This Slow Cooker Queso Chicken is a warm and cheesy dish that’s perfect for any family meal. With chicken, creamy cheese, and spices, it’s super tasty and easy to make!
Just toss it all in the slow cooker and let it do its thing while you relax. I love serving it with chips for dipping—so good, you might forget your fork! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. You can swap them for thighs if you prefer dark meat, which stays juicy and adds flavor.
Queso Cheese Dip: This is what makes the dish creamy and cheesy. If you want a lighter option, use a cheese spread or a low-fat cheese dip. Homemade queso works too, and you can spice it up to your taste!
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Rotel is a classic choice, but you can also use regular canned diced tomatoes. Just add a pinch of cayenne or jalapeños for heat if you prefer it spicier.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin provide a lot of flavor. If you don’t have them, taco seasoning can be a great substitute! Adjust according to taste.
How Can I Get Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding the chicken is a simple yet essential step. To get it right, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Cook the chicken until it’s tender; this usually takes about 4-6 hours on low heat. This makes shredding easy.
- Use two forks to pull apart the chicken. You’ll want to shred it while it’s still warm for the best texture.
- If it feels tough, it might need more time in the slow cooker – just put it back for a little longer.
Once shredded, mix it back into the queso sauce to ensure every bite is creamy and flavorful! Enjoy it with your favorite sides!
How to Make Slow Cooker Queso Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (16 oz) jar queso cheese dip (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel), drained
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll let the slow cooker do its magic. Cook it on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. So, overall, you should plan for a total of about 4 hours and 10 minutes or 2 hours and 10 minutes, depending on the heat setting you choose!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a nice base for all the delicious flavors to mix!
2. Mix the Queso Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the queso cheese dip, drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This cheesy mixture will be the star of the dish!
3. Combine and Cook
Carefully pour the queso mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, spreading it out so that all the chicken is covered. Now, cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. Choose low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours—either way, it’ll be delicious!
4. Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully take the chicken breasts out of the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It’s tender and should fall apart easily!
5. Combine and Season
Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir it into the queso sauce until it’s all coated beautifully. Give it a taste and add salt and pepper as needed to make it perfect for your palate!
6. Serve & Enjoy!
Serve your Slow Cooker Queso Chicken hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. It’s fantastic with tortilla chips for dipping, served over rice, or tucked into tortillas for delicious soft tacos. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time on low, or about 30 minutes on high. Make sure to check that the chicken reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I Substitute the Queso Cheese Dip?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade, a blend of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and spices can work as a great substitute. Just melt the cream cheese first and mix it with the shredded cheese and spices for a creamy sauce!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave it or warm it on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if it seems too thick.
What Can I Serve with Queso Chicken?
This dish pairs well with tortilla chips, over rice, in tacos, or even atop a simple salad. You can also serve it with a side of guacamole and salsa for a complete meal!
