Slow Cooker Latin Style Chicken

Delicious, hearty and satisfying, this is how I would describe this slow cooker chicken dish that I made last week.  My son in Calgary made it so many times, I had to make it myself to see why he loves it so much. After five hours of slow cooking, the chicken and potato were very tender and tasted so good. The addition of black beans and kernel corn made it even better, in texture and in taste. The spices used were not too strong but just enough to give this wonderful dish a distinct flavorful taste. As suggested by my son, I had this dish with steamed rice and a sprinkle of lime juice and fish sauce over it. Yummy!

Cooking Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken

For the best results with your slow cooker Latin style chicken, it really helps to sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. Browning the chicken in a skillet adds another layer of flavor and color, making the dish even more appealing. If you have time, consider marinating the chicken in the spices for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply. Additionally, try to cut your potatoes into uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and become nice and tender. When layering ingredients in the slow cooker, place the heartier items like potatoes and beans on the bottom. The chicken should go on top, allowing the juices to drip down and keep everything moist. Lastly, avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking. Each time you open the lid, heat escapes, which can increase cooking time and affect the final texture.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

When it comes to serving this dish, feel free to get creative. While I enjoyed it with steamed rice, you can also serve it with quinoa or even over a bed of fresh greens for a lighter option. Adding toppings can elevate the dish, so consider garnishing with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. If you want to spice things up, a few slices of jalapeno or a sprinkle of chili flakes can add some heat. For variations, try swapping the chicken for turkey or using different beans like pinto or kidney beans. If you prefer a vegetarian version, chickpeas can be a hearty substitute. For a tangy twist, consider adding a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies to the mix. This will change the flavor profile and add a bit of zest. Experimenting with these variations can keep the dish exciting and suited to your taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Chicken breasts will work, but they can dry out more easily in the slow cooker. Thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful, so if you can, stick with them.

What can I substitute for black beans?

If you’re not into black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans are great alternatives. They’ll give you a similar texture and flavor.

How should I store leftovers?

Let the chicken cool down, then transfer it to an airtight container. It should last in the fridge for up to four days, or you can freeze it for longer storage.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Sure! You can chop the veggies and marinate the chicken the night before. Just store everything separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

What should I serve with this dish?

Steamed rice is a great choice, but you could also serve it with tortillas or a side salad. A sprinkle of lime juice adds a nice touch too.

Slow Cooker Latin Style Chicken

Liza A

Juicy, slow-cooked chicken thighs mingle with sweet potatoes, vibrant bell peppers, and hearty black beans in a flavorful salsa broth. It's an effortless and tasty meal that warms the soul.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Total Time 5 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Latin American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 lbs skinless bone-in chicken thighs
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves divided
• 1 large sweet potato cut into chunks
• 1 red bell pepper cut into strips
• 1 18.25 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 341 ml/11.53 oz can peaches and cream whole kernel corn (canned corn),drained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup mild salsa
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 3 large cloves garlic chopped

Instructions

 

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet; season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sprinkle 1/4 cup cilantro over the chicken thighs; brown the chicken in the frying pan, 3 to 5 minutes each side.
• Arrange the chicken in the bottom of a slow cooker. Place the sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, black beans and kernel corn on top of the chicken. Mix together the chicken broth, 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, salsa, cumin, allspice, and garlic together in a bowl; pour into the slow cooker. Set slow cooker to LOW and cook for 5 hours.
• Optional: If you want a thicker sauce, whisk 2 tbsp flour in 2 tbsp water; stir into slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for another 15 minutes or until sauce thickens.
• Serve over steamed rice. Sprinkle with lime juice and chopped cilantro.
• Enjoy!

Notes

Recipe adapted: allrecipes.ca

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 30gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5g

Keyword chicken, easy dinner, Latin style, one pot, slow cooker

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