Description
This Crockpot Salsa Chicken is a simple, flavorful, and hands-off recipe perfect for busy days. Tender chicken cooked slowly in a mix of taco seasoning and salsa creates a juicy, shred-ready dish that can be enjoyed in tacos, salads, or as a main course. The addition of fresh lime juice adds a bright finish to the dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken tenders or breasts
Seasoning
- 1 ounce taco seasoning packet
Salsa & Finishing
- 2 cups salsa
- 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
- Add Chicken to Crockpot: Place the chicken tenders or breasts into the bottom of the crockpot ensuring they are spread out evenly.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the taco seasoning packet evenly over the chicken to coat it thoroughly for the best flavor infusion.
- Add Salsa: Pour the salsa over the chicken and seasoning, covering the chicken pieces as much as possible.
- Cook the Chicken: For chicken tenders, cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours. For chicken breasts, cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 7 to 8 hours. The chicken should be cooked until it’s tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the Chicken: Use two forks, your clean hands, or even a hand mixer to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it with the salsa and juices.
- Add Lime Juice: Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the shredded chicken to add brightness and enhance the flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your shredded salsa chicken warm, perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or rice bowls.
Notes
- You can use either chicken tenders or breasts depending on your preference; tenders cook faster.
- Shredding the chicken with a hand mixer saves time and effort.
- Serve with tortillas, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- If you prefer less liquid, spoon out some of the salsa juice before shredding.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours (tenders on high) or 4-6 hours (tenders on low); 4 hours (breasts on high) or 7-8 hours (breasts on low)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican