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Looking for a fuss-free meal that’s both delicious and nutritious? Say hello to my favorite slow cooker chicken recipe! This easy Mexican chicken dish is a game-changer for busy folks like me who crave tasty food without the hassle.
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have tender, flavorful shredded chicken ready to go. It’s perfect for meal prep and can be used in countless ways. Tacos, quesadillas, salads – you name it!
The best part? This recipe is not only simple but also fits various dietary needs. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, and low-fat. Trust me, you won’t believe how good it tastes with so little effort!
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crockpot Salsa Chicken recipe is a game-changer. It’s easy to make with just chicken, salsa, and some seasonings. You’ll find everything you need at the grocery store easily.
This dish is super versatile. You can use it for tacos, burritos, salads, or nachos. It’s like getting many meals from one recipe!
It’s great for busy people like me. Just throw everything in the crockpot and forget about it. It’s perfect for those crazy weeknights or when you’re planning meals for the week.
The slow cooking makes the chicken taste amazing. The salsa and spices infuse it with rich flavor. Every bite is delicious.
This recipe is also kind to your wallet. You can make lots of meals with affordable ingredients. It’s a big help for my budget.
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy families who want delicious, home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
- Uses simple ingredients
- Incredibly versatile
- Time-saving for busy schedules
- Packed with flavor
- Budget-friendly option
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
I love this crockpot salsa chicken recipe for its simplicity and versatility. The main stars are boneless skinless chicken breasts, jarred salsa, and taco seasoning. Let’s break it down:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 16 oz jar of salsa
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
For a homemade spice blend, mix:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon each: paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon each: salt, dried oregano
Don’t have these exact ingredients? No worries! You can swap chicken breasts for thighs or try different salsa flavors like smoky chipotle or spicy mango. Feeling adventurous? Add some beans, corn, or bell peppers for extra texture.
Want a creamier dish? Throw in some cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream near the end of cooking. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility – make it your own!
Instructions
I love using the slow cooker for this recipe. It’s easy and makes great food. First, I put the chicken breasts in my 6-quart slow cooker.
Then, I sprinkle taco seasoning on them for extra flavor. Next, I pour salsa right on top.
For cooking time, I choose high heat for 2 to 2.5 hours if I’m in a rush. But, I like low heat for 4 to 5 hours when I have more time. This lets the flavors blend well.
After the time is up, I check the chicken. It should be tender and easy to shred with a fork. If it’s not tender, I cook it for another 30 minutes on high or an hour on low.
Shredding the chicken is fun. I use two forks to pull it apart in the slow cooker. Then, I mix it with the salsa and juices. This makes perfectly cooked, tasty chicken ready to eat.
- Place chicken in slow cooker
- Add seasoning and salsa
- Cook on low or high
- Check tenderness
- Shred and mix
Remember, slow cookers can have different temperature settings. Watch your chicken the first time you make this recipe. You might need to change the cooking time for your slow cooker.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Cooking chicken breasts on low for 4 hours makes them super tender. Using high-quality salsa makes the taste even better. This crockpot salsa chicken is great for meal prep!
You can store it in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze it. To freeze, cool it down first, then put it in airtight containers. It will keep for up to 3 months.
To reheat, use a saucepan on medium heat or the microwave. Just stir it now and then to heat it evenly.
Always make sure your chicken gets to 165°F to be safe. Here’s a quick safety guide:
- Wash hands before and after handling raw chicken
- Use separate cutting boards for meat and veggies
- Thaw frozen chicken in the fridge, not on the counter
- Don’t leave cooked chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Follow these tips and you’ll be a pro at making crockpot salsa chicken!
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
This Crockpot Salsa Chicken is so versatile! It’s great for many Mexican dishes. Serve it in tacos by warming tortillas, adding chicken, and topping with cilantro and lime.
For a big meal, use the chicken in burritos or quesadillas. Or, make a burrito bowl with rice and beans. It’s also good on salads, adding tasty protein to any greens.
Nachos are another great choice. Put the chicken on tortilla chips with cheese and your favorite toppings. For a low-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps. Try different salsa flavors to keep it exciting!
Add Mexican rice or a fresh salad to your meal. This recipe is perfect for easy, tasty dinners.