Slow Cooker Chicken Barbacoa

This past week was full of that for me. No matter how hard I tried there just didn't seem to be enough minutes in the day. So when my plan to make one of my favorite dishes, Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa, fell apart, I needed a quick substitute that I could make with things I had on hand and throw

Slow Cooker Chicken Barbacoa
Slow Cooker Chicken Barbacoa

This past week was full of that for me. No matter how hard I tried there just didn't seem to be enough minutes in the day. So when my plan to make one of my favorite dishes, Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa, fell apart, I needed a quick substitute that I could make with things I had on hand and throw

  • Preparing Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 6
  • Carbohydrate 135.868371780972 g
  • Cholesterol 477.58752519615 mg
  • Fat 103.696568965345 g
  • Fiber 0.105229164179455 g
  • Protein 127.208870738467 g
  • Saturated Fat 62.2512477008355 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 serving (1525g)
  • Sodium 1619.24994352466 mg
  • Sugar 135.763142616792 g
  • Trans Fat 5.74582694477115 g
  • Calories 1976 calories

Step-by-step

  • Season the chicken with salt and pepper and place in the crockpot along with the onion and whole garlic cloves.
  • Stir together the chipotles in adobo sauce (leave chipotles whole), cumin, oregano, and chicken broth.
  • Add to the crockpot and stir together.
  • Cook on high for 4 hours.
  • When ready, remove the onions, garlic, and whole chipotle peppers.
  • Shred using two forks.
Slow Cooker Chicken Barbacoa: A Weeknight Winner

Slow Cooker Chicken Barbacoa: A Weeknight Winner

Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between early morning school runs, demanding deadlines at the office, and trying to squeeze in a little "me time" (which often consists of collapsing on the sofa with a cup of tea), finding the energy to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like climbing Mount Everest in stilettos. This past week was particularly hectic. Deadlines loomed, kids were demanding (and adorable!), and the only thing I seemed to be juggling successfully was coffee cups. My carefully planned Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa, a weekend staple, was sacrificed at the altar of time constraints. But then, inspiration struck! I rummaged through my pantry, found some familiar ingredients, and decided to whip up a quick and easy alternative: Slow Cooker Chicken Barbacoa.

This recipe is a lifesaver. It takes minimal prep time, the slow cooker does all the hard work, and the result is incredibly flavorful and satisfying. The tender, shredded chicken, infused with smoky chipotle peppers, savory cumin, and fragrant oregano, is a perfect addition to tacos, burritos, salads, or even just served on its own with some rice and beans. The best part? It's incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less chipotle peppers. You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or corn, to boost the nutritional value and add some extra texture. And cleanup? A breeze! Just toss the liner into the trash and you're done. This is the perfect meal for busy weeknights, offering a delicious and hearty dinner without the fuss.

Why I Love This Recipe:

  • Speed and convenience: The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with more time for other things.
  • Flavorful and satisfying: The smoky chipotle peppers and savory spices create a rich and complex flavor profile.
  • Versatility: It's a great base for a variety of dishes, from tacos and burritos to salads and bowls.
  • Easy cleanup: Disposable slow cooker liners make cleanup a snap.
  • Healthy and nutritious: Packed with protein and flavor.

Tips for Success:

  • Don't be afraid to experiment with spices: Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to your liking.
  • Use high-quality ingredients: This will make a big difference in the taste of your dish.
  • Shred the chicken carefully: Avoid over-shredding the chicken, as this can make it dry.
  • Serve with your favorite toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Some suggestions include chopped cilantro, diced onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, and guacamole.

This Slow Cooker Chicken Barbacoa recipe is my new go-to weeknight meal. It's quick, easy, delicious, and helps me conquer the chaos of a busy schedule. Give it a try and let me know what you think!