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Crockpot Salsa Chicken Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours (tenders, high) to 8 hours (breasts, low)
  • Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes (quickest method)
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

This Crockpot Salsa Chicken recipe is a simple, flavorful meal that combines tender chicken with zesty taco seasoning and fresh salsa, slow-cooked to perfection. Ideal for a hands-off cooking method, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and easily customizable. The shredded chicken can be served over rice, in tacos, or as a protein-packed addition to salads.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 pounds chicken tenders or breasts

Seasoning and Sauce

  • 1 ounce taco seasoning packet
  • 2 cups salsa
  • 1 lime (juice)


Instructions

  1. Add Chicken: Place the chicken tenders or breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, spreading them evenly for consistent cooking.
  2. Season: Sprinkle the taco seasoning packet evenly over the chicken to add bold, Mexican-inspired flavors.
  3. Pour Salsa: Pour the 2 cups of salsa over the chicken and seasoning, which will keep the chicken moist and infuse it with spicy, tangy flavor during cooking.
  4. Cook Chicken: For chicken tenders, cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4-6 hours. For chicken breasts, cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 7-8 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
  5. Shred Chicken: Using two forks, clean hands, or a hand mixer, shred the cooked chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it with the salsa and seasonings.
  6. Add Lime Juice: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shredded chicken for a bright, citrusy finish that complements the salsa and taco seasoning.
  7. Serve: Serve the shredded salsa chicken warm on its own, over rice, in tortillas for tacos, or as a topping for salads. Enjoy your flavorful, slow-cooked meal!

Notes

  • Use chicken tenders for faster cooking times and more tender meat.
  • Adjust the amount of taco seasoning or salsa to suit your preferred spice level.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze perfectly for up to 3 months.
  • This recipe is versatile – try serving with rice, in wraps, or over a baked potato for variety.