Crockpot Salsa Chicken
Crockpot Salsa Chicken is an easy, flavorful slow-cooked meal featuring tender chicken simmered in zesty salsa and simple seasonings. Perfect for busy days, this hands-off recipe delivers moist, juicy chicken that can be served in tacos, over rice, or with veggies for versatile dinner options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 to 7 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 to 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 to 3 chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
- 1 to 1.5 cups salsa (choose your preferred flavor and heat level)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your choice)
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges or lime juice
Optional Add-ins for Variations
- Diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans (for vegetable boost)
- Fresh herbs like oregano or additional cilantro
- Dairy alternatives (to keep it dairy-free)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Pat the chicken dry. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to build a flavorful base.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken breasts or thighs inside the crockpot. Pour salsa evenly over the chicken without stirring, allowing flavors to meld during cooking.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. Slow cooking ensures juicy, tender chicken infused with salsa flavors.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir well to coat it thoroughly with the salsa sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Crockpot Salsa Chicken as-is or with your choice of sides and optional toppings like cheese, cilantro, and lime to complete your meal.
Notes
- Choose quality salsa with fresh ingredients for best flavor.
- Don’t skip seasoning; the spices greatly enhance taste.
- Chicken thighs yield juicier meat than breasts when slow cooked.
- Stick to recommended cooking times to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Reserve some fresh salsa to add on top when serving for extra vibrancy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 4-6 ounces)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Crockpot chicken, salsa chicken, slow cooker recipe, easy dinner, gluten free, meal prep, shredded chicken, Mexican flavors
Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/crockpot-salsa-chicken/
