Pin It Tender, flavorful chicken cooked in salsa, perfect for stuffing tacos, burritos, or serving over rice bowls. This fuss-free dish is ideal for busy weeknights and meal prep.
I discovered slow cooker salsa chicken while experimenting with meal prep for my family. The ease of tossing everything in and letting the slow cooker work its magic has made this a weekday staple we all enjoy.
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Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salsa & Seasonings: 2 cups (480 ml) jarred salsa (mild, medium, or hot), 1 packet (1 oz/28 g) taco seasoning OR 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning, 1/2 tsp kosher salt (optional, adjust to taste), 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Optional Add-Ins: 1 cup (170 g) canned black beans, drained and rinsed, 1 cup (165 g) corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned), 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (for serving), Juice of 1 lime (for serving)
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Instructions
- Layer & Season:
- Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle taco seasoning, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
- Add Salsa & Extras:
- Pour the salsa evenly over the top. Add black beans and corn if using.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 6–8 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- Shred & Return:
- Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve hot in tacos, burritos, or bowls. Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired.
Pin It My kids love assembling their own burrito bowls with the salsa chicken, and it's become a fun family dinner tradition on taco nights.
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Required Tools
Slow cooker, measuring cups and spoons, forks for shredding, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
No common allergens in the base recipe-check salsa or seasoning labels if sensitive
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 210 calories, 4 g total fat, 10 g carbohydrates, and 33 g protein
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This recipe is perfect for quick weeknight meals and makes delicious leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs add extra juiciness and tenderness when slow-cooked in salsa.
- → What salsa heat level works best?
Choose mild, medium, or hot salsa based on your preferred spice level to customize the flavor.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Adding ingredients like black beans and corn enhances texture and nutrition without overpowering the dish.
- → How long should I cook on low heat?
Cooking on low typically takes 6 to 8 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
Serve shredded chicken in tacos, burritos, or over rice bowls with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
- → Can leftovers be stored safely?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months to maintain freshness.
