If you’re anything like me, some days just feel like a whirlwind, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s where these *dump and go crockpot dinners* come to the rescue! I can’t tell you how many hectic evenings I’ve saved with this recipe. You literally just toss everything into the crockpot, and let it do all the magic while you go about your day. This meal is perfect for busy families—just set it and forget it! By the time dinner rolls around, you’ve got a delicious, hearty dish waiting for you. Trust me, you’ll fall in love with how easy and satisfying it is!
Ingredients List
- 2 lbs chicken breasts – This is the star of the dish! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding later.
- 1 can black beans, drained – These add great protein and a lovely texture. Just give them a quick rinse to remove any excess liquid.
- 1 can corn, drained – Sweet and colorful, corn brings a pop of flavor. I love using frozen corn too if I have it on hand!
- 1 jar salsa – Choose your favorite salsa for a kick of flavor. Mild or spicy, it’s totally up to your taste preference.
- 2 tsp taco seasoning – This adds the perfect blend of spices to make everything taste like a fiesta! Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
- 1 cup shredded cheese – I like to use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack, but any cheese you love will do! This is for that melty, gooey goodness right before serving.
How to Prepare Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First things first, grab those chicken breasts! You want to place them whole into your trusty crockpot. Don’t worry about cutting them up now; they’ll become tender and easy to shred as they cook. Just lay them down at the bottom, and we’re ready to get this party started!
Step 2: Add Other Ingredients
Next up, it’s time to add the fun stuff! Toss in the drained black beans, corn, jar of salsa, and the taco seasoning all at once. It’s like a flavor fiesta in there! Make sure you get everything in—no ingredient left behind!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, take a big spoon and give everything a good stir. You want to mix it up so that the seasoning coats the chicken and the veggies are evenly distributed. This step is super important because it ensures that every bite is packed with flavor!
Step 4: Cover and Cook
Once you’re satisfied with the mix, cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook. If you’re in a hurry, go for the high setting and let it cook for about 3-4 hours. If you’ve got time on your hands, the low setting is your friend for 6-8 hours. Just make sure it’s cooked thoroughly—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe!
Step 5: Shred and Serve
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken (it’ll be hot!) and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart beautifully! Return the shredded chicken to the pot, mix it all in, and then sprinkle that cheese on top. Let it melt for a few minutes, and if you like, add some avocado or fresh cilantro for garnish. Now you’re ready to scoop it up with tortillas or serve it over rice. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—just 10 minutes to toss everything in!
- Minimal cleanup means more time to relax.
- Flavorful and satisfying with a perfect blend of spices.
- Gluten-free, making it suitable for various diets.
- Perfect for busy families or meal prep for the week!
Tips for Success
To make this dish even more delightful, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to match your taste! If you like it spicier, add a bit more taco seasoning or some diced jalapeños. Another great tip is to serve it with warm tortillas, fresh avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for that creamy contrast. You can also bulk it up by adding diced bell peppers or zucchini into the mix. And remember, this meal is fantastic for leftovers—just reheat and enjoy the next day. Trust me, it’s just as good, if not better!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each serving of this delicious dish (this is an estimate):
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 8g
It’s a nutritious and filling option that won’t leave you feeling weighed down—perfect for busy days!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken? Absolutely! Just toss the frozen chicken breasts directly into the crockpot. You’ll need to extend the cooking time by about an hour, but it still works like a charm.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning? No worries! You can easily make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Adjust to your taste for that personal touch!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes! Swap out the chicken for chickpeas or extra beans for a hearty, meatless option. Just keep the cooking times in mind, as beans are already cooked.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Print
Dump and Go Crockpot Dinners: 5 Easy Family Favorites
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy dump and go crockpot dinners for busy days.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 jar salsa
- 2 tsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Add black beans, corn, salsa, and taco seasoning.
- Stir to combine ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred chicken before serving.
- Sprinkle cheese on top before serving.
Notes
- Serve with tortillas or rice.
- Can add avocado for garnish.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: dump and go crockpot dinners
