Slow-Cooker Salsa Chicken

Sometimes a recipe is so easy to make that it almost feels like you’re cheating. This dish lets the slow cooker do the work and imparts more flavor than you thought possible into the chicken breast thanks to ingredients like salsa, green chiles and plenty of optional—but highly recommended—garnishing options you will add at the end.

And along with all the flavor, this salsa chicken crockpot feast is also a protein-packed meal. It’s perfect for the hungry family with hearty appetites. What you serve the chicken with is your call, but this crockpot chicken and salsa recipe will make the basis of a delightful dinner every time.

Slow-Cooker Salsa Chicken Ingredients

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• Boneless skinless chicken breast halves: You want the chicken breast halves to be about six ounces each.  This recipe is designed assuming you’ll be using four chicken breasts, so if yours are notably smaller or larger that number may differ.
• Salsa: The salsa is arguably the most important ingredient in this recipe, imparting more flavor than any other component. You can go spicy, medium or mild. You can use chipotle or smoked flavoring or what have you—it’s your dinner, after all.
• Corn: We recommend using frozen corn that you have allowed to thaw because it is so easy to work with. If you’d prefer to use fresh corn, that works fine. And if you are using canned corn, just make sure to rinse it well.
• Pinto beans: Make sure the pinto beans are rinsed and drained enough that all foam is washed away.
• Black beans: The black beans must also be rinsed and drained well. We recommend you use a no salt added.
• Diced tomatoes and green chiles: Make sure not to drain off the liquid from the can with the diced tomatoes and green chilies,. You want the moisture and flavor it will impart.
• Sugar: Just a teaspoon of sugar helps the other flavors in this dish perform well.
• Optional: Hot cooked rice, cubed avocado, chopped fresh tomato, sliced green onions and lime wedges are all optional but a delight when served with this flavorful chicken.

Directions

Step 1: Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook

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Place chicken in a 4- or 5-quart slow cooker. Top it with the salsa, corn, beans, diced tomatoes and chiles, sugar, salt and pepper. Cover with a lid and cook the dish on low, until a thermometer inserted in chicken reads 165°F. This will take three to four hours. Serve the chicken with whichever optional sides and garnishes you like.

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Slow-Cooker Salsa Chicken Variations

• Use chicken thighs: You can follow this exact same recipe using chicken thighs instead of chicken breast, just note that the cooking time may be slightly shorter with the smaller pieces of meat.
• Add some heat: While a spicy salsa can turn the heat up on this recipe, adding some actual hot sauce can be a more precise way to spice things up. Try using a milder salsa and your favorite hot sauce in tandem.
• Try it with pork: This same recipe can be followed using pork instead of chicken. We recommend shredding the meat at the end of the cooking time and serving it over rice or in burritos or tacos.

How to Store Slow-Cooker Salsa Chicken

You can store leftover portions of the cooked chicken in airtight bags or containers in the fridge for two to three days. Reheat it in the microwave or in a pan with a bit of broth.

Can you freeze cooked chicken breast?

Cooked chicken can be stored in airtight packaging in the freezer for up to three months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it in the microwave or in a pan with broth.

Slow-Cooker Salsa Chicken Tips

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Is it safe to put raw chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes, this salsa chicken crockpot recipe can start with the chicken completely raw. As long as you give it the time to reach a safe internal temperature, the entire dish will be safe to eat.

What should I serve with this chicken?

We discussed the classics like cubed avocado, fresh tomato, green onions and lime wedges. But you really can’t go wrong dressing up and serving this flavorful meat and bean blend. Serve it with Mexican rice, corn tortillas or in burritos, fajitas or tacos.

Can you make it in the Instant Pot?

Make this recipe recipe in an Instant Pot if you are tight on time and can’t wait the several hours the slow cooker takes. Add about 1/4 cup broth to the recipe and make sure to carefully check the internal temperature of the chicken before serving. If it needs some extra heat, you can use the sauté function to finish the cooking.