Dump & Forget Crockpot Salsa Chicken: A Guilt-Free Win

Okay, let’s be real – weeknight dinners can be a total disaster, right? I mean, who has time to slave away in the kitchen after a crazy day? That’s where my trusty Crockpot Salsa Chicken comes to the rescue! Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver. You just dump everything in, press a button, and BAM! Dinner is served.

And the best part? It’s SO versatile. Tacos, salads, burrito bowls… you name it! I honestly don’t know what I’d do without this recipe. It’s a family favorite, and even my pickiest eater loves it (shhh, don’t tell him it’s healthy!). I love making this Crockpot Salsa Chicken because it is so easy!!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Salsa Chicken Recipe

Simple and Quick

Seriously, you just toss everything in the crockpot and forget about it! Prep time is like, five minutes tops. Can’t beat that!

Versatile Meal Option

Tacos, salads, bowls… seriously, the possibilities are endless! It’s like a blank canvas for your dinner dreams!

Flavorful and Customizable

Want it spicier? Add more taco seasoning! Prefer a milder flavor? Use a mild salsa! It’s totally up to you. Top it with all your faves!

Gluten-Free and Healthy

Bonus points: it’s naturally gluten-free! And packed with protein, so you can feel good about what you’re eating. Yay!

Crockpot Salsa Chicken Ingredients

Chicken Breasts

Okay, for this, you’ll want about 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I usually grab the ones that are around 6-8 oz each. Don’t stress too much about the exact size, though!

Salsa

Here’s where you get to be creative! Grab a 16 oz jar of your *favorite* salsa. Mild, medium, hot – whatever floats your boat! I usually go for medium because, well, I’m a wimp. Haha!

Taco Seasoning

One packet of taco seasoning is all you need! I actually prefer the low sodium kind, but that’s just me. Use whatever you have on hand!

Optional Toppings

This is the fun part! Shredded cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt!), avocado slices, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime… the list goes on and on! Seriously, pile it high!

How to Make Crockpot Salsa Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Crockpot

First things first, give your crockpot a little love tap with some cooking spray. Just a light coating will do! Trust me, it makes clean-up a breeze later. Nobody wants stuck-on chicken, yuck!

Combine Ingredients

Okay, now the fun part! Plop those chicken breasts right into the bottom of the crockpot. Then, pour that glorious salsa all over them. Make sure every piece of chicken gets a good salsa bath! Finally, sprinkle that taco seasoning on top. Try to get it nice and even, ya know?

Cooking Time

Alright, here’s where the magic happens. You can cook this on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. I usually go for low because I like to let it simmer all day while I’m doing other stuff. BUT, if you’re in a hurry, high works just fine! Just be sure to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Safety first, friends!

Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken’s cooked, grab two forks and shred it right there in the crockpot. It should be super tender and fall apart easily. If it’s not, give it a little more cooking time.

Serve and Enjoy Your Crockpot Salsa Chicken

And that’s it! Serve it up immediately in tacos, salads, bowls… whatever your heart desires! Don’t forget your favorite toppings. Get creative and have fun with it!

Tips for the Best Crockpot Salsa Chicken

Spice Level Adjustment

Okay, so if you’re not a fan of super-spicy food (like me!), start with a mild salsa and maybe half a packet of taco seasoning. You can always add more later! But if you’re a heat-seeker? Go wild with a hot salsa and the whole packet!

Preventing Dry Chicken

Nobody wants dry, yucky chicken, right? The key is to not overcook it! Start checking for doneness around the minimum cook time (6 hours on low, 3 hours on high). And trust me, it’s better to err on the side of slightly undercooked than overcooked!

Adding Extra Flavor

Want to kick things up a notch? Toss in some diced onions, bell peppers, or even a can of diced tomatoes! Adds a little extra somethin’ somethin’, ya know?

Thicken the Sauce if Needed

Sometimes the sauce can be a little thin after cooking. No biggie! Just take the chicken out, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water, and stir it into the sauce. Cook on high for a bit until it thickens up. Easy peasy!

Crockpot Salsa Chicken Variations

Creamy Crockpot Salsa Chicken

Oh, this is a good one! Stir in a block of cream cheese (or some sour cream if you’re feeling virtuous!) after shredding the chicken. It makes it SO rich and decadent. Seriously, you won’t regret it!

Black Bean Crockpot Salsa Chicken

Just toss in a can of rinsed and drained black beans right into the crockpot with everything else! Adds a little extra protein and fiber, plus they’re just plain yummy.

Spicy Crockpot Salsa Chicken

Okay, heat lovers, this one’s for you! Use a hot salsa, duh! Or, if you’re feeling extra daring, add a pinch (or more!) of cayenne pepper. Careful though, it can get HOT!

Crockpot Salsa Chicken with Corn

Another super easy add-in! Just dump a can of corn (drained, of course!) into the crockpot. It adds a little sweetness and a nice pop of color. My kids love this one!

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Salsa Chicken

Tacos

Okay, you gotta try this in tacos! Warm up some tortillas (corn or flour, your call!), load ’em up with the chicken, and pile on your fave taco toppings. So good!

Salads

This stuff is AMAZING on salads! Just toss some shredded chicken on top of a bed of lettuce with salsa and all your usual salad fixings. Healthy and delicious!

Bowls

Burrito bowls are my go-to! Rice, beans, chicken, and whatever toppings you’re craving. It’s like a party in a bowl!

Nachos

Oh man, nachos! Load up some tortilla chips with Crockpot Salsa Chicken, cheese, and all the toppings. Pop ’em in the oven until the cheese is melty and gooey. SO good for game night!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Salsa Chicken

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for Crockpot Salsa Chicken?

Okay, so technically, you *can* use frozen chicken breasts, but I really don’t recommend it. It can mess with the texture, ya know? But if you’re in a pinch, add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time to make sure it’s cooked through.

Can I make Crockpot Salsa Chicken ahead of time?

Totally! This is one of the best things about it! Just shred the chicken after cooking and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Then, when you’re ready to eat, just reheat it. Easy peasy!

How do I store leftover Crockpot Salsa Chicken?

Super simple! Just pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’ll be good for about 3 days. Perfect for lunch the next day!

Can I freeze Crockpot Salsa Chicken?

Yep! This stuff freezes like a dream. Just put it in a freezer-safe container and it’ll keep for up to 2 months. Great for those nights when you just can’t even. I love stocking my freezer with this Crockpot Salsa Chicken!

What if my Crockpot Salsa Chicken is too watery?

Don’t panic! If the sauce is a little too thin for your liking, just cook it uncovered for the last hour or so. That’ll help some of the liquid evaporate. Or, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (that’s just a fancy way of saying mix cornstarch with cold water!).

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Crockpot Salsa Chicken

Storing Leftovers

Okay, so you’ve got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop ’em in an airtight container and stash ’em in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to dig in again, just nuke it in the microwave or heat it up on the stovetop until it’s nice and hot. Super simple!

Nutritional Information for Crockpot Salsa Chicken

Okay, so you wanna know the nutritional lowdown, huh? Well, here’s the thing: it’s tricky to give exact numbers because it really depends on the salsa you use and how much taco seasoning you pile on! But, here’s a rough estimate, just to give you an idea.

Keep in mind that this is just an approximation, okay? Different brands and ingredients will change things up. I’m not a nutritionist, so don’t take this as gospel! Just a little FYI.

Enjoy Your Delicious Crockpot Salsa Chicken

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