Feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of meal planning as a busy mom? This easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken recipe will save the day!
Just throw a few simple ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work.
In no time, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal on the table with minimal effort, making this the perfect dinner for a busy weeknight.
You’ll get a shredded salsa chicken that can be a simple dinner over rice, and make a few other meals, too!
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: High- 4 hours
- Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, salsa, sour cream, and more
- Servings: 6
- Extras: Serve with rice, avocado, cheddar cheese, and tortilla chips
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Recipe
This Salsa Chicken is awesome, and it’s so easy! My friend Lindsey showed me how to do this. You need just a jar of salsa and some chicken breast. That’s it.
I love making this Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken recipe, especially when I’m pressed for time and want to keep things simple.
Since then, I’ve added a couple of other ingredients to get the seasoning just right. It’s super good, though, especially when you crush up tortilla chips and put them on top.
I start by placing a few boneless, skinless chicken breasts into my slow cooker. Then, I pour a jar of salsa over the chicken, adding a bit of water and a pinch of salt to keep everything moist.
You can add more seasoning to your chicken if you like- like salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and even taco seasoning- but depending on the salsa you pick, it should be very flavorful on its own.
After I set the slow cooker to high and let it cook for four hours, I can get back to work, take care of the kids, or relax, knowing that dinner is taken care of.
Once the chicken is perfectly tender, I shred it right in the slow cooker, adding a few tablespoons of sour cream to make the sauce extra creamy.
I like to serve it over fluffy white rice and top it with shredded cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and some fresh avocado slices.
This recipe is such a time-saver. It’s perfect for busy fall evenings when I want something warm and comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 - 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- 12 oz. Salsa
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 Tbsp sour cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- tortilla chips optional topping/serving idea
Instructions
- Put chicken in Crockpot, and put Salsa on top.
- Add water and salt.
- Cook on high for 4 hours (or medium for 6).
- Shred chicken, and add sour cream to the pot.
- Serve Salsa Chicken over white rice and top with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced avocado.
Notes
*You can also customize the dish with additional seasonings or vegetables.
Nutrition
Recipe Substitutions
I love how this meal is basically a one-pot Salsa Chicken with almost no cooking effort!
Less ingredients, plenty of flavor- but there are some swaps you can make to make this dish your own:
Meat
For a juicier texture, swap out the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. The extra fat in the thighs keeps the meat tender and flavorful.
You could also try using pork shoulder for a richer and more savory dish but still have lean white meat if that’s what you like.
For a lighter option, ground turkey or turkey breast is a lean alternative that still holds up well with the salsa and seasoning.
Vegetables
To add more flavor and texture to Salsa Chicken, try adding diced bell peppers or onions to the slow cooker at the beginning of the cooking time.
These vegetables soften and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
If you want more bulk, toss in some frozen corn or black beans during the last hour of cooking.
For a nutritional boost, add spinach or kale towards the end of cooking, as they’ll wilt down nicely without overpowering the salsa flavor.
Seasonings
Change up the flavor profile of your Salsa Chicken by experimenting with different seasonings.
Add taco seasoning for a classic Mexican flavor, or try cumin and smoked paprika to bring a smoky, earthy depth to the dish.
If you like it spicy, a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes will give the chicken a kick.
For a burst of freshness, squeeze some lime juice over the chicken just before serving, which helps balance the richness and adds a zesty finish.
Cheese
For a creamier, richer Salsa Chicken, mix in some cream cheese after shredding the chicken.
If you prefer a more intense cheese flavor, pepper jack will add a bit of heat along with the creaminess.
You could also try crumbled queso fresco for a lighter, crumbly texture that pairs well with salsa-based dishes.
If you want a dairy-free option, there are plenty of plant-based cheeses that melt well and can be stirred into the chicken for a similar creamy effect without the dairy.
Serving Suggestions
Salsa Chicken is incredibly versatile. Besides serving it over rice, you can also enjoy it over pasta for a heartier meal.
It makes a fantastic filling for tacos or burrito bowls, and you can top it with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of lime juice.
Add some black beans or corn for extra texture, and don’t forget to sprinkle on some crushed tortilla chips for that added crunch.
Salsa Chicken is also great for turning into quesadillas. Simply spread the chicken onto a tortilla, sprinkle some cheese on top, fold it in half, and grill until it’s golden and crispy. It’s quick, easy, and always a hit.
Another idea is to stuff bell peppers with crock pot Salsa Chicken. Mix the shredded chicken with some cooked quinoa or rice, then fill halved bell peppers with the mixture.
Bake them until the peppers are tender, and finish with a topping of melted cheese for a hearty and healthy meal.
If your family loves nachos, use the Salsa Chicken to make loaded nachos. Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, layer chicken, shredded cheese, and jalapeños on top, and bake until the cheese is melted. Then top with your favorites!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
No, the USDA doesn’t recommend using frozen chicken in the slow cooker because it could cause bacteria and foodborne illnesses.
If you choose to use frozen chicken breasts, the cooking time will increase, and you’ll need to check on it and stir it often since the cold chicken can make the rest of the food cold in the crock pot.
Be sure to check the chicken for doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What kind of salsa should I use?
Any salsa will work for this recipe! You can use mild, medium, or spicy, depending on your family’s preferences.
A chunky salsa will give the chicken more texture.
Can I cook this in the oven instead?
Yes, you can cook Salsa Chicken in the oven.
Place the chicken and salsa mixture in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
You can then shred the chicken and mix in the sour cream, just like with the slow cooker version.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Making Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken is a breeze!
With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a warm, satisfying meal ready for dinner.
It’s budget-friendly, delicious, and perfect for feeding the whole family without breaking the bank.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is a go-to for any mom looking to simplify dinner time.
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