An easy “set-it-and-forget-it” slow cooker dinner! This recipe for shredded crockpot salsa chicken has 3 ingredients and needs just 5 minutes of prep. Toss defrosted chicken breasts, taco seasoning, and fresh or store-bought salsa into the crockpot and let it work its magic. I’ve also included a few side dish options to turn the shredded chicken into a complete meal
When I have a busy week ahead of me, I love turning to super simple meal-prepping recipes.
Like basic slow cooker shredded chicken and basic Instant Pot shredded chicken, this Crockpot salsa chicken recipe is one of my favorite options! (We also love Crockpot ranch chicken for meal prep.)
I typically buy salsa from the refrigerated section of the grocery store, but if I have a little extra time (and the produce on hand), I'll make this using my homemade chipotle salsa.
Serve this with Spanish Cauliflower Rice, Mexican Smashed Potatoes, Mexican Quinoa, Slow Cooker Bean Dip or Slow Cooker Black Beans. It is also great in chicken quesadillas, empanadas, and tacos.
Ingredients for Making Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
- Chicken - You can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs to make this Mexican shredded chicken.
- Taco seasoning - You can use homemade or store-bought. A blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne can also be used.
- Salsa - You can use red, green, chunky, restaurant, mild, spicy, or any other kind of salsa you like! You can use a jar of salsa, or buy it fresh from the produce section.
- Toppings - I like to serve my chicken and salsa with jalapeños, cilantro, shredded iceberg lettuce, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and lime wedges. You can also serve tortilla chips on the side.
Tips & Tricks
- If you don't have taco seasoning, you can make your own Taco Seasoning.
- Since the salsa is the primary flavoring here, use a good quality of salsa.
- The fastest way to shred chicken is by putting it in the bowl of a stand mixer or using an electric hand mixer. This method is easier than using two forks if you're shredding a larger quantity at one time.
- Food Safety Tip: Don’t cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker. It heats too slowly, keeping the meat in the “danger zone” (40°F–140°F) long enough for bacteria to grow.
Tools Needed
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- Crockpot or Instant Pot Dutch Oven with a slow cooker function
- Two forks, an electric hand mixer, or a stand mixer for shredding
Storage
Any extra Slow Cooker Chicken and Salsa should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave, stove top, or oven.
Can You Freeze Salsa Chicken?
Yes, you can store your chicken in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to three months. To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight.
How to Make Crockpot Salsa Chicken
Sprinkle the chicken breast or thighs with the taco seasoning.
Arrange the chicken in the bottom of your crockpot. Pour the salsa on top. (No need to stir.)
Cover and cook over high heat for 3 hours or low heat for 6 hours.
Shred the chicken if desired before serving.
Swerve with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, iceberg, cheese, sour cream and avocado.
Shredded Crockpot Salsa Chicken
Ingredients
- 2.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- ¼ cup taco seasoning about 1 package
- 1 ½ cups salsa about 16 ounces
- For serving: jalapeños cilantro, shredded iceberg, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, lime juice
Instructions
- Sprinkle the chicken breast with the taco seasoning.
- Arrange in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Top with the salsa.
- Cook over high heat for 3 hours or low heat for 6 hours.
- Shred the chicken if desired.
Nutrition
More Slow Cooker Recipes
- For a super-convenient weeknight meal, Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga is packed with flavor and so easy to make.
- With red pepper, corn, chicken, cheese, and salsa, Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Casserole is one the whole family will love.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas are a staple for Mexican night in my house!
- Cheesy and delicious with only a fraction of the effort of the traditional version, Slow Cooker Eggplant Parmesan is perfect for easy entertaining.
eileen says
I like your recipe I do not have a crockpot or any other pots except for the oven or stove
Could I do this recipe either of those ways
Thank You
Marian Graybeal says
Excellent article.... better than some that have been published.
Salsa Chicken is on be in my crock pot this week.
Recipes calling for three ingredients are my friends.
Thanks. Marian Graybeal, Bellevue, Washington