Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy dinner? Look no further! This spicy chicken breast slow cooker recipe is your answer. Perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal, this recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken bursting with flavor. Forget complicated cooking techniques – this is homemade cooking at its simplest and most satisfying. It's one of those quick dinner ideas that will become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup salsa (your favorite kind!)
Instructions:
- Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step adds a delicious depth of flavor.
- Slow Cooker Magic: Place the seared chicken breasts (or un-seared if skipping step 1) in your slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth and salsa over the chicken.
- Cook it Low and Slow: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Shred and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. You can return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker to keep it warm in the cooking liquid. Serve immediately over rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or your favorite vegetables.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the slow cooker: Allow space between the chicken breasts for even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. For extra heat, add more!
- Use bone-in chicken: For even richer flavor, try using bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. Add about 30 minutes to the cooking time.
- Thicken the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the cooked chicken and simmer the cooking liquid on the stovetop for a few minutes until it reduces. A cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) can also help thicken the sauce.
Delicious Variations:
- Lime Cilantro Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lime, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
- BBQ Chicken: Replace the salsa with your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Teriyaki Chicken: Substitute the salsa and spices with teriyaki sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on 4 servings and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 5-10g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This spicy chicken breast slow cooker recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that are both healthy and delicious. It's perfect for meal prepping, making it a great choice for busy individuals or families. Enjoy this flavorful and convenient dish – it's one of the best recipes you'll find for a simple yet satisfying weeknight meal.