This recipe for Crock Pot Salsa Chicken is my favorite go-to healthy dinner that is quick, easy and only requires TWO ingredients!
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Note: This post first appeared on February 3, 2014. It has been updated with bright new photos, but it’s still the same delicious EASY recipe!
When it comes to meal planning for the week, THIS is my absolute favorite thing to make! Salsa is extremely low in calories and is a great way to get those veggies in your diet without even trying. It also just so happens to perfectly coat your chicken in the crock pot making it moist and flavorful while giving you TONS to enjoy all week! Oh and did I mention this entire recipe requires just TWO ingredients, along with a little salt and pepper. That’s it! It doesn’t get much easier than that folks. Simply throw your chicken into your crock pot, top with the salsa of choice and turn it on. Done. I can’t tell you how much of a lifesaver this recipe is for us during busy weeks and the shredded chicken makes perfect leftovers for healthy lunches!
Personally I like to eat my chicken over a salad because the salsa acts as a great dressing, but you could eat this mixed with brown rice, on a whole wheat bun or in a wrap and it also takes great all on its own with some veggies. Any salsa will work too, just use your favorite! THIS recipe just happens to be mine and the one I always use when making shredded chicken. I love making my own at home because there is nothing more tasty then fresh salsa, but if you are looking for something quick, store-bought works perfectly!
Just a quick note, this does get pretty watery after slow cooking for a few hours so I like to remove the chicken, strain out the salsa then throw everything back in to shred. Super easy though! Let me just tell you that this makes a seriously delicious bowl mixed with black beans, peppers, brown rice and lettuce. You could also add a little cumin and chili powder for even more flavor!
Like I said before, this is literally the EASIEST recipe you’ll ever make. Hope you all enjoy it as much as we do!
Crock Pot Salsa Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper
- 2 cups favorite salsa
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in your crock pot, season with a little salt and pepper and cover completely with salsa. Set crock pot on the low setting and cook for 4 1/2 hours.
- Place chicken in a bowl and strain out just the salsa, not the juice. Shred chicken using two forks and mix in strained salsa. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’ve made this recipe for years and I’ve never had a problem with dry chicken since I keep it in the crockpot for close to 10 hours when I’m at work. I use two pounds of chicken breasts (which I sometimes dice into chunks and I’ve also done this recipe with pork!!) and I add a 16 oz jar of salsa and it comes out perfect. Not dry at all. Once I get home I add a can of corn and a can of black beans, put it on high while I make some rice. Leftovers: I’ll serve it over mashed potatoes or I make burritos. This is the BEST crockpot recipe. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I want to try this recipe, but I want to only use two chicken breasts. How long would you cook them for ?
You would cook them for the same amount of time 🙂
My family is obsessed with salsa chicken! I have been making it in the instant pot also and we use it for everything from burrito bowls to salads. The best!
The mango salsa from Costco is amazing in this recipe!
I’m definitely going to try this asap! My boys would love this with a bit a of the mild salsa, thanks for the cool recipe idea. I’ll share and link back when I decide to post and share on my blog. Btw, found you on BlogLovin’ and will be a new follower.
Thanks Alyssa! Hope you and your boys enjoy this! 🙂
Hi, should i keep the crock pot covered through the duration of 4 hours?
Yes definitely keep the crock pot covered 🙂
thanks for this recipe! love your blog 🙂 🙂