Looking for a simple, flavorful, and versatile dinner? Crockpot salsa chicken is a game-changer.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a meal that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, and more.
This salsa chicken recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a family gathering. Let's dive into how to make this delicious dish!
Ingredients for Crockpot Salsa Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or skinless chicken thighs
- 1 jar of your favorite salsa (16 oz)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- Optional toppings: cilantro, lime juice, sour cream, shredded cheese
How to Make Crockpot Salsa Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs for a juicier option) into your crockpot.
You can use frozen chicken or raw chicken, but if you’re using frozen, expect a slightly longer cooking time.
Step 2: Add Salsa and Seasoning
Pour the entire jar of really good salsa over the chicken.
You can use traditional red salsa, or spice things up with salsa verde for a different flavor.
Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken and salsa to add that bold Mexican flavor.
Step 3: Cover and Cook
Place the lid and cook the chicken on high for 4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, depending on your schedule.
The slow cooker will work its magic, allowing the salsa and chicken to simmer together, creating incredibly flavorful shredded chicken.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, it should be tender and easy to shred. Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot.
The chicken shreds easily after being slow-cooked in the salsa and juices.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
This shredded salsa chicken is ready to be used in a variety of dishes.
Try serving it in tacos with corn tortillas, on a burrito, or as a topping for salads.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a dollop of sour cream for that extra burst of flavor.
Ways to Use Crockpot Salsa Chicken Throughout the Week
- Tacos: Use this crockpot chicken as the base for delicious, easy-to-make tacos. Pair with tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and your favorite toppings.
- Burritos: Wrap the shredded chicken in a warm tortilla with black beans, rice, and salsa for a hearty burrito.
- Salad: For a lighter option, add this slow cooker chicken to a bed of lettuce, cauliflower rice, and veggies. Top with a spoonful of restaurant-style salsa.
- Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with shredded salsa chicken, cheese, and jalapenos, and bake until bubbly for a party-worthy snack.
- Burrito Bowls: Combine the chicken with corn tortillas, rice, black beans, and your favorite toppings to create a DIY burrito bowl.
Tips for Perfect Salsa Chicken
- Crockpot chicken salsa is a great dish to prepare ahead of time. Shred the chicken and store it in the fridge to use throughout the week in multiple meals.
- If you like spicier food, you can add more heat by using a hot salsa or including a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Salsa chicken is great for freezing! Place the cooked chicken in freezer-safe bags for a quick meal option later.
- If you're short on time, you can also cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Either way, the chicken is done when it easily falls apart.
- For extra richness, add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Salsa Chicken Recipe
- It’s made with only 3 ingredients: chicken, salsa, and seasoning.
- It’s a simple recipe that you can easily prep and let cook while you handle other things.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and use the shredded chicken for a variety of dishes throughout the week.
- It’s one of those delicious recipes that everyone in the family will enjoy, especially with its versatility in serving options like tacos or salads.
Crockpot Recipe
With this easy crockpot salsa chicken recipe, you’ll have a tasty and versatile meal ready to go in just a few hours.
So go ahead, grab your slow cooker, and enjoy this shredded salsa chicken for your next taco night or meal prep session!
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