Slow Cooker Taco Chicken and Rice

If you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly dinner that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Taco Chicken and Rice is about to become your new favorite! With just 5 simple ingredients, this comforting crockpot meal is packed with bold taco flavor, tender shredded chicken, and cheesy Mexican rice.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you need a stress-free dinner everyone will love. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, let it work its magic, shred, stir, and serve with your favorite taco toppings!

Ingredients

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
• 1 (1-oz) packet taco seasoning
• 1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes & green chiles (undrained)
• 1 (7.6-oz) box cheesy Mexican rice

Instructions

1. Place Chicken in Slow Cooker
   Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Mix the Sauce
   In a bowl, combine taco seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and undrained diced tomatoes with green chiles.
3. Pour Over Chicken
   Spread the mixture evenly over the chicken.
4. Cook
   • LOW: 6–8 hours
   • HIGH: 3–4 hours
5. Shred the Chicken
   Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir to coat in sauce.
6. Prepare the Rice
   Cook rice according to package directions.
7. Combine & Serve
   Stir cooked rice into the shredded chicken mixture. Serve warm with your favorite taco toppings.

Serving

Top your taco chicken and rice with:

• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Sour cream
• Diced avocado or guacamole
• Fresh cilantro
• Jalapeños
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Salsa or pico de gallo

Serve with warm tortillas or a side salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep it creamy.

Meal Prep Idea:
Divide into containers and top with cheese separately for easy grab-and-go lunches!

Variations

1. Spicy Kick Version
   Add diced jalapeños or use hot Rotel for extra heat.
2. Creamier Version
   Stir in 4 oz cream cheese at the end of cooking.
3. Black Bean Boost
   Add 1 can drained black beans before cooking for extra protein and fiber.
4. Corn Fiesta Style
   Mix in 1 cup frozen or canned corn for sweetness and texture.
5. Low-Carb Option
   Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice.
6. Nacho Style
   Serve over tortilla chips with melted cheese for loaded taco nachos.
7. Burrito Bowl Style
   Add lettuce, pico de gallo, and extra rice for a Chipotle-style bowl.
8. Quesadilla Filling
   Use mixture as filling for crispy chicken quesadillas.
9. Taco Stuffed Peppers
   Stuff into halved bell peppers and bake 15 minutes.
10. Tex-Mex Ranch Twist
    Add 1 packet ranch seasoning with taco seasoning.
11. Cheesy Overload
    Stir in 1 cup shredded cheese before serving.
12. Green Chile Upgrade
    Add an extra small can of green chiles for bold flavor.
13. Rotisserie Shortcut
    Use pre-cooked shredded chicken and cook only 2 hours on LOW.
14. Vegetable Packed Version
    Add diced zucchini, onions, and bell peppers.
15. Enchilada Style
    Replace cream of chicken soup with red enchilada sauce for a smoky flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless skinless thighs work perfectly and stay extra juicy.

2. Do I cook the rice in the slow cooker?
No, prepare the rice separately according to package directions.

3. Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Absolutely! Use about 2–3 tablespoons.

4. Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mild. Use hot diced tomatoes if you prefer more heat.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use an 8-quart slow cooker if doubling.

6. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream soup and skip cheese toppings.

7. What size slow cooker works best?
A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal.

8. Can I cook from frozen chicken?
For safety, thaw chicken first before slow cooking.

9. How do I prevent dry chicken?
Avoid overcooking and shred as soon as it’s tender.

10. Can I turn this into tacos?
Yes! Serve in tortillas instead of mixing with rice.

Slow Cooker Taco Chicken and Rice is the ultimate easy crockpot dinner. It’s creamy, flavorful, customizable, and perfect for busy families. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is guaranteed to become a regular in your monthly meal rotation.

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