4-Ingredient Salsa Chicken

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I’m excited to share my favorite easy chicken recipe. It’s great for a quick dinner. This 4-Ingredient Salsa Chicken is easy to make in your Instant Pot. It makes tender, taco-flavored chicken that tastes amazing.

Since 2014, this recipe has been a hit. It’s quick to prepare and cook. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.

It’s full of flavor and has 57g of protein per serving. It’s also very versatile. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping, this recipe works well.

It makes 4 servings, but leftovers are great too. With 9.5K shares, it’s clear many people love this Instant Pot chicken dish!

5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

This 4-Ingredient Salsa Chicken is a big hit for busy families. It’s my top choice for quick weeknight meals. Here are the top five reasons you’ll love it:

1. Effortless prep: It only needs four ingredients and takes 10 minutes to prepare.
2. Set it and forget it: Just put it in the slow cooker for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low. It’s perfect for busy days!
3. Versatile chicken dish: You can use it in tacos, burritos, salads, or over rice. The options are endless.
4. Family-friendly dinner: Both kids and adults enjoy its mild, tasty flavor.
5. Nutritious and delicious: Each serving has 50g of protein and only 298 calories.

This recipe is great for meal planning. It’s a versatile dish that can be changed with different salsas or seasonings. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 6 days. Freezing portions is also a great time-saving tip for future meals.

“This 4-Ingredient Salsa Chicken is a lifesaver on busy nights. It’s so easy and my whole family loves it!”

Try this recipe and it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s a quick, tasty, and healthy meal option.

Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)

I’m excited to share the ingredients for our 4-Ingredient Salsa Chicken! You’ll need 2 pounds of chicken breasts or thighs, 1 1/2 cups of salsa verde, 1/2 teaspoon of coarse sea salt, and 3/4 cup of shredded cheese. Let’s explore some tasty alternatives!

For chicken breast substitutes, try boneless skinless thighs. They’re juicier and pack more flavor. Salsa varieties are endless – swap salsa verde for mild, medium, or hot red salsa. Feeling adventurous? Try mango salsa for a sweet twist!

Cheese options are where it gets fun. Cheddar works great, but don’t shy away from Monterey Jack or a spicy pepper jack. Mix and match to find your perfect combo. Taco seasoning alternatives include making your own blend with chili powder, cumin, and paprika.

• Chicken: 2 lbs (breasts or thighs)
• Salsa: 1 1/2 cups
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Cheese: 3/4 cup shredded

Optional toppings can include sour cream, avocado, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips. These add extra flavor and texture to your dish. Remember, this recipe serves 4, but you can easily adjust portions to suit your needs.

Pro tip: For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. It’s just as creamy but packs more protein!

Instructions

I love how versatile this recipe is! Let’s dive into the cooking methods for our delicious salsa chicken. My favorite is Instant Pot cooking, but I’ll share slow cooker and oven-baked options too.

For Instant Pot cooking:

1. Place 2 lbs of chicken breasts in the pot
2. Add 3/4 cup chicken stock and 16 oz salsa
3. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
4. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes
5. Allow 5 minutes natural release

Slow cooker method:

• Combine ingredients in the slow cooker
• Cook on low for 5-5.5 hours

For oven-baked chicken:

• Preheat oven to 375°F
• Season chicken and top with salsa
• Bake for 25-30 minutes
• Add cheese and broil for 1-2 minutes

After cooking, use your favorite shredding technique. I prefer two forks for a quick and easy shred. This recipe yields 43 grams of protein per serving, perfect for a hearty meal!

“This salsa chicken is a game-changer for my meal prep. It’s so easy and delicious!”

Remember, you can customize the spiciness by using spicy salsa or adding extra seasoning. Serve with your choice of toppings and enjoy!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

This 4-ingredient salsa chicken recipe is super flexible! You can change the spice by picking different salsa and seasonings. I like to make double the recipe with 4 pounds of chicken. This way, I have lots of leftovers for fast meals all week.

Looking for leftover ideas? This chicken is great in tacos, burritos, salads, or on nachos. I’ve even added it to soup for a filling meal. Plus, it’s gluten-free and can be dairy-free if you skip the cheese.

To store leftovers, put them in a tight container. They keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, follow these steps:

• Cool the chicken completely
• Portion into freezer-safe bags
• Remove excess air and seal tightly
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 1 month

To reheat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring often. Or, microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until hot.

“This salsa chicken is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. I always keep some in the freezer for quick, delicious meals!”

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

This 4-Ingredient Salsa Chicken recipe is super versatile! It’s great for Mexican dishes and taco nights. Try different salsas or add corn and black beans for a twist. It makes 6 servings, each with 45g of protein.

Serve it in tacos, over rice, or in lettuce wraps for a light meal. It’s also perfect for meal prep. Cook it on the weekend and enjoy it all week. Add toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and fresh cilantro for a full meal.

Don’t forget the sides! Serve it with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a green salad. For a fast dinner, use the slow cooker. It’s ready in 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. With just 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have a meal everyone will love.