Crockpot Salsa Chicken

by Kayla Berman on January 25, 2024 0 comments

Get ready to up your meal prep game with my super simple Crockpot Salsa Chicken recipe. Just dump 5 simple ingredients in your trusty slow cooker (no chopping required!) and let it work its magic. In just 5 minutes, you’ve set yourself up for a week’s worth of yum! Ready to get this lazy cooking party started? Let’s go!

Looking for more slow cooker recipes? Check out my Shredded Mississippi Chicken next.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Recipe

This crock pot salsa chicken is my go-to recipe for minimal effort and maximum flavor. Here’s why I think it’ll be yours, too:

Super Versatile – Think of shredded salsa chicken as your protein-packed Swiss Army knife – it’s perfect for all occasions, all year long. Taco Tuesday? Duh. Cozy casserole for movie night? Done. Zesty salads for lunch? You got it. Stuffed baked potatoes, burrito bowls, and lunch wraps? Check, check, and check.
Ridiculously Easy – All you need to do is toss salsa and chicken in a crockpot with a few spice cabinet staples, and your work is done. There’s nothing technical or complicated about it — just dump and go. Gotta love slow cooking!
Perfect for Busy Weeknights & Schedules – You can either cook it low and slow over the course of your 8-hour workday or speed things up and get ‘er done in just 3-4 hours. This slow cooker salsa chicken recipe is designed to work on your terms.
High-Protein, Low-Fat – Lean chicken breast is transformed into deliciously tender and juicy shreds without a lick of added fat. This salsa chicken crockpot recipe is pure protein-veggie goodness.

Ingredients & Substitutions

As promised, this easy crock pot salsa chicken recipe requires just a handful of ingredients. Here’s what to grab:

Chicken Breasts – Using boneless skinless chicken breasts makes this recipe even easier. There’s no need to do any prep work like removing fat or skin — just add it directly to the pot. Breasts are far and away my favorite for shredded chicken, but you’re welcome to use thighs if you prefer. Just note that it may be easier to chop the thighs than pull them.
Salsa – Feel free to use any cooked salsa that you love. Avoid using pico de gallo or other salsa frescas, as they end up more watery than saucy.
Garlic Powder – For yummy garlic flavor without any papery skins to fuss with. You’re welcome to swap in garlic salt, but don’t add the salt if you do. Granulated garlic flakes also work! Alternatively, feel free to use fresh garlic, jarred minced garlic, or frozen garlic cubes (e.g. Dorot) instead. Each ¼ teaspoon of powder = 1 clove fresh = approximately 1 teaspoon fresh.
Onion Powder – For sweet onion flavor without any tears. Like garlic powder, you’re welcome to swap in an equal amount of dried onion flakes. You can also use approximately 3-4 times as much freshly minced onion if you prefer.
Chili Powder – This tasty blend of ground dried chiles and warming spices like cumin is a real kitchen powerhouse. You’re welcome to swap in taco seasoning instead, but note that you won’t want to add as much extra salt if you do.
Salt & Black Pepper – For seasoning, to taste. If possible, opt for freshly cracked black pepper for the best, most potent flavor.

Equipment

Slow Cooker – Crockpot, Instant Pot, etc.
Slow Cooker Liner (optional, for easy clean-up)
Measuring Spoons
2 Forks or a Hand Mixer

How To Make Salsa Chicken, Crock Pot-Style

My crockpot salsa chicken recipe couldn’t be easier if it tried. There is less than 5 minutes of prep required. Here’s how it’s made:

Step 1: Dump. Add the raw chicken breasts, salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Cook. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.

Step 3: Shred chicken. Once done cooking, shred the chicken with two forks and combine into the salsa.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy! I like to add fresh cilantro and fresh lime juice.

salsa chicken in slow cooker before cooking

salsa chicken in slow cooker after cooking

Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations

Since this chicken salsa crock pot recipe is so stinkin’ simple, there are tons of ways for you to make it your own and add even more great flavor. Here are just a few ideas to get your creative wheels turning:

🌶️ Spice Lover’s Dream: Crank up the heat on your chicken salsa crock pot by tossing in some cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for an extra fiery kick. Warning: not for the faint of heart!
🧀 Creamy Bliss: Stir in a block of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Get ready for a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth Mexican twist on buffalo chicken dip.
🌿 Herb Garden Twist: Freshen it up! Add a handful of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
🍍 Tropical Salsa Fiesta: Mix in some pineapple salsa or mango salsa. It’s a sweet meets heat kind of deal – totally irresistible!
🌽 Tex-Mex Mix-up: Throw in drained and rinsed canned black beans and frozen corn kernels in the last hour of cooking for that hearty, southwestern vibe. Don’t forget to top it with avocado!
🍳 Breakfast Bonanza: Leftover salsa chicken? Mix it into your scrambled eggs for a protein-packed breakfast taco filling. Morning goals!

Expert Tips

Pick Your Favorite Salsa: Go with a jar of salsa you absolutely adore. It’s the MVP of this chicken with salsa, giving your meat all that flavor-packed goodness. Love it spicy, mild, or super chunky? How about making some tangy crockpot salsa verde chicken? You do you!
Low & Slow is the Way to Go: While you’re welcome to speed things up, patience pays off! Cook this baby on low for 7 hours, and you’ll be rewarded with chicken that’s so tender and fall-apart delicious, it’ll practically melt in your mouth.
Season to Your Heart’s Content: Feel like mixing it up? Go ahead and toss in any extra seasonings that tickle your fancy. A little extra garlic powder, some cumin, oregano, coriander, or any other Tex Mex spices you’ve got up your sleeve.
Shred in a Flash: No time for forks? Use a hand mixer to shred that chicken in no time. It’s like magic – and way less work!

Serving Suggestions

Wondering what to make with salsa chicken? The options are as endless as your imagination. Here are some of my personal favorites to get you started:

DIY Taco Bar: Turn dinner into a taco night party! Lay out tortillas and taco shells, shredded lettuce, guacamole, cilantro, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, black bean and corn salsa, and of course, your salsa crockpot chicken. While you’re at it, mix up a big batch of margaritas to keep the fiesta vibes going.
Sassy Chicken Sliders: Mini buns, big flavor. Pile the salsa chicken on slider buns, top with a quick slaw or escabeche, and you’ve got a fun appetizer for your next gathering.
Loaded Nachos: Spread tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet, top with salsa chicken, loads of cheese, jalapeños, and any of your other favorite toppings. Bake until melty and top with guac and sour cream for a perfect game day feast.
Hearty Burrito or Taco Bowls: Layer cooked mexican rice or cauliflower rice, beans, crockpot chicken salsa, corn, and diced bell peppers in a bowl. Top with a dollop of guacamole and a sprinkle of cheese for a better-than-Chipotle lunch. Or heck, make it a burrito and wrap all the good stuff up in a flour tortilla!
Salsa Chicken Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out some bell peppers, stuff them with the chicken and salsa crock pot mixture, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly. A perfect blend of health and taste!
Cheesy Quesadillas: Sandwich the salsa chicken and loads of cheese between two tortillas, grill until crispy, and cut into wedges. Serve with a side of sour cream and salsa for dipping.
Zesty Chicken Salad: Toss the shredded chicken with some mixed greens, black beans, corn, and a squeeze of lime. Drizzle with a cilantro-lime dressing, and, if you’re feeling extra, a tortilla bowl.
Savory Brunch Hash: Mix the chicken salsa crockpot mix with diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers for a sizzling skillet hash. Top with a fried egg or jammy egg and serve alongside a Bloody Maria for a brunch that’ll wake up your tastebuds.

FAQs

How long does chicken take in a crockpot on high?

It depends on the cut — how thick, whether it’s bone-in or boneless, whether it’s dark or light meat — these will all affect the cooking time. However, with regular ol’ chicken breasts, 3-4 hours is typically enough time to make this recipe for salsa chicken.

How many chicken breasts in a pound?

Since chickens vary in size like humans, again, it depends. Generally speaking, you’ll need 2-3 breasts to make a pound.

Can you freeze salsa chicken?

Absolutely! Transfer the cooled shredded crockpot chicken with salsa into a freezer-safe zip-top bag (preferred to remove as much air as possible) or airtight container. It should keep well for up to 3 months. To use, simply defrost overnight, then reheat using your preferred method — on the stovetop, in the microwave, or in your slow cooker.

Is salsa chicken keto?

Generally speaking, YES this crockpot chicken and salsa is keto. So long as the salsa you choose is low in carbs, the rest of the meal will be, too. Depending on your macro goals, you may prefer the creamy version listed in the variations section in order to get enough fat.

Is chicken salsa halal?

So long as the chicken you use is halal, this slow cooker chicken salsa is halal-friendly.

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