Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Featured in: One-Pot Earthy Meals

This dish features tender chicken breasts or thighs cooked low and slow with flavorful salsa and taco seasoning. The long cooking time ensures the meat easily shreds and absorbs the tangy, spicy sauce, creating a versatile filling perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos, or bowls. Simple preparation and budget-friendly ingredients make it an easy go-to for busy days. Optional toppings like avocado or cilantro add freshness, and leftovers store well for several days.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 11:12:00 GMT
Tender Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken, savory and flavorful, ready to be shredded and enjoyed with tortilla chips. Pin it
Tender Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken, savory and flavorful, ready to be shredded and enjoyed with tortilla chips. | emberthyme.com

A simple, budget-friendly recipe featuring tender chicken cooked with salsa and taco seasoning. Perfect as a filling for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls.

I first made this slow cooker salsa chicken to simplify weeknight dinners and it quickly became a family favorite.

Ingredients

  • Protein: 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Sauce & Seasonings: 2 cups (480 ml) favorite jarred salsa (mild or spicy)
  • Sauce & Seasonings: 1 oz (28 g) taco seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

Step 1:
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 2:
Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.
Step 3:
Pour the salsa over the top ensuring all chicken is covered.
Step 4:
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours until the chicken is very tender and shreds easily.
Step 5:
Shred the chicken using two forks mixing it well with the salsa in the slow cooker.
Step 6:
Serve as a filling for tacos burritos nachos or over rice.
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| emberthyme.com

This recipe always brings my family together around the dinner table enjoying tasty and easy meals.

Required Tools

Slow cooker crockpot measuring cups and spoons two forks for shredding

Allergen Information

Contains none of the major allergens as written Always check taco seasoning and salsa for potential gluten or dairy additives

Nutritional Information

Calories 220 Total Fat 3 g Carbohydrates 10 g Protein 36 g per serving

Juicy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken, simmered in a slow cooker with salsa and taco seasoning, perfect for a quick, tasty meal. Pin it
Juicy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken, simmered in a slow cooker with salsa and taco seasoning, perfect for a quick, tasty meal. | emberthyme.com

This slow cooker salsa chicken is perfect for easy meal prep and customizable flavors.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and often yield juicier results due to their higher fat content.

How spicy is this salsa dish?

Spice level depends on your salsa choice; mild salsa offers gentle heat, while hot salsa amps up the spiciness.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Absolutely, this dish keeps well refrigerated for up to three days and flavors deepen over time.

What can I serve with slow-cooked chicken salsa?

It pairs beautifully with tortillas, rice, or as a topping for nachos and salads.

Is taco seasoning necessary?

It adds signature flavor, but you can substitute with your own blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and paprika.

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Juicy chicken simmered in vibrant salsa and spices, ready for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls.

Time to Prep
5 mins
Time to Cook
240 mins
Overall Time
245 mins
By Ember Thyme Clara Henshaw


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American, Mexican-Inspired

Portions 4 Portion Size

Dietary Details No Dairy, No Gluten

What You’ll Need

Protein

01 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Sauce & Seasonings

01 2 cups favorite jarred salsa (mild or spicy)
02 1 oz taco seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)

How To Make

Step 01

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

Step 02

Season chicken: Evenly sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken.

Step 03

Add salsa: Pour salsa over the chicken, ensuring it is fully covered.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Shred chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken and mix it thoroughly with the salsa in the slow cooker.

Step 06

Serve: Use the shredded chicken as a filling for tacos, burritos, nachos, or served over rice.

Equipment Needed

  • Slow cooker (crockpot)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Two forks for shredding

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • May contain gluten or dairy if taco seasoning or salsa include additives; verify product labels.

Nutrition Details (for each portion)

This nutritional info is just for reference—always consult your healthcare provider for specific advice.
  • Calorie Count: 220
  • Fats: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Proteins: 36 g