Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken - Easy, Flavorful, and Versatile
Slow cooker salsa chicken made effortlessly tender and flavorful—perfect for meal prep, tacos, or bowls. A simple, protein-packed recipe worth trying.
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
Ingredients
- 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 jar salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
- 1 packet taco seasoning, or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ tsp ground cumin (if your seasoning is mild or you want extra depth)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste, depending on the saltiness of your seasoning)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ lime (the juice) (optional, for brightness)
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the slow cooker: Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or brush with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Layer the chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in a single layer on the bottom of the slow cooker.2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Add seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken.1 packet taco seasoning, or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning, 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pour in salsa: Pour the salsa over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated. Do not add extra water—there will be enough liquid as the chicken cooks.1 jar salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours, or on High for 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Do not overcook or the chicken can dry out around the edges.
- Shred the chicken: When the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart, remove it to a cutting board and shred with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce.
- Finish and taste: Stir in lime juice if using, and taste the sauce. Adjust with a pinch of salt, more salsa, or a squeeze of lime as needed.½ lime (the juice)
- Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro and use the chicken in tacos, bowls, quesadillas, or however you like.2 tbsp chopped cilantro
