Hey there! If you’re like me and love the idea of tossing a few ingredients into a crockpot and coming back to a flavorful meal, you’re in for a treat! This easy crockpot recipe with few ingredients is not only super simple but also downright delicious. I remember the first time I tried this – I was exhausted after a long day, and the last thing I wanted was to spend hours cooking. So, I threw some chicken, salsa, and beans into my trusty crockpot, and let it work its magic. When I returned, the whole house smelled amazing, and dinner was practically done! Trust me, once you taste the juicy chicken and zesty flavors, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner!
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs of chicken breast
- 1 cup of salsa
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of corn, frozen or canned
- 1 tsp of cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, place your chicken breast right in the bottom of the crockpot. Make sure it’s nice and spread out so it cooks evenly.
- Next, pour in that vibrant salsa. This is where the flavor starts to build, so don’t skimp on it!
- Then, add the black beans. Just drain and rinse them beforehand to get rid of any extra saltiness. We want the good stuff here!
- Now, toss in the corn—frozen or canned works perfectly. You can even use fresh corn if it’s in season for that extra sweetness!
- Sprinkle the cumin over the top, and add salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a gentle stir to combine—but don’t overdo it; we want the chicken to stay intact!
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. I usually go for low if I have the time; it really allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.
- When it’s done cooking, take a couple of forks and shred the chicken right in the pot. It should fall apart effortlessly! You can stir everything together again to distribute those amazing flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick to prepare—just 15 minutes of hands-on time!
- Only requires a handful of simple ingredients, making it budget-friendly.
- The flavors are out of this world; you’ll be amazed at how tasty it is!
- It’s a healthy option that’s packed with protein and fiber.
- Perfect for busy days; just set it and forget it while it cooks to perfection.
- It’s versatile—great for tacos, burritos, or served over rice!
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, so you can enjoy it again!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure this easy crockpot recipe turns out perfectly every time! Here are my top tips to help you nail it:
- Go for quality chicken: Using fresh, good-quality chicken breast makes a big difference! If you can, grab some organic or free-range chicken for the best flavor.
- Customize the spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, add some chili powder or paprika for a little kick! You can even toss in some chopped jalapeños if you like it spicy.
- Adjust cooking time based on your crockpot: Every crockpot is a bit different in terms of heat, so keep an eye on it the first time you make this. If your chicken shreds easily after 5 hours, you might be good to go!
- Make it vegetarian: Swap out the chicken for a can of chickpeas or extra beans if you want a plant-based option. Just adjust the cooking time to about 3-4 hours on low.
- Don’t skip the shredding: Shredding the chicken right in the pot helps it soak up all that delicious sauce, so don’t skip this step! It makes everything extra flavorful.
- Plan for leftovers: This dish freezes well, so if you have any extra, just store it in an airtight container. You’ll thank yourself later when you have an easy meal ready to go!
Variations
Now, let’s have some fun with this easy crockpot recipe! There are so many ways to switch things up and make this dish your own. Here are a few variations that I love:
- Protein Swap: If chicken isn’t your thing, you can easily use beef or pork. Just cut it into chunks and follow the same instructions. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or a mix of beans instead!
- Spice It Up: Want to add some heat? Toss in a teaspoon of chipotle powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try a dash of curry powder for a unique flavor!
- Add More Veggies: Amp up the nutrition by throwing in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes. Just make sure to chop them into uniform pieces, so they cook evenly.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten up the dish. Add them just before serving for a burst of color and flavor!
- Cheesy Goodness: For a creamy twist, stir in some cream cheese or shredded cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It adds a delicious richness that’s hard to resist!
- Mexican Twist: To give it a true Mexican flair, add some taco seasoning or a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. You’ll have a fiesta in your crockpot!
With these variations, you can keep this recipe fresh and exciting every time you make it. Get creative and find your favorite combination!
Serving Suggestions
So, you’ve got this fabulous easy crockpot dish ready to go, and now it’s time to think about what to serve with it! The great thing about this recipe is that it’s super versatile, and there are so many delicious options to complement those flavors.
- Rice: A fluffy bed of rice is always a classic choice! I love using cilantro lime rice to add a little zing, but plain white or brown rice works just as well.
- Tortillas: If you’re in the mood for something a bit more fun, grab some warm tortillas and make tacos or burritos! Just pile on your shredded chicken goodness and add your favorite toppings.
- Salad: A fresh salad can lighten up the meal beautifully. Try a simple garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette or a corn and avocado salad for a refreshing crunch!
- Guacamole and Salsa: You can’t go wrong with a side of guacamole and salsa! They add a creamy and tangy touch that perfectly balances the flavors of the dish.
- Chips: Serve some tortilla chips on the side for a crunchy element. You can dip them in the salsa or load them up with the chicken mixture for a fun snack!
- Beans: For a heartier side, black beans or refried beans are a great match. They not only complement the main dish but also add extra protein and fiber.
Whichever sides you choose, I promise they’ll make your meal even more satisfying. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional information for this easy crockpot recipe with few ingredients. Keep in mind that these values are based on typical ingredients and can vary slightly based on brands and specific measurements, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re getting:
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal option. Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself well while savoring every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the crockpot. Just keep in mind that you may need to add an extra hour to the cooking time on low. I always recommend checking to ensure it’s fully cooked before shredding!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the chicken mixture for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating!
Can I make this dish in a traditional pot instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can! Just follow the same instructions, but cook it on the stovetop over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Keep an eye on it, and stir occasionally!
What can I serve with this dish?
This easy crockpot recipe pairs beautifully with rice, tortillas, or even a fresh salad. Guacamole and salsa make great sides too! You can really customize it to your taste.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly. It’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrition!
Easy Crockpot Recipes with Few Ingredients for Busy Days
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious crockpot recipe that requires minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs of chicken breast
- 1 cup of salsa
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of corn, frozen or canned
- 1 tsp of cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken breast in the crockpot.
- Add salsa, black beans, corn, and cumin.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the chicken before serving.
Notes
- Serve with rice or tortillas.
- You can substitute chicken with beef or beans for a vegetarian option.
- This dish freezes well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: easy crockpot recipes with few ingredients
