🛒 Ingredients
To make this flavorful dish, you only need three simple ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (16-ounce) jar of your favorite salsa – chunky, smooth, mild, or spicy — your choice!
- 1 (1-ounce) envelope taco seasoning – use store-bought or homemade.
🍽️ Instructions
Step 1: Layer the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. If they’re thick, you can slice them horizontally or pound them slightly for even cooking.
Step 2: Add Flavor
Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken, then pour the entire jar of salsa on top. Don’t stir — just let the flavors sit layered for now.
Step 3: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
- Cook on Low: 4–6 hours
- Or on High: 3–4 hours
You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F) and easy to shred.
Step 4: Shred & Mix
Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Mix it thoroughly into the salsa sauce until all the pieces are coated and juicy.
🧑🍳 Serving Suggestions
This chicken is incredibly versatile! Try it in:
- Tacos or burritos – add toppings like cheese, sour cream, guac, or fresh cilantro.
- Rice bowls – serve over a bed of rice or cauliflower rice with beans and veggies.
- Lettuce wraps – for a low-carb, fresh option.
- Quesadillas or enchiladas – use it as a filling for cheesy baked dishes.
- Salads – toss with greens, corn, and black beans for a Tex-Mex salad.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra salsa to keep it moist.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Want it spicier? Use a hot salsa or add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
- Prefer dark meat? You can use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead — they’ll be even more tender.
- Make it creamy: After shredding, stir in a little cream cheese or sour cream for a richer version.
- DIY taco seasoning: Mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt.
🧾 Nutrition (Per Serving)
Estimated based on 6 servings using chicken breast and standard salsa:
- Calories: ~180
- Protein: ~26g
- Fat: ~3g
- Carbohydrates: ~6g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~3g
- Sodium: Varies based on salsa and seasoning used
🥄 Final Thoughts
With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken is the weeknight dinner solution we all need. It’s the kind of recipe that feels too easy to taste this good — but once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a favorite in so many homes. Throw it in the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ve got a tender, savory meal ready to go.
Whether you enjoy it in tacos, bowls, or straight out of the pot with a fork — this dish delivers every single time. 🌮🔥