Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken (Printable)

Juicy chicken slow-cooked in salsa, perfect for versatile meals like tacos or bowls.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

→ Salsa & Seasonings

02 - 2 cups jarred salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
03 - 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
04 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (optional)
05 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional Add-Ins

06 - 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
08 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for serving)
09 - Juice of 1 lime (for serving)

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
02 - Sprinkle taco seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken.
03 - Pour salsa over the chicken. Add black beans and corn if using.
04 - Cover and cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 6 to 8 hours until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
05 - Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to slow cooker and stir to incorporate with sauce.
06 - Serve hot in tacos, burritos, or bowls. Garnish with cilantro and lime juice as desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Effortless, hands-off cooking for busy days
  • Versatile & customizable for tacos, bowls, and more
02 -
  • Leftovers store well for up to 4 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer
  • Optional toppings like cheese or sour cream add dairy allergens
03 -
  • Use chicken thighs for more moisture and flavor
  • For a smoky twist, add 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
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