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Easy 5-Ingredient Crockpot Salsa Chicken: Best Busy Day Meal

Easy 5-Ingredient Crockpot Salsa Chicken - featured image
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This Easy 5-Ingredient Crockpot Salsa Chicken is a lifesaver for busy days. With minimal prep, you get tender, shredded chicken in a flavorful salsa sauce—perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or just eating straight from the bowl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 16 oz (2 cups) salsa (medium-heat recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (about 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup chicken broth or water for thinner sauce
  • Optional: 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
  • Optional: 1/2 cup frozen corn or black beans

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. If uneven, arrange thicker parts outward.
  2. Sprinkle ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken. Rub in if desired.
  3. Pour the entire jar of salsa over the chicken, covering as much as possible. Do not stir.
  4. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Low heat is recommended for best texture.
  5. Check internal temperature of thickest piece; it should reach 165°F (74°C). If not, cook 30 more minutes on low.
  6. Carefully remove chicken (it will be hot) and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to crockpot and stir into sauce.
  7. Optional: For thicker sauce, leave lid off for 10-15 minutes after shredding to let liquid evaporate.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add a squeeze of lime juice for brightness if desired.

Notes

Do not lift the lid during cooking. Use room temperature chicken if possible. Avoid watery salsa; use thick, chunky salsa for best results. Let chicken rest a few minutes before shredding to avoid burns. This recipe doubles well for meal prep.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot salsa chicken, easy chicken recipe, 5-ingredient dinner, slow cooker chicken, busy night meal, shredded chicken, salsa chicken

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/easy-5-ingredient-crockpot-salsa-chicken-best-busy-day-meal/