Description
A simple, flavorful slow cooker chicken recipe using just five ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights. Tender, juicy chicken cooked with salsa and spices for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 16 ounces jar of salsa (medium-spicy recommended)
- 2 cloves minced garlic (or 2 teaspoons)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pour the entire jar of salsa over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic, ground cumin, and chili powder evenly over the top. No need to stir.
- Cover and set your crockpot to low heat for 6 to 7 hours (or high heat for 3 to 4 hours).
- Check for doneness when the chicken easily shreds with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Using two forks or tongs, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot and mix well with the salsa juices.
- Let the shredded chicken cook for another 10-15 minutes in the salsa to soak up the flavors.
- Serve over rice, in tortillas, or alongside your favorite veggies.
Notes
Use fresh spices for best flavor. Avoid opening the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain heat. If salsa is too watery near the end, remove lid and cook on high for 10-20 minutes to reduce liquid. Frozen chicken can be used but increase cooking time by 1 hour on low or 30 minutes on high. For a dairy-free version, no cheese is needed. Variations include adding cheese, using green salsa, or adding vegetables like black beans and corn.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/6th
- Calories: 220
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: crockpot chicken, salsa chicken, slow cooker recipe, easy dinner, 5-ingredient recipe, weeknight dinner, chicken recipe, Mexican chicken