4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

This super easy 4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken is a delicious choice to make when you are short on time, prepared using chicken breasts, salsa, chicken broth, and rice.

To make Salsa Chicken in your Slow Cooker, simply layer the ingredients, set it on low, and let it cook for about 6 hours. Itโ€™s hands-off cooking at its best.

With the help of your slow cooker, you can make a variety of chicken recipes besides salsa chicken, like Slow Cooker Peppercorn Chicken, and Slow Cooker Chicken Kebab.

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Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken on rice with black beans, cheese, and green onions.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken served over white rice.

4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Ingredients

  • 2 lbs (907g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 16 oz (454g) salsa, your choice of variety
  • 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (185g) cooked white rice, for serving

Optional Garnishes:

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Black beans, rinsed and drained
  • Chopped green onions

How To Make 4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging them to fit neatly.
  2. Add Salsa and Broth: Evenly cover the chicken with your chosen variety of salsa, then pour the chicken broth over it to just cover.
  3. Set to Cook: Cover the slow cooker, set it to low heat, and allow the chicken to cook for 6 hours until it’s tender.
  4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker after cooking, shred it using two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
  5. Prepare the Serving Base: Spoon the cooked white rice onto plates or into bowls, creating a perfect base for the chicken.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Layer the shredded chicken over the rice, and if desired, add shredded cheddar cheese, black beans, and green onions as garnishes.

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Absolutely, you can toss frozen chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker if you’re pressed for time. Just remember, the cooking time might need a slight adjustment, maybe an extra hour, to ensure everything cooks through properly.

Recipe Tips

  • Shredding Shortcut: To save time and effort, use a hand mixer to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker instead of using forks. Itโ€™s quick, efficient, and kind of fun watching it whirl!
  • Salsa Selection: Go wild with your salsa choice! Whether it’s chunky for texture or a fruity salsa for a sweet twist, the flavor of your salsa will steer the ship here.
  • Low and Slow: Resist the urge to crank up the heat. Cooking on low ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy, perfect for shredding. Patience is a virtue that pays off deliciously!
  • Layering Logic: For an even distribution of flavors, layer the salsa under and over the chicken breasts. This technique ensures every bite is infused with that tangy salsa goodness.
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken topped with black beans, cheese, and green onions.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken topped with black beans and cheese.

Recipe Variations

  • Creamy Dreamy: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream after the chicken is cooked and shredded. It mellows the spice and adds a creamy texture thatโ€™s absolutely dreamy.
  • Bean Bonanza: Mix in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a hearty touch that turns this dish into a one-pot wonder.
  • Spice it Up: For those who dare, adding a chopped jalapeรฑo or a dash of chipotle powder can fire up this dish! Just remember, itโ€™s not just heat; itโ€™s flavor.
  • Cheesy Does It: Sprinkle some shredded pepper jack cheese over the top before serving for a melty, cheesy finish that complements the tangy salsa perfectly. Who doesnโ€™t love a little extra cheese?

What To Serve With Salsa Chicken

Serve your Salsa Chicken with jicama and carrot slaw, quinoa salad with black beans, grilled zucchini slices, a refreshing cucumber salad, and steamed green beans.

You can also pair it with a roasted beet salad and charred Brussels sprouts for a nutritious and colorful meal.

How To Store Leftover Salsa Chicken

In The Fridge:

Store your leftover Salsa Chicken in an airtight container and make sure to refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking. This ensures it stays fresh and safe to eat. It can last in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored properly.

In The Freezer:

This dish is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the salsa’s tendency to become watery when thawed. Instead of freezing, enjoy the leftovers within a few days for the best quality and flavor.

How To Reheat Leftover Salsa Chicken

Reheat your leftover Salsa Chicken by placing it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until thoroughly heated. This method helps retain the moisture and flavors of the chicken and salsa.

Or try reheating it covered in a microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Check out More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes:

4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Recipe by Shili MohamedCourse: DinnerCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

6

hours 
Calories

309

kcal

This super easy 4 Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken is a delicious choice to make when you are short on time, prepared using chicken breasts, salsa, chicken broth, and rice.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs (907g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

  • 16 oz (454g) salsa, your choice of variety

  • 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth

  • 1 cup (185g) cooked white rice, for serving

  • Optional Garnishes:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

  • Black beans, rinsed and drained

  • Chopped green onions

Directions

  • Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging them to fit neatly.
  • Add Salsa and Broth: Evenly cover the chicken with your chosen variety of salsa, then pour the chicken broth over it to just cover.
  • Set to Cook: Cover the slow cooker, set it to low heat, and allow the chicken to cook for 6 hours until it’s tender.
  • Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker after cooking, shred it using two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
  • Prepare the Serving Base: Spoon the cooked white rice onto plates or into bowls, creating a perfect base for the chicken.
  • Garnish and Serve: Layer the shredded chicken over the rice, and if desired, add shredded cheddar cheese, black beans, and green onions as garnishes.

Nutrition Facts

6 servings per container


  • Amount Per ServingCalories309
  • % Daily Value *
  • Total Fat 7g 11%
    • Saturated Fat 2g 10%
    • Trans Fat 0g
  • Cholesterol 95mg 32%
  • Sodium 700mg 30%
  • Total Carbohydrate 12g 4%
    • Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
    • Sugars 3g
  • Protein 45g 90%

    * The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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