Weeknight dinner made easy with this crockpot salsa chicken! Tender and flavorful chicken that only takes 5 ingredients to make. It’s a versatile recipe the whole family will love!
The crockpot is my secret weapon for dinnertime on those busy days! For more Mexican-inspired crockpot dinners I have you covered. Try this barbacoa beef, my tender pork carnitas, or this tasty chicken fajita soup.
Crockpot Salsa Chicken
I love an easy crockpot recipe that’s easy to make and delicious to come home to! This salsa chicken is loaded with tender chicken, tasty salsa, and seasoned with taco seasoning and lime juice! The best combination of flavors to slow cook your chicken all day. And the best part is that the options are endless for serving this salsa chicken. Everyone can enjoy it just the way they like it. My kids love this chicken on top of nachos after school!
Any way you choose to serve this salsa chicken will be a hit! Just be sure to serve it with homemade guacamole and pico de gallo because the toppings always take Mexican-inspired dishes to the next level!
Salsa Chicken Ingredients
It doesn’t get any easier than a 5 ingredient dinner! You’re going to love how easy this salsa chicken is to prepare and how inexpensive it is with just 5 simple ingredients. Follow the recipe card below for exact measurements!
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless skinless chicken breast is my favorite, but boneless skinless chicken thighs would also be delicious!
- Salsa: Choose a high-quality jarred salsa since this is where much of the flavor will come from.
- Taco Seasoning: I always use my homemade taco seasoning because it’s so quick and easy to make! It also lasts up to 6 months!
- Chicken Broth: Adds flavor as it cooks all day in the chicken broth.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is a must!
How to Make Salsa Chicken
Let’s get started! It’s so simple, that you’ll want this recipe in your weekly rotation. It only takes 5 minutes to throw it altogether then the crockpot does all the work. It’s also great for meal prep! Make a big batch and serve this salsa chicken all week long in tacos, on a salad, or in a bowl.
- Add Ingredients to the Crockpot: Place the chicken breast, salsa, taco seasoning, chicken broth, and lime juice altogether into the crockpot.
- Cook: Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, take the chicken out and shred it before returning it to the crockpot, or serve the whole chicken breasts.
- Add Toppings: Lastly, serve the chicken with cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, and lime wedges.
How to Serve Salsa Chicken
- Soft Tacos: Fill warm tortillas with shredded salsa chicken. Top with shredded cheese, lettuce, sour cream, pico, guacamole, or any of your favorite toppings.
- Quesadillas: Slice or shred the chicken and stuff it inside a cheesy quesadillas. Serve it topped with salsa!
- Taco Salad: Enjoy the salsa chicken over a bed of crispy romaine and your favorite taco toppings. A great healthy option or gluten-free meal!
- Bowl: Bowls are a fun way to let everyone build their bowl with rice, cheese, corn, black beans, or any toppings they like!
- Nachos: Make a plate of nachos and top it with salsa chicken. It’s a perfect filling snack or an easy lunch!
Tips for Making Salsa Chicken
As if this wasn’t already the easiest meal to make, you’re going to love these tips! This recipe is so versatile, and there are lots of ways to make it just the way you like it.
- Add Veggies: Throw in some sliced onions, bell peppers, or corn before cooking! They will soften as they cook with the chicken while adding extra nutrition to your meal.
- Beans: Canned beans would be a tasty texture to add to the chicken. Try pinto beans or black beans, or use your favorite beans because any kind would work in this recipe.
- Make it Spicy: Use a spicy salsa! Don’t be afraid to use salsa with a little more heat if you like it spicy. Sometimes I make a spicy batch for myself when I meal prep because I love it spicy! You can also add heat with toppings like jalepenos or hot sauce.
- Easy Cleanup: To make cleanup easier, line your crock pot with a slow cooker line or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Shredding Tips: An easy way to shred the chicken is by using a stand mixer or an electric hand mixer. Two forks will do the trick, but I find that the chicken shreds better and much easier with the mixer.
Salsa Chicken in the Instant Pot
Want to speed up the cooking time? This salsa chicken can easily be made in an instant pot. Add all of the ingredients to the pot. Secure the lid in the “seal” mode then cook on “manual” mode for 25 minutes. Allow the instant pot to release the steam then you can shred the chicken and enjoy!
Storing Leftovers
This salsa chicken makes the best leftovers! I’d recommend doubling the recipe because it’s perfect for making lunches and dinners all week long.
- In the Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- In the Freezer: Once cooled, place the leftovers in a sealable bag or airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Thaw frozen meat in the refrigerator then reheat the salsa chicken in the microwave or over the stove until warmed through.
More Mexican-Inspired Recipes
Dinner
Crockpot Salsa Chicken
6 hrs 10 mins
Dinner
Green Chile Chicken
50 mins
Dressings, Sauces, and Dips
The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning
5 mins
Snacks
Beef Taquitos
45 mins
Crockpot Salsa Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast, boneless skinless
- 2 cups salsa
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
For serving
- chopped cilantro
- shredded cheddar cheese
- lime wedges
Instructions
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Place the chicken breast, salsa, taco seasoning, chicken broth, and lime juice into a crockpot.
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Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 hours.
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Once cooked, take the chicken out and shred it before returning it to the crockpot, or serve the whole chicken breasts.
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Serve chicken with cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, and lime wedges.
Notes
Originally Posted on May 28, 2012
