This Healthy Creamy Crockpot Fiesta Chicken is a true winner! Made with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a tasty blend of spices, it’s both vibrant and delicious.
Cooking it in a crockpot means all those flavors mix beautifully while you go about your day. I love serving it with rice or tortillas and piling on avocado for that extra touch! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. They stay juicy and flavorful when cooked low and slow. You could also use thighs for a richer taste, or if you’re vegetarian, try using chickpeas or tofu instead!
Salsa: A good salsa is key! Homemade is often healthier, but any low-sugar store-bought kind will work. My personal favorite is one with a bit of heat. If spice isn’t your thing, choose a mild one or even a sauce made from diced tomatoes.
Cream Cheese: For a lighter option, light cream cheese is great. If you’re dairy-free, there are vegan cream cheese alternatives available that can provide the same creamy texture.
Greek Yogurt: This adds protein and creaminess. Regular plain yogurt works too, or you can skip it if you’re sensitive to dairy – though I find it really rounds out the flavors!
How Do I Keep the Chicken Tender and Flavorful?
The secret to tender chicken lies in the slow cooking! Here are some tips:
- Use low heat! Cooking on low for 6-7 hours allows the chicken to soak up all the flavors.
- Trim any fat from the chicken to help it cook evenly and stay tender.
- Make sure the chicken is submerged in the sauce. This helps keep it juicy.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot right before adding the cream cheese for maximum flavor absorption.
Trust me, your chicken will be a hit when you use these tips! Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️
Healthy Creamy Crockpot Fiesta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup salsa (preferably homemade or low-sugar)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (use light cream cheese for a healthier option)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (for extra creaminess and protein)
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: diced avocado, lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. So, you can set it up in the morning and have a delicious meal ready by dinner time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This is the base of your dish, so make sure they’re lined up nicely!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, salsa, diced bell peppers, diced onions, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well to mix those wonderful flavors together.
3. Combine in the Crockpot:
Pour the tasty salsa-spice mixture over the chicken breasts. Ensure the chicken is well coated in the flavorful goodness!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be tender and fully cooked through—just check with a meat thermometer if you’re unsure; it should reach 165°F.
5. Shred the Chicken:
When the chicken is ready, use two forks to shred it right in the crockpot. This is easy and lets the chicken soak up even more of that delicious sauce!
6. Add Creamy Ingredients:
Add the softened cream cheese and the Greek yogurt into the crockpot. Stir everything together until the mixture is creamy and all combined.
7. Melt the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the chicken mixture and cover the crockpot for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will help the cheese to melt perfectly.
8. Adjust Seasoning:
Give it a taste! You can adjust the seasoning if needed, like adding a pinch more salt or pepper based on your preference.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Healthy Creamy Crockpot Fiesta Chicken hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. You can also add some diced avocado and lime wedges on the side for extra flavor!
10. Pair It Up:
This dish goes wonderfully with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your meal and the wonderful flavors that you created!
FAQ for Healthy Creamy Crockpot Fiesta Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to cook it on the high setting for about 4-5 hours instead of low. This ensures it’s fully cooked through and reaches the appropriate temperature.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if it gets too thick!
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cream cheese and Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives. Look for cashew cream, coconut yogurt, or almond-based cream cheese to keep it creamy and delicious.
What Best Sides Can I Serve with This Dish?
This Fiesta Chicken pairs beautifully with rice, tortillas, or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking to keep it low-carb. A fresh side salad or some roasted veggies would also complement it perfectly!
