Slow Cooker Cheesy Southwestern Chicken

If you’re looking for an easy, healthy chicken dinner that practically makes itself, this cheesy Southwestern slow cooker chicken is a great one to have in your back pocket.

This recipe started as a simple twist on my 2-ingredient slow cooker salsa chicken, building on that basic idea with beans, corn, and a little cheese to make it more of a one-dish meal.

It’s a true dump-and-go recipe made with just a handful of ingredients that turns into a flavorful, satisfying one-dish meal with very little effort. This is the kind of recipe I rely on when the day is full and dinner needs to take care of itself.

It’s filling, flexible, and easy to serve in lots of different ways, which makes it a regular in our rotation.

Why I Love This Cheesy Southwestern Chicken

• Only a few simple ingredients
• True dump-and-go slow cooker recipe
• Family-friendly and filling
• Easy to customize at the table
• WW-friendly without feeling light

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – Thighs will be a bit more tender, breasts a little leaner.
• Canned black beans – Rinsed and drained.
• Canned or frozen corn – Either works well.
• Chunky salsa – Use your favorite level of heat.
• Reduced-fat shredded Mexican cheese blend – Sharp flavors work best.
• Southwest seasoning or taco seasoning – Optional, but adds extra flavor.

Calories and WW Points?

According to my calculations, each serving has about:

• Calories: 370
• WW Points: 2
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• Old WW Points: 9 WW PointsPlus

Recipe Notes

This recipe is adapted from Fix-It and Forget-It Lightly Revised and Updated by Phyllis Good. I like adding a little Southwest seasoning to the chicken before cooking to boost the flavor.

Even with slow cooker recipes, lightly seasoning the chicken before adding it to the pot makes a big difference.

Variations

• Creamier: Add in some reduced fat cream cheese before serving. When I make it this way, I like to drain off some of the liquid first so that the cream cheese doesn’t get too diluted.
• Dairy-free: Skip the cheese altogether and top with fresh cilantro, chopped jalapenos and/or avocado.
• Fresher: Turn this into a burrito bowl. Top with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, and avocado.
• Spicier: Add some diced chipotle peppers in adobo, chili powder, hot sauce, fresh jalapenos, or canned diced green chiles.

How To Make Easy Cheesy Slow Cooker Southwestern Chicken

Ideal slow cooker size: 5- to 6-Quart.

1. Combine the corn, black beans and 1/2 cup salsa in the slow cooker.
2. Season the chicken with Southwest seasoning blend (affiliate link) (if using) or salt and pepper to taste.
3. Add chicken to the slow cooker.
4. Top with the remaining salsa.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, or until chicken is tender.
6. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook 5 minutes more or until cheese melts.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken is very versatile. Some easy ways to serve it:

• Cauliflower rice – A lighter base that works well with the beans and corn.
• Green salad – Simple and fresh alongside the rich flavors.
• Lettuce wraps – Add chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and green onions.
• Tortillas or wraps – Make tacos or burritos using regular or low-carb tortillas.

Ways to Use Leftovers

This recipe makes about six generous servings. Leftovers keep well and are easy to repurpose:

• Soup: Add broth to turn it into a Southwestern chicken soup.
• Zucchini boats: Fill halved zucchini with the chicken mixture, top with cheese, and bake until tender.
• Bowls: Reheat and serve over greens or cauliflower rice for an easy lunch.

If you’ve made this Cheesy Southwestern Crock Pot Chicken, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Source: Fix-It and Forget-It Lightly Revised and Updated: 600 Healthy, Low-Fat Recipes for Your Slow Cooker (affiliate link) by Phyllis Good

More WW-Friendly Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

If you like this 6-Ingredient Southwestern Slow Cooker Chicken, be sure to check out some of my other easy, healthy Weight Watchers friendly slow cooker recipes including:

• 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Goddess Chicken
  Easy and flavor filled with just a few pantry ingredients
• 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Chicken
  An ultra-simple slow cooker chicken with classic Italian seasoning and a creamy finish.
• 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
  Easy slow cooker meatballs made with rice and sauce for a simple, filling meal.
• 2-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
  A no-frills chicken recipe made with just chicken and salsa.
• Easy Slow Cooker Creole White Beans and Chicken
  A hearty slow cooker dish combining chicken, beans, and Creole-style seasoning.