconds. This trick shreds the chicken in seconds and saves your arms from the fork method. Just be careful not to overmix or you’ll end up with chicken paste instead of nice shreds.

Best Sides for Crockpot Tex Mex Chicken

This versatile Tex Mex chicken works beautifully with classic Mexican-inspired sides that complement the bold flavors.

Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices provides the perfect base for this saucy, flavorful chicken. The grains soak up all those delicious juices.

Tortilla Chips and Guacamole: Crunchy chips with creamy, rich guacamole add texture contrast and healthy fats. The cool avocado balances the warm, spiced chicken perfectly.

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice: For a lighter, low-carb option, cauliflower rice with fresh cilantro and lime juice keeps things nutritious while adding bright, fresh flavors that complement this easy Tex Mex chicken recipe.

Refried Beans: Creamy, smooth refried beans add extra protein and fiber. They pair naturally with the Tex-Mex seasonings and make the meal even more filling.

Mexican Street Corn Salad: Sweet corn tossed with lime juice, cotija cheese, and chili powder provides a refreshing, tangy side that’s perfect for summer gatherings.

More Easy Crockpot Chicken Favorites

This simple Crockpot Tex Mex Chicken pairs perfectly with other set-it-and-forget-it chicken recipes that deliver big flavor with minimal effort. For creamy Italian-inspired chicken, the Slow Cooker Parmesan Garlic Chicken Sandwiches offer tender chicken in a rich garlic sauce perfect for sandwich night. The Crock Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili brings similar Tex-Mex flavors with a creamy, comforting twist.

When craving more chicken dinner options, try the flavorful Best Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles for an Asian-inspired meal, or enjoy the comforting Best Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta that comes together quickly. The Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup offers another easy way to enjoy tender chicken in a satisfying meal.

Keeping Your Crockpot Tex Mex Chicken Fresh

Store leftover Tex Mex chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually develop and intensify after a day in the fridge, making leftovers even better than the fresh batch.

When reheating, you can use the microwave for individual portions by heating in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through. For stovetop reheating, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the mixture seems dry. The chicken reheats beautifully without drying out.

Pro tip: Freeze this Crockpot Tex Mex Chicken in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed. This makes meal prep incredibly easy. You can have healthy, delicious lunches ready to grab all month long.

Common Questions About Crockpot Tex Mex Chicken

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