This recipe takes the classic combination of chicken and Rotel and elevates it to creamy, cheesy perfection, all while letting your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. It's perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering, and easily adaptable to your spice preferences. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will become a new family favorite!
What is Rotel?
Before we dive into the recipe, let's address a common question: What exactly is Rotel? Rotel is a canned diced tomatoes and green chilies product, often seasoned with various spices. It's a staple in Southwestern cuisine and adds a vibrant, zesty kick to many dishes. The brand name "Rotel" is often used generically to describe this type of canned ingredient, but you can find similar products from other brands as well.
How Long Does Crockpot Chicken and Rotel Take?
The cooking time for this recipe depends on the size of your chicken pieces and the desired tenderness. Generally, using bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts will take 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in your slow cooker. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts will cook faster, typically needing only 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Always ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
What Goes Well with Crockpot Chicken and Rotel?
This hearty dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
- Mexican Rice: A classic complement to the spicy chicken and Rotel.
- Cornbread: The sweetness of cornbread balances the spiciness perfectly.
- Tortillas: Serve with warm tortillas for easy tacos or wraps.
- Sour Cream or Guacamole: Adds a cool and creamy contrast to the heat.
- Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of extra cheese on top never hurts!
Can I Make Crockpot Chicken and Rotel Spicy?
Absolutely! To increase the heat, add more Rotel (especially the varieties with extra diced green chilies), a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot or Cholula), or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also experiment with adding a finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper to the pot for extra spice.
How Do I Thicken Crockpot Chicken and Rotel?
If you find your Crockpot Chicken and Rotel a little too thin, there are several ways to thicken it:
- Cornstarch slurry: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2-3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Flour: Similar to cornstarch, you can use a tablespoon or two of flour mixed with cold water.
- Cream cheese: Stir in a few ounces of cream cheese during the last hour of cooking. This adds creaminess and helps thicken the sauce.
Crockpot Chicken and Rotel Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (optional, for a less spicy version)
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Add Rotel, diced tomatoes (if using), green chilies (if using), chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream/cream cheese until melted and combined.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Enjoy your delicious and easy Crockpot Chicken and Rotel! Remember to adjust seasonings to your preference. This recipe is a great starting point for your own culinary creativity.
