Easy Crockpot Chicken and Salsa Recipe

Crock Pot Chicken and Salsa Ingredients

This shredded chicken is made with just a few simple ingredients:

• Chicken breast – Use boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Garlic powder – If you like a little more heat, add some chili powder, too.
• Salsa – Grab your favorite jar of salsa or use homemade salsa. favorite salsa

How to Use Salsa Chicken

I created this chicken cooked in salsa with some specific meals in mind as it is a cook once, eat twice meal for my meal plan and perfect for busy weeknights.

There are so many ways to use this salsa shredded chicken, here are a few favorite ways:

• Baked Cheesy Chicken Tacos – Meal #1 is taco night with these easy crockpot chicken tacos. Easy and cheesy, what more do you want in a weeknight dinner? Top your tacos with the classics: guacamole, sour cream, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, green onions, and crunchy lettuce.
• Chicken Chilaquiles with Chips – My easy hack for chilaquiles at home (hint, it’s made with tortilla chips)! This method is easy and is a great way to use leftover chicken.
• Burrito Rice Bowls – Top rice with shredded chicken, beans, corn salsa, etc. or make it just like my barbacoa burrito bowls, and simply swap the meat.
• Nachos – Use leftover salsa chicken on tortilla chips and top with a little bit (or a lot!) of Mexican or cheddar cheese. See my crock pot chicken nachos for full instructions.
• Taco Salad – Simply top the lettuce with salsa chicken, extra veggies like bell pepper, tomatoes, or roasted corn. Or make it just like my classic taco salad with ground beef and swap out the meat.

What to Serve with Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

Once you decide how to use your salsa chicken, you can choose your sides:

• Mexican-Style Cauliflower Rice – I served this as a veggie side for the chicken and salsa tacos and became OBSESSED!
• Tex-Mex Side Salad – A simple green salad that’s the perfect side for Mexican-inspired meals.
• Rice – A simple side is rice. Try Mexican rice, cilantro lime rice, brown rice, or white rice.
• Beans – Another great option for a simple side. Try black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put frozen chicken in the crockpot?

No, it’s not recommended to put frozen chicken in the crockpot. The problem is that it will cook unevenly and because it’s cooked over a lower heat, it will be at an unsafe temperature for too long.

Let the chicken thaw first, then it’s ready for the slow cooker.

Can you put raw chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can put raw chicken in the slow cooker.

Can you slow cook chicken for 12 hours?

I do not recommend cooking chicken for 12 hours, it’s just too long!

Can you slow cook chicken too long?

Yes, you can absolutely cook chicken too long and it will become dry and rubbery. While some cuts of meat can get tender with longer cooking times, lean cuts of meat (like the chicken breasts here) can become dry.

How to Serve Salsa Chicken to the Whole Family

I get it, feeding kids can be tough! But following the Division of Responsibility and knowing your job and your child’s job makes it SO much more enjoyable. You’ll be able to feed your kids any meal, which will help ensure that they are eating a variety of nutritious foods – with plenty of play food sprinkled in. 😉

For this easy slow cooker salsa chicken specifically, meals like tacos, burrito bowls, or salads can all be customized and are a great way to start with one family meal.

Crockpot Salsa Chicken Nutrition + Substitutes

This healthy salsa chicken makes a great base for a nutritious, filling meal! Each hefty serving (you will probably have leftovers) has 219 calories and 39 grams of protein. The full nutrition facts can be found below the recipe card.

• Skinless Chicken Thighs – You can certainly make salsa chicken thighs if desired. (Thighs are one of my favorite cuts, so I get it!) Cook the salsa chicken thighs for 4 hours on high, or until cooked through.
• Salsa – You can also use salsa verde (green salsa) or fresh salsa in this slow cooker chicken and salsa recipe. Use whatever salsa is your favorite!
• Spice level – I typically use a medium-heat salsa for recipes like this so that it has a little flavor, but not too much spice for the kids.
• Extra Flavor – Add a sprinkle of chili powder, cumin, or taco seasoning before cooking or add a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

More Slow Cooker Recipes

If you love slow cooker recipes, you might love my favorite slow cooker recipes! These always get rave reviews.

• Slow Cooker Black Beans
• Slow Cooker Korean Beef
• Slow Cooker Asian Pork
• Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos
• Slow Cooker Brats