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Easy Tender Crockpot Salsa Chicken Recipe for Busy Weeknight Dinners

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A simple, flavorful slow cooker chicken recipe using salsa and basic seasonings that yields tender, juicy chicken perfect for tacos, salads, or rice bowls. Minimal prep and fuss-free cooking make it ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 ½ cups salsa (medium heat recommended)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro (a handful, chopped, optional for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts or thighs.
  2. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  3. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken pieces.
  4. Pour salsa into the slow cooker and spread evenly at the bottom.
  5. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the salsa, partially submerged but not swimming.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until chicken reaches 165°F and is tender enough to shred.
  7. Remove chicken with tongs and shred using two forks.
  8. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir into the salsa juices. Let sit on warm for 10-15 minutes.
  9. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve as tacos, burrito bowls, or with steamed rice.

Notes

If salsa is too watery, strain some juice before cooking; if too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Use thighs for juicier chicken or breasts for leaner meat. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain temperature. For frozen chicken, increase cooking time by 1-2 hours on low. Can be cooked on stovetop in a covered pot on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours as an alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chicken, salsa chicken, slow cooker recipe, easy chicken dinner, weeknight dinner, tender chicken, shredded chicken, Tex-Mex chicken

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/easy-tender-crockpot-salsa-chicken-recipe-for-busy-weeknight-dinners/