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Salsa Chicken

Salsa Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Salsa Chicken is a flavorful, easy weeknight dinner that's perfect for busy families. Tender chicken, zesty salsa, and a handful of spices meld together in a slow cooker to create a mouthwatering dish. You won't want to miss out on this delicious recipe tonight!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Cooking spray
  • 16 ounce salsa
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon ground chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 15.5 ounce black beans drained and rinsed
  • roasted corn and peppers see note 2
  • serving suggestions see note 3

Equipment

  • 6-quart Crock-Pot

Method
 

  1. Generously spray a large (6-quart) slow cooker with cooking spray.
  2. Combine all ingredients listed under “Add to Slow Cooker” in the prepared crockpot.
  3. Ensure chicken is submerged in liquid as much as possible. Cover and cook on high for 3 and 1/2 to 5 hours, or on low for 4 to 6 hours—until chicken shreds easily.
  4. Turn off the slow cooker. Remove chicken, discard any fat, and shred the meat using two forks or dice with a knife.
  5. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir gently. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Optional: Prepare roasted peppers and corn as a side.
  7. The toppings seal the deal! Serve the chicken over cooked rice, topped with your choice of toppings such as lime, cilantro, cilantro-lime sauce, guacamole, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, etc.

Notes

  • Tip 1: Chicken thighs are recommended for more flavor and tenderness, but chicken breasts can also be used. Cut each breast into 3 even pieces. Watch timing carefully, because breasts dry out quickly!
  • Tip 2: Roasted peppers, corn, and black beans make great sides. Follow this roasted corn recipe (without optional toppings); thinly slice the peppers (instead of cutting into chunks) and toss black beans on the sheet pan after roasting.
  • Tip 3: Serving suggestions: Cooked rice, lime wedges, cilantro, cilantro-lime sauce, guacamole or ripe avocado, sour cream, cheddar cheese.
  • Tip 4: You can prepare a homemade sauce: Cilantro Lime Sauce or Healthy Cilantro-Lime Sauce.
  • Tip 5: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.