Easy 3-Ingredient Slow-Cooker Salsa Chicken
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You’re going to love this simple 3-ingredient slow cooker salsa chicken recipe. It’s perfect for busy days when you don’t have time to cook. Just toss chicken, taco seasoning, and salsa in your slow cooker and let it do the work. In about 4 hours, you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken ready to eat.
This dish is super easy to customize. You can use your favorite salsa and taco seasoning. Serve it over rice, in tacos, or in burritos. Add toppings like sour cream, avocado, or cheese for extra flavor. It’s a tasty meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy 3-ingredient slow cooker salsa chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups salsa
That’s it! Just three simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
For serving, you can add your favorite toppings:
- Brown rice
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices
- Guacamole
- Shredded cheese
- Fresh cilantro
Feel free to mix and match toppings based on what you like. The chicken is tasty on its own, but toppings make it even better!
Remember to choose a salsa you enjoy, as it provides most of the flavor. Mild, medium, or hot – pick your preferred spice level.
Instructions
Start by placing the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.
Pour the salsa on top of the seasoned chicken. Give everything a quick stir to combine.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. You have two options:
- Cook on high for 3.5-4 hours
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours
Check the chicken occasionally if you’re home. It’s ready when it shreds easily with two forks.
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the sauce.
Serve your salsa chicken over brown rice or in flour tortillas. Add your favorite toppings like:
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices
- Guacamole
- Shredded cheese
- Fresh cilantro
Don’t forget to store any leftovers in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days.
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily change up this simple recipe to suit your tastes. Try these swaps and additions:
• Chicken: Use boneless thighs instead of breasts for richer flavor.
• Salsa: Swap in green salsa, mango salsa, or pineapple salsa for a twist.
• Seasoning: Replace taco seasoning with fajita mix or chili powder.
Want to add more ingredients? Consider these:
- Black beans or corn for extra texture
- Cream cheese for a creamier sauce
- Diced onions and peppers for more veggies
You can also adjust the cooking method:
- Use an Instant Pot: Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes.
- Bake in the oven: Cover and cook at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes.
Serving ideas:
• Roll in tortillas for burritos
• Pile on nachos with cheese
• Stuff into bell peppers and bake
Remember, these changes may affect cooking times. Check your chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
You can easily change up the flavor of this dish. Try using different types of salsa like mango or peach for a fruity twist.
For extra spice, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce before cooking.
Make sure to use chunky salsa for better texture. If you only have smooth salsa, toss in some diced tomatoes.
Don’t lift the lid while cooking. This lets heat escape and increases cooking time.
Freeze leftovers in portion-sized containers. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. Or warm it in a pan on the stove over medium heat.
Use the leftover chicken in tacos, burritos, or on top of salads for quick meals later in the week.
For a creamier dish, stir in some cream cheese or sour cream after shredding the chicken.
Boost the nutrition by adding a can of drained black beans or corn kernels before cooking.
