Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Featured in: Family-Friendly Everyday Meals

This dish features boneless chicken simmered gently in a blend of tomato-rich salsa and flavorful taco seasoning. Slow cooking ensures the chicken becomes tender and easy to shred, absorbing the zesty, savory notes of the salsa mixture. It serves well in tacos, burrito bowls, or fresh salads, offering versatility and ease. Optional extras like black beans or corn can boost texture and flavor, while adjusting salsa heat levels customizes the spice.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:04:00 GMT
Juicy, shredded Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken, ready to fill tacos and served with a vibrant salsa. Save
Juicy, shredded Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken, ready to fill tacos and served with a vibrant salsa. | honeyflint.com

A deliciously simple, family-friendly shredded chicken recipe made with just three ingredients. Perfect as a taco filling, for burrito bowls, or atop salads.

This slow cooker salsa chicken has become a staple in our household Its ease and flavor make weeknight dinners a breeze

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 2 pounds (900 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • Salsa: 2 cups (475 ml) tomato-based salsa (mild medium or hot as preferred)
  • Seasoning: 1 ounce (28 g) taco seasoning (1 standard packet or homemade blend)

Instructions

Step 1:
Arrange the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 2:
Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.
Step 3:
Pour the salsa over the chicken ensuring it is well coated.
Step 4:
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours until the chicken is very tender and easily shredded.
Step 5:
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker Shred with two forks then return the meat to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
Step 6:
Serve warm in tacos burritos over rice or as desired.
Save
| honeyflint.com

This meal has brought our family together especially on busy evenings when time is tight and everyone wants a wholesome dinner

Required Tools

Slow cooker crockpot Forks (for shredding) Measuring cups

Allergen Information

Contains no common allergens when using gluten-free taco seasoning and salsa Always check seasoning and salsa labels for gluten soy or dairy if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Calories 185 Total Fat 3 g Carbohydrates 7 g Protein 32 g per serving

Tender Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken, glistening with salsa juices, piled high on a plate and ready to eat. Save
Tender Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken, glistening with salsa juices, piled high on a plate and ready to eat. | honeyflint.com

This recipe is a perfect blend of ease and flavor making it a go-to for busy nights.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and provide a juicier texture when slow cooked with salsa and spices.

How long should I cook the chicken on low setting?

Cooking on low for about 6 hours allows the chicken to become tender and easily shred without drying out.

What are some serving suggestions for this dish?

Serve the shredded chicken in tacos, burrito bowls, over rice, or on fresh salads for a tasty meal.

Can I adjust the spiciness level?

Yes, choose mild, medium, or hot salsa and add diced jalapeños to increase the heat according to your preference.

Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

When using gluten-free salsa and taco seasoning, this dish is safe for gluten-free dietary needs.

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Tender chicken cooked slowly with salsa and taco seasoning, ideal for various meals.

Prep duration
5 minutes
Time to cook
240 minutes
Total duration
245 minutes
Recipe by Julia Fenmore


Skill level Easy

Cuisine type Mexican-Inspired

Makes 6 Portions

Diet info No dairy, No gluten

What you'll need

Chicken

01 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Salsa

01 2 cups tomato-based salsa (mild, medium, or hot)

Seasoning

01 1 ounce taco seasoning (1 standard packet or homemade blend)

Preparation steps

Step 01

Prepare chicken base: Place chicken breasts or thighs evenly in the slow cooker base.

Step 02

Add seasoning: Sprinkle taco seasoning uniformly over the chicken pieces.

Step 03

Add salsa: Pour salsa over chicken ensuring thorough coating.

Step 04

Cook chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 4 hours until chicken is tender and shreddable.

Step 05

Shred chicken: Remove chicken, shred with two forks, return shredded meat to slow cooker, and stir to integrate with sauce.

Step 06

Serve: Serve warm as taco filling, burrito ingredient, over rice, or as preferred.

Tools needed

  • Slow cooker
  • Forks
  • Measuring cups

Allergy details

Review each item for allergens and check with your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains no common allergens if using gluten-free taco seasoning and salsa; verify labels for gluten, soy, or dairy presence.

Nutrition details (each serving)

Information here is just a guide—talk to your doctor for personal advice.
  • Calorie count: 185
  • Fat content: 3 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 7 grams
  • Proteins: 32 grams