Save to Pinterest 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 first made this Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken on a night when I needed dinner to be hands-off and hearty. The savory aroma filled the house and everyone loved making their own taco bowls.
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)
Instructions
- Prep Chicken:
- Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add Seasonings:
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
- Add Salsa and Optional Ingredients:
- 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 Chicken:
- 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.
Save to Pinterest This is always requested for family taco night, especially since everyone can build their own bowl with their favorite toppings.
Required Tools
Slow cooker, measuring cups and spoons, forks for shredding, knife and cutting board.
Allergen Information
Base recipe is allergen-free. Check prepared salsa and taco seasoning for gluten, dairy, or other allergens. Optional toppings like cheese and sour cream contain dairy.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 210 calories, 4 g fat, 10 g carbohydrates, and 33 g protein.
Save to Pinterest This slow cooker salsa chicken guarantees a delicious dinner with minimal effort. Enjoy it in tacos, burritos, or bowls any night of the week!
Common Questions
- → What cuts of chicken work best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well, with thighs providing extra juiciness.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, use mild, medium, or hot salsa and adjust taco seasoning to suit your preferred heat level.
- → Is it necessary to shred the chicken?
Shredding helps the chicken absorb more of the salsa and seasoning, enhancing texture and flavor.
- → How can leftovers be stored?
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
Serve the shredded chicken in tacos, burritos, or over rice bowls, topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.