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Easy 5-Ingredient Crockpot Salsa Chicken

crockpot salsa chicken - featured image

A simple, fork-tender slow cooker chicken dish made with just five ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe yields juicy, flavorful shredded chicken that is ideal for tacos, burritos, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 2.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1.5 to 2 cups medium or mild salsa
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
  • 1 medium lime, juiced
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse chicken breasts and pat dry. Place them in the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. If breasts are large, cut them in half horizontally.
  2. Sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning over the chicken.
  3. Pour the jar of salsa over the chicken and seasoning, ensuring the chicken is mostly covered.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily.
  5. Turn off the slow cooker. Shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks.
  6. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce, squeeze fresh lime juice over the top, and stir again. Add salt to taste if needed.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve.

Notes

Do not overcook chicken breasts on HIGH as they can become dry; LOW and slow is preferred. If the sauce is too thin, leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes to evaporate excess liquid, or use a cornstarch slurry. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and can be made gluten-free by using a certified gluten-free taco seasoning.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, crockpot, salsa chicken, easy dinner, meal prep, 5 ingredient recipe, healthy chicken, gluten-free option