Introduction

Welcome to this delicious recipe for Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy days when you want a flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy tender and juicy chicken infused with the vibrant flavors of salsa. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So let’s get started!

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1 cup of your favorite salsa (mild, medium, or hot)

– 1 teaspoon of cumin

– 1 teaspoon of chili powder

– 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process:

Step 1: Prepare the slow cooker

Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. This will make cleanup easier later on.

Step 2: Season the chicken

Season the chicken breasts with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to rub the seasonings evenly on both sides of each chicken breast.

Step 3: Add the salsa

Pour the salsa over the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure to cover each chicken breast with salsa to ensure maximum flavor.

Step 4: Cook on low heat

Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low heat for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker, so it’s always a good idea to check for doneness using a meat thermometer.

Step 5: Shred the chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. The chicken should be tender enough to easily pull apart.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy

Serve the shredded salsa chicken on its own or use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or sandwiches. Top it with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado. Enjoy!

Variations

Here are a few variations you can try to customize the flavor of your slow cooker salsa chicken:

1. Mango Salsa Chicken

Replace the regular salsa with mango salsa for a tropical twist. The sweetness of the mango will complement the savory chicken perfectly.

2. Spicy Salsa Chicken

If you like things spicy, use a hot salsa or add some diced jalapenos to the slow cooker. Adjust the heat level according to your preference.

3. Tex-Mex Salsa Chicken

Add a can of black beans and a can of corn to the slow cooker along with the chicken and salsa. This will give the dish a Tex-Mex flair and make it even more filling.

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of this slow cooker salsa chicken recipe:

1. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the salsa.

2. Adjust the spice level

If you prefer a milder flavor, use a mild salsa. If you like it hot and spicy, opt for a hot salsa or add some extra chili powder or hot sauce to the slow cooker.

3. Customize the toppings

Feel free to get creative with the toppings. Some popular options include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapenos.

4. Use leftovers creatively

If you have any leftovers, you can use the shredded salsa chicken in a variety of ways. It’s great for making quesadillas, nachos, or even a Mexican-style pizza.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken is a fantastic recipe for busy individuals who crave a flavorful and hassle-free meal. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create tender and juicy chicken infused with the zesty flavors of salsa. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A: Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly as chicken thighs tend to take a little longer to cook than chicken breasts.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A: Absolutely! Slow cooker salsa chicken freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: Can I use homemade salsa?

A: Yes, homemade salsa works great in this recipe. Feel free to use your favorite homemade salsa or store-bought salsa, whichever you prefer.

Q: Can I double the recipe?

A: Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you need to feed a larger crowd or if you want to have leftovers for future meals. Just make sure you have a slow cooker large enough to accommodate the additional chicken and salsa.

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Recipe by Author

★★★★☆

4.5 from 120 votes

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Difficulty: easy

Servings

4

Prep time

15 minutes

Cooking time

240 minutes

Calories

250 kcal

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Tender and juicy chicken infused with the vibrant flavors of salsa, cooked in a slow cooker for a hassle-free and delicious meal.

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Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the slow cooker by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Season the chicken breasts with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour salsa over the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours until chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Shred the cooked chicken using two forks.
6. Serve the shredded salsa chicken on its own or in tacos, burritos, or sandwiches with your favorite toppings.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 250

Fat: 5

Carbohydrates: 8

Protein: 40

Sodium: 600

Fiber: 2

Sugar: 4