Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Featured in: One-Pot Rustic Meals

This dish features tender chicken breasts or thighs slow-cooked with salsa and taco seasoning. The slow cooking method ensures juicy, flavorful meat that effortlessly shreds for use in tacos, burritos, or rice bowls. Preparation takes only minutes, and the slow cooker does the rest, blending spices and salsa for a balanced taste. Garnish with cilantro or avocado for added freshness and enjoy a simple, versatile main course rich in protein and suitable for gluten- and dairy-free diets.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:45:00 GMT
Tender Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken, ready to shred, simmered in a vibrant salsa bath for savory tacos. Save to Pinterest
Tender Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken, ready to shred, simmered in a vibrant salsa bath for savory tacos. | saffronmoss.com

A fuss-free, flavorful chicken dish made with just three ingredients—perfectly juicy and seasoned for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls.

This slow cooker salsa chicken quickly became a family favorite because it saves so much time while delivering big flavor.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1.5 lbs (about 680 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Sauce & Seasoning: 2 cups (475 ml) salsa (mild medium or hot as preferred)
  • Sauce & Seasoning: 1 packet (1 oz/28 g) taco seasoning

Instructions

Step 1:
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 2:
Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.
Step 3:
Pour salsa over the seasoned chicken spreading it to cover all pieces.
Step 4:
Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 8 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Step 5:
Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks Mix well to coat with salsa and juices.
Step 6:
Serve in warm tortillas over rice or as a filling for tacos burritos or salads.
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| saffronmoss.com

This recipe always brings my family together around the dinner table sharing stories and laughter.

Notes

Use leftover chicken for quesadillas nachos or stuffed bell peppers Garnish with fresh cilantro avocado or lime wedges if desired.

Required Tools

Slow cooker Forks (for shredding) Measuring cups

Nutritional Information

Calories 220 Total Fat 4 g Carbohydrates 10 g Protein 36 g

Juicy, shredded Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken, perfect with savory taco seasoning and zesty salsa's flavor. Save to Pinterest
Juicy, shredded Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken, perfect with savory taco seasoning and zesty salsa's flavor. | saffronmoss.com

Enjoy this easy chicken recipe that fits perfectly into your busy lifestyle and satisfies your taste buds.

Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs can be used, depending on your preference for lean or slightly fattier meat.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, choose mild, medium, or hot salsa to control the heat in the dish.

How do I shred the chicken?

After cooking, use two forks to pull the chicken apart directly in the cooker for easy shredding.

What are good serving suggestions?

Serve the shredded chicken warm in tortillas, over rice, or use as filling for burritos and salads.

Can I add other ingredients for variety?

For extra flavor, include drained black beans or corn before cooking, or garnish with cilantro, avocado, or lime wedges.

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Flavorful chicken simmered with salsa and seasoning, perfect for easy Mexican-inspired meals.

Prep Steps Duration
5 min
Time Needed to Cook
240 min
Overall Time Required
245 min
Created by Leah Winslow


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Mexican-Inspired

Servings Made 4 Number of Portions

Diet Preferences No Dairy, Doesn't Contain Gluten, Reduced Carb

List of Ingredients

Chicken

01 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Sauce & Seasoning

01 2 cups salsa (mild, medium, or hot, as preferred)
02 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare Chicken Base: Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the base of the slow cooker.

Step 02

Season Chicken: Evenly sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken pieces.

Step 03

Add Salsa: Pour salsa evenly over the seasoned chicken, ensuring all pieces are covered.

Step 04

Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours until tender and easy to shred.

Step 05

Shred Chicken: Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, mixing thoroughly to coat with salsa and juices.

Step 06

Serve: Serve warm in tortillas, over rice, or as filling for tacos, burritos, or salads.

Equipment List

  • Slow cooker
  • Forks for shredding
  • Measuring cups

Allergy Details

Double-check each ingredient for allergens. Ask your doctor if you're unsure.
  • Check taco seasoning and salsa labels for potential traces of wheat (gluten), dairy, or other allergens.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Only use this info for reference—it won't replace expert advice.
  • Calorie Content: 220
  • Amount of Fat: 4 g
  • Carbohydrate: 10 g
  • Protein Amount: 36 g