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chicken and black beans
Isla Marie

Crockpot Black Beans and Chicken

Juicy shredded chicken and creamy black beans slow-cooked in a smoky, mildly spicy broth with corn, tomatoes, and classic Mexican spices. Zero sautéing, no babysitting — just dump, walk away, and come home to the best taco/bowl/soup you’ve ever had. Naturally gluten-free and endlessly versatile.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Mexican
Cuisine: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, High-Protein
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1½ –2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 lb 2 cups dry black beans, rinsed (no soak!) OR 3 (15 oz) cans, drained
  • 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes with juice (fire-roasted = best)
  • 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel)
  • 1½ cups frozen or fresh corn
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth 3 cups if using canned beans
Spices
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp salt + more to finish
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional heat: ½–1 tsp chipotle powder or cayenne
Finishers
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
Optional Toppers
  • Avocado shredded cheese, sour cream, tortilla strips, hot sauce

Equipment

  • 6–8 quart slow cooker
  • Two forks (for shredding)
  • Can opener
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Rinse dry beans → add everything except lime and cilantro to crockpot (chicken on top).
  2. Cook LOW 6–8 hrs or HIGH 3–4 hrs until beans are tender and chicken shreds easily.
  3. Remove chicken → shred with two forks → return to pot.
  4. Stir in lime juice + cilantro. Taste → add salt (usually another ½–1 tsp).
  5. Serve as soup, over rice, in tacos, burritos, or bowls!

Notes

Thighs stay juicier than breasts
Canned beans shortcut → 3 cans drained + only 3 cups broth
Want soup? Add 1–2 extra cups broth
Want thicker? Mash some beans or cook 30 min with lid off
Freeze flat in zip bags → good for 4 months
Day 2 = even better flavor