Description
This Cheesy Southwest Crockpot Chicken and Rice is the ultimate busy-weeknight solution. Slow-cooked chicken breasts, black beans, corn, and zesty green chiles create a protein-packed base, finished with a creamy, cheesy blend and fluffy rice for a comforting one-pot-style meal.
Ingredients
The Slow Cooker Base
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
The Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
The Finish
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
Layer: Place chicken at the bottom of the crockpot. Top with onion, beans, corn, and tomatoes.
Liquid: Pour in the soup and milk. Sprinkle with taco seasoning, paprika, and pepper.
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours (or HIGH for 3–4 hours).
Shred: Remove chicken, shred with forks (or a hand mixer), and return to the pot.
Combine: Stir in the cooked rice and 1 cup of cheese until creamy.
Melt: Top with the remaining cheese, cover for 3–5 minutes until melted, and serve.
Notes
Rice Readiness: Use pre-cooked (ideally day-old) rice. Cold, firm grains hold their shape better against the heavy sauce.
Rinse Your Beans: Always rinse canned black beans to avoid a murky grey sauce caused by excess starch.
Cheese Quality: Grate your own cheddar from a block for a better ‘cheese pull’ and smoother melt compared to pre-shredded options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Southwest American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 Cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: crockpot southwest chicken and rice, slow cooker chicken and black beans, easy cheesy chicken rice, rotel chicken crockpot, family weeknight dinner, high protein slow cooker meals