3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
Tender, juicy Mexican shredded chicken made with just chicken breast, chunky salsa, and taco seasoning for effortless tacos, burritos, and bowls.
slow-cooker Timer
Set for 240 mins @ LOW (200°F / 93°C)
Ingredients
Base recipe calibrated for 6 adults.
Get to the Point Execution
Place 2 lbs chicken breasts (fresh or frozen) in the slow cooker.
Sprinkle 1 packet taco seasoning and pour 1 jar (16 oz) chunky salsa over top.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours (or 5 hours if starting from frozen).
Shred chicken with two forks directly in the cooking juices.
Step-by-Step Guided Instructions
Place 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly in the base of the slow cooker in a flat single layer. (Can be placed straight from freezer without defrosting).
If using rock-hard frozen breasts, add 1 extra hour of cooking time on LOW.
Sprinkle 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts. Pour 1 entire jar (16 oz) of your favorite chunky tomato salsa over top, spreading to coat all meat surfaces.
The acidity and tomato juices in the salsa tenderize the lean chicken breasts while keeping them moist.
Cover with lid and cook on LOW for 4 hours (or HIGH for 2.5 hours). Do not open lid during the cook.
Cooking chicken breasts on LOW prevents lean white meat from stringy overcooking.
Remove lid. Use two large forks to shred the chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker, stirring so the shredded meat reabsorbs the savory spiced salsa juices. Serve in warm tortillas or over rice bowls.
Shredding the meat directly in the hot salsa broth allows the dry chicken fibers to drink up all the tomato-lime flavor.
The lowest-effort meal on the entire website: 3 ingredients, 60 seconds of prep, and works straight from frozen rock-hard chicken breasts when you forgot to thaw meat in advance. Makes meal prep for the entire week.
Use mild salsa. Serve in soft flour tortillas with shredded cheese and sour cream.
- Tortilla chips and guacamole
- Black beans
- Sweet corn
Reheat shredded chicken in microwave for 60 seconds with 1 spoonful of juices.