Slow Cooker Creamy Salsa Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Salsa Chicken

This favorite pre-op slow cooker recipe was very easy to modify for my new diet – and is still just as easy and tasty! You can use chicken or turkey tenders or boneless thighs in this recipe, and can also use frozen chicken – and just add 2-4 hours to the cooking time. I usually make it this way and it does result in a slightly moister chicken, and makes it a snap to put it again if you forget to take the meat out of the freezer. I love using homemade salsa, and usually use my Quick Salsa, but you can use any commercial salsa – just make sure to check for added sugars or corn syrup as many commercial salsas do have them added. If you would rather have a thicker sauce, drain some of the liquid from the salsa before adding it as the sauce will not thicken or reduce as it cooks. I usually will add a generous amount of hot peppers or hot sauce when serving and top with yogurt – but your favorite cheese, sour cream, scallions, cilantro, or other typical Mexican toppings are great to add as well. This does freeze very well, and tastes better the next day if you want to make it ahead of time.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (for testing we used 2 pounds) (1024 calories, 184 grams protein)
4 cups salsa (for testing we used our Quick Salsa) (265 calories, 8.3 grams protein)
2 15-ounce cans drained and rinsed black soy beans or black beans (for testing we used black soy beans) (880 calories, 77 grams protein)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 3-ounce package light or regular cream cheese (for testing we used Neufchatel 1/3 less fat cream cheese) (210 calories, 6 grams protein)

Combine the chicken, salsa, beans, and spices in a slow cooker and mix to combine. Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Add the cream cheese and stir until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.

Makes 12 servings.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours, 5 minutes

2379 calories, 275 grams protein total
198.25 calories, 22.9 grams protein per serving