Easy 3-Ingredient Crockpot Salsa Chicken Recipe Perfect for Taco Night
A simple and flavorful slow cooker recipe using just chicken breasts, salsa, and taco seasoning to create juicy, shreddable chicken perfect for tacos and other Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups salsa (medium heat recommended)
- 1 packet (about 2 tablespoons) taco seasoning
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts to remove excess moisture.
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
- Pour 2 cups of salsa evenly over the chicken, coating each piece.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning over the salsa and chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks or shredding claws and mix with the salsa sauce.
- Optional: Taste and adjust seasoning, add salt or extra salsa if needed.
- Optional: Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream for a creamier texture before serving.
- Optional: Leave the lid off during the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Notes
Use fresh chicken breasts for juicier results; frozen chicken requires longer cooking time. Taco seasoning is optional but recommended for added flavor. Leaving the lid off during the last 30 minutes thickens the sauce. You can substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor. For a dairy-free option, serve with avocado or dairy-free cheese instead of sour cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/4 of the rec
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: crockpot chicken, salsa chicken, slow cooker recipe, taco night, easy chicken recipe, 3-ingredient chicken, shredded chicken, Mexican chicken