A Chicken Taco Dump Dinner is an incredibly easy and flavorful one-pot meal that requires minimal prep and clean-up. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you're looking for a quick, delicious dinner with minimal effort. The "dump" part refers to simply adding all the ingredients into a single pot or pan and letting it cook together!
Here’s a simple recipe for Chicken Taco Dump Dinner:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning blend)
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional)
- 1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)
- 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed, optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- Toppings: sour cream, salsa, avocado, cilantro, or shredded lettuce (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in a large skillet, Dutch oven, or slow cooker.
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Add the Seasoning and Other Ingredients: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), green chilies (if using), frozen corn, black beans (if using), and chicken broth (or water). Stir everything together so the chicken is well-coated with the seasoning and liquids.
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Cook the Chicken:
- Stovetop Method: Bring everything to a simmer over medium heat. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Slow Cooker Method: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
- Instant Pot Method: If using an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 12 minutes and allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
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Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot, mixing it into the sauce and veggies.
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Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken mixture and stir until the cheese melts and is fully incorporated into the dish.
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Serve: Serve the chicken mixture on tortillas, rice, or with chips. Top with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or shredded lettuce.
Tips:
- Make it Spicy: If you like heat, add a sliced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in other veggies, like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Serve Variations: This can be served as taco bowls, on soft tortillas for tacos, or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal.
This Chicken Taco Dump Dinner is a crowd-pleaser that's easy to customize to your liking and perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping!