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Crockpot Salsa Chicken: Zesty & Perfect for Tacos Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 51 reviews
  • Author: Simon
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Crockpot Salsa Chicken recipe is a zesty, flavorful dish perfect for tacos, burritos, and more. Slow-cooked to tender perfection with a blend of salsa, taco seasoning, and spices, this easy-to-make shredded chicken is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Customize with mild, medium, or hot salsa to suit your taste buds and enjoy a versatile, crowd-pleasing meal base.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups salsa (your choice of mild, medium, or hot)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Optional: ½ cup corn or black beans

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the crockpot base, ensuring they are evenly spread out for consistent cooking.
  2. Add Salsa and Broth: Pour 2 cups of your chosen salsa over the chicken. Then, add ½ cup of chicken broth to the crockpot to help keep the chicken moist and infuse flavor as it cooks.
  3. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle 1 packet of taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika evenly over the chicken and salsa mixture. Stir lightly to combine the seasonings and coat the chicken without displacing the pieces.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it is tender and easily shredded with forks.
  5. Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly inside the crockpot, mixing it thoroughly with the sauce to absorb all the zesty flavors.
  6. Let it Rest: Allow the shredded chicken to sit on the “warm” setting for 15 minutes. This step lets the meat soak up more of the delicious sauce and enhances the overall flavor.
  7. Serve: Serve your crockpot salsa chicken warm as a filling for tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or as a topping for nachos. Optionally, mix in ½ cup corn or black beans before serving for added texture and nutrition.

Notes

  • Use mild, medium, or hot salsa depending on your preferred spice level.
  • For a thicker sauce, drain excess liquid before shredding the chicken.
  • Add corn or black beans for extra texture and flavor.
  • This dish stores well and is great for meal prepping; refrigerate leftovers up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Can be served with tortillas, rice, or salad for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: crockpot salsa chicken, slow cooker chicken, shredded chicken tacos, easy chicken recipe, taco filling, dinner recipe, slow cooker chicken tacos

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Find it online: https://kitchenofsimon.com/crockpot-salsa-chicken-zesty-and-perfect-for-tacos-recipe/