Here are our crock pot salsa chicken recipes for those busy weeknights! The base is a simple recipe with simple ingredients. The flavor of the salsa is what changes everything...
And we're giving you different ways to cook it too. 5 in fact. You can do the slow cooker, your Instant Pot, oven-baked, on the stovetop OR even make it a freezer meal. It's one of the easiest recipes. And it's perfect to add to your meal plan for those incredibly busy weeks that just seem to happen to us all.
We're going with our slow cooker salsa chicken recipe as the primary method. I like the crockpot best. You do you.
So, you'll see lots of options for cooking. And for your ingredients too. None are difficult and when you're done, you'll have an easy dinner perfect for taco night!
Let's get started...
Ingredients for Crockpot Salsa Chicken Recipe
In this section, I'll detail what I used for this recipe. Then I'll give you options for what I have used in the past and other ingredients that can be used. Then you can mix and match and come up with some amazingly delicious ideas...
- Chicken: I used boneless chicken breasts for this recipe. You can also do chicken thighs. Or you can swap the meat completely. Boneless would be a better choice, but any would work.
- Salsa: I used Aldi's salsa and pureed it in my Vita-mix. 20 seconds. You can use your favorite salsa or even make homemade salsa. Or you could go nuts and do salsa verde...'cause who says it has to be a red salsa? Or corn salsa and black beans for a completely different idea. The kind of salsa is key to creating multiple recipes you aren't gonna get bored eating.
- Taco Seasoning: Again, I used Aldi brand. You can use your favorite or you can make your own homemade taco seasoning...that recipe is down below if you'd like to give it a shot.
- Lime Juice: I don't have a sub idea for this one. There's no reason you couldn't leave it out if you don't have it. But it does add great flavor.
After that, you pick your favorite toppings and you're off to the races. Now, lets get into the cooking methods...
How to Cook Crockpot Salsa Chicken
One of the best parts of this salsa chicken crock pot recipe is how flexible it is. The handful of ingredients and minutes of prep make it one of the easiest recipes for busy weeknight dinners.
No fancy steps here. Just simple slow cooking that turns raw chicken into juicy chicken with big flavor.
Slow Cooker Method
This is my favorite way to make crockpot chicken. The chicken cooks slowly and stays tender the whole time.
Place chicken in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the top.
Pour your favorite jar of salsa over the chicken and add the fresh lime juice.
Cover and cook:
• LOW for 6-8 hours
• HIGH for 3-4 hours
Cooking times will vary depending on your different slow cooker models and the thickness of the chicken.
When the chicken reaches a safe temperature of 165 degrees F internal temperature, remove it with a slotted spoon and shred chicken using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir with the salsa.
That’s it. Tender chicken ready for countless ways to serve it.
Instant Pot Method
If you're in a time crunch, the Instant Pot is a great way to make instant pot salsa chicken.
Place chicken, salsa, seasoning, and lime juice into the pot. Add a cup of water if your salsa is very thick.
Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
Allow a 10 minute natural release, then finish with a quick release.
Remove and shred chicken, then return it to the sauce.
This gives you flavorful chicken with a much shorter cooking time.
Stovetop Method
Heat a little olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned on both sides. Pour in the salsa and taco seasoning.
Reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes, or until the chicken cooks through.
Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the sauce.
Oven-Baked Method
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Place chicken in a baking dish and cover with salsa and taco seasoning.
Cover with foil and bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
Remove and shred chicken before serving.
Freezer Meal Method
This recipe also works great for meal prep.
Place raw chicken, salsa, seasoning, and lime juice in a freezer bag.
Seal and freeze for 2-3 months.
When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook in the slow cooker as directed.
Leftover salsa chicken stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
What to Serve With Salsa Chicken
One of the best things about this versatile recipe is how many different meals you can make with it.
The flavorful chicken works with classic Mexican food sides or simple pantry staples.
Here are some favorite side dishes that work well.
• Mexican rice or long-grain rice
• Brown rice or cauliflower rice for low-carb meals
• Pinto beans or black beans
• Green beans or roasted sweet potatoes
• Tortilla chips with extra salsa
Add toppings like:
• shredded cheese or melty cheese
• fresh cilantro
• green onions
• red onion
• lime wedges
• a little sour cream or hot sauce
Once the chicken cooks, it becomes the base for so many delicious recipes.
Salsa Chicken Burrito Bowls
This is one of the best ways to use crockpot chicken.
Start with a bowl of long-grain rice or brown rice. Add a scoop of shredded chicken and spoon some of the extra salsa from the slow cooker over the top.
Then add toppings like:
• pinto beans
• corn
• red onion
• fresh cilantro
• melty cheese
• a little sour cream
It’s basically your favorite burrito in a bowl and makes a great quick dinner.
Burrito bowls are also perfect for meal prep containers during the week.
Salsa Chicken Taco Salad
Taco salad is another family favorite.
Fill a large bowl with chopped lettuce and crushed tortilla chips.
Top with the warm shredded chicken, tomatoes, cheese, and your favorite taco toppings.
Some people also like to add:
• green chiles
• black beans
• sliced avocado
• a little sour cream
The warm chicken slightly melts the cheese and makes the salad feel like a full main course.
Salsa Chicken Tacos
Of course, salsa chicken is perfect for chicken tacos.
Warm corn tortillas or flour tortillas and fill them with the shredded chicken.
Top with:
• shredded lettuce
• fresh salsa
• red onion
• fresh cilantro
• lime wedges
You can also add sour cream, hot sauce, or cheese depending on your level of heat preference.
These tacos are one of our favorite taco nights dinners and one of the slow cooker dinners we make most often.
Recipe
Printable 4 Ingredient Salsa Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts boneless skinless
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2–3 teaspoons homemade taco seasoning
- 16 ounces jar of salsa chunky salsa or smooth salsa both work
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
Slow Cooker Chicken Salsa
- Place chicken in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken.
- Pour the jar of salsa over the top.
- Add fresh lime juice.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove it and shred chicken using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir into the sauce before serving.
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
- Place chicken, salsa, seasoning, and lime juice in the Instant Pot.
- If the salsa is very thick, add ½ cup water.
- Cook on High Pressure for 12 minutes.
- Allow 10 minutes natural release, then do a quick release.
- Shred chicken and return it to the sauce.
Stovetop 4-Ingredient Salsa Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook until lightly browned.
- Add salsa, seasoning, and lime juice.
- Reduce heat and simmer 30–40 minutes, until chicken cooks through.
- Remove and shred chicken, then return to the sauce.
Oven Baked Chicken Salsa
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place chicken in a baking dish.
- Top with salsa, seasoning, and lime juice.
- Cover with foil and bake 30–45 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Shred chicken before serving.
Freezer Meal Salsa Chicken
- Place raw chicken, salsa, seasoning, and lime juice in a freezer bag.
- Seal and freeze for up to 2–3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking in the slow cooker.
Video
Notes
Yield: about 1 packet Ingredients: • 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper • pinch cayenne pepper for extra heat (optional) Instructions:
- Mix all spices together in a small bowl.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container for later use.
- This seasoning mix equals about one store-bought taco seasoning packet and works perfectly in this crockpot chicken recipe.
• sour cream
• fresh cilantro
• green onions
• lime wedges
Storage
Store leftover salsa chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or stovetop until warmed through.
Serving Ideas
This shredded chicken works great for:
• chicken tacos
• burrito bowls
• taco salad
• quesadillas
• nachos
• taco soup or chicken enchiladas
Wrappin' Up Our Crock Pot Salsa Chicken Recipe
There you go! A super easy chicken recipe and three awesome crock pot salsa chicken recipes to try. Such an easy meal idea! And very tasty too.
Make sure to make extra so you'll have leftover salsa chicken. It's a great lunch or emergency meal for later. Enjoy!
