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.
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
- 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.
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
Pin It 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.