Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken – easy 4 ingredient recipe – just 5 minutes of prep! Juicy bold flavored shredded chicken perfect for tacos, burritos, salads or bowls.’

slow cooker salsa chicken shredded in flour tortilla topped with lettuce and cheese

This is hands down the easiest slow cooker recipe. It’s perfect for meal prep, family parties and football watching (*heads up Super Bowl*).

It delivers flavor-packed, tender chicken that can be used in countless ways and calls for just 4 ingredients and one slow cooker.

slow cooker salsa chicken rolled into burrito topped with cheese sauce

Just add everything into your slow cooker, turn it on and forget about it for 3-4 hours while you get on with your day. 

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

  • Simple ingredients including your favorite jar salsa.
  • Just 5 minutes prep – perfect for taco night – the slow cooker does the heavy lifting!
  • Easy recipe for busy weeknights when you’re juggling work, school – life!
  • Use boneless chicken breasts OR thighs.
  • Easily double – or triple – the recipe to use the rest of the week.
  • Your kitchen will smell AMAZING!

WHAT DO I NEED TO MAKE SLOW COOKER SALSA CHICKEN?

  1. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. your favorite salsa in a jar
  3. canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  4. fresh lime

HOW TO MAKE SLOW COOKER SALSA CHICKEN:

Trim chicken of any excess fat then place in slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.

Pour the jar of salsa over the chicken, then finely mince chipotle peppers and add to the chicken plus 1 tablespoon of juice from the can.

Squeeze the juice from half of one lime over the top.

Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

black bowl filled with shredded slow cooker salsa chicken

Shred the chicken while in the slow cooker using two forks or remove and shred on a cutting board. Blend the chicken with the juices in the slow cooker.

That’s it – you’re ready to eat!

HOW TO ENJOY SLOW COOKER SALSA CHICKEN:

slow cooker salsa chicken in flour tortillas

  • Taco Night: add to crunchy shells or flour tortillas – Taco Night just got easier!
  • Burrito Bowls: add rice (or cauliflower rice), beans, veggies, and a sprinkle of cheese.
  • Chicken Tacos: use soft flour tortillas or crispy taco shells.
  • Taco Salad: pile it high with lettuce, tomatoes and avocado slices
  • Chicken Nachos: layer chicken with plenty of melty cheese and your favorite toppings.

BEST SALSA CHICKEN TOPPINGS:

  • shredded cheese
  • dollop of sour cream
  • a sprinkle of fresh cilantro
  • squeeze of lime juice
  • extra salsa (or homemade salsa)
  • tortilla chips for extra crunch

WHAT GOES WITH SALSA CHICKEN?

HOW TO SAFELY STORE SALSA CHICKEN:

Cool completely leftover salsa chicken then transfer to an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat for a quick lunch, dinner or snack.

SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS TO THIS RECIPE:

  • Make as a 2 ingredient recipe using just chicken and jar salsa.
  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts
  • Sub for chipotle peppers in adobo.
  • Sub salsa verde for classic tomato salsa.
  • Add a can of green chiles to the slow cooker.
  • Season the chicken with salt, pepper and garlic powder.

LOOKING FOR MORE EASY SLOW COOKER RECIPES?

  • BBQ Pulled Pork
  • Buffalo Chicken Chili
  • White Chicken Chili
  • Beef Stew

Whether you’re making this for yourself, a football party or taking it on the road, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite!

Full details in the printable recipe card below. Enjoy!

pinterest pin for slow cooker salsa chicken

Tried this easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken recipe? Leave a comment, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and TAG ME with a photo of yours on social media! @agoudalife or #agoudalife

slow cooker salsa chicken ~ 4 ingredients, 5 minute prep for delicious, juicy, bold flavored chicken. Shown in soft shell taco topped with shredded lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese and sliced avocado.

Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

A Gouda Life
Juicy, bold-flavored chipotle shredded chicken for tacos, burritos, salads or bowls with just 4 ingredient and 5 minutes prep.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 248 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 - 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup jar salsa (your favorite kind)
  • 1-2 canned chipotle peppers + 1-2 tablespoons of the juice from the can
  • juice from half of one lime

Instructions
 

  • Trim the raw chicken breasts then add them to the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
  • Pour the salsa over the top of the chicken. Finely mince the chipotle peppers then add along with 1 tablespoon of the juice from the can. 
  • NOTE: if you like extra spice, add a second chipotle pepper and another tablespoon of juice.
  • Squeeze the juice from half of one lime over the top, then cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours OR 6-8 hours on low.
  • Using two forks shred the chicken while it’s still in the slow cooker and blend it together with the juices.
  • Serve as tacos in flour tortillas or crunchy shells with your favorite toppings or in burritos, salads or bowls.

Nutrition

Calories: 248kcalCarbohydrates: 3.6gProtein: 51.2gFat: 1.4gCholesterol: 160mgSodium: 612mgPotassium: 22mgFiber: 0.7gSugar: 2.5gCalcium: 14mgIron: 0mg
Keyword chicken tacos, slow cooker chicken, 4 ingredient salsa chicken, salsa chicken recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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18 Comments

    1. Hi there — I don’t own an instant pot – would you believe it? But I love that readers are taking recipes and using their talents to make the recipes IP friendly. That’s awesome. Thank you — and thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the day.