Are you ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with minimal effort and maximum flavor? Say goodbye to the chaos of weeknight cooking and hello to the bliss of Crock Pot Freezer Meals! This easy-to-follow recipe combines tender chicken breast, zesty salsa, and hearty black beans, creating a mouthwatering dish that practically cooks itself. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can set up a delicious meal that will be ready to serve after a long day. Curious about how to make your evenings stress-free and delicious? Read on to discover the secrets behind this ultimate time-saving recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Various
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast
- 1 jar salsa
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut them into smaller pieces if desired for quicker cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the jar of salsa, drained black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Stir the mixture well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the ingredients.
- Add the chicken breasts to the mixing bowl with the salsa mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the salsa and seasoning mixture.
- Once the chicken is well coated, transfer the entire mixture into a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn, and label the bag or container with the date and contents.
- If you plan to cook the meal immediately, pour the entire contents of the bag into your crock pot. If using from frozen, you can place the frozen bag directly into the crock pot, but it may require a longer cooking time.
- Set your crock pot to low heat and cover it with the lid. Allow the meal to cook for approximately 6 hours. If cooking from frozen, you may need to extend the cooking time by 1-2 hours, checking for doneness.
- After the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid and stir the mixture to combine the ingredients. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Serve the chicken mixture warm, either on its own or with your choice of accompaniments such as tortillas, rice, or salad. Enjoy your delicious and easy crock pot meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: Take some time on the weekend to prepare several freezer meals at once. This way, you’ll have a variety of options ready to go during busy weekdays.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh chicken and high-quality salsa to enhance the flavor of your dish. A good salsa can make all the difference!
- Customize Your Mix: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or beans to the mixture. Bell peppers, onions, or even some diced tomatoes can elevate the dish further.
- Cooking from Frozen: If you decide to cook from frozen, remember to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours. Always check the chicken for doneness before serving.
- Serve Creatively: This dish is versatile! Serve it over rice, in tacos, or as a filling for burritos. Top with avocado, cheese, or fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
- Storage Tips: When freezing, ensure you remove as much air as possible from the bag to prevent freezer burn. Label your bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Perfect Pairings: Consider serving with a side salad or some tortilla chips for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 273kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 80mg
