Crockpot Chicken and Salsa is an incredibly easy, flavorful, and healthy dish that requires minimal effort to prepare. Tender chicken breasts cooked with fresh salsa, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning create a delicious, zesty meal that can be served over rice, in tacos, or with your favorite toppings. This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe for busy days when you still want a hearty, satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crockpot Chicken and Salsa is the definition of convenience without compromising on flavor. The chicken turns out tender and juicy, infused with the flavors of fresh salsa and taco seasoning. The black beans and corn add texture and nutrition, making this a well-rounded, one-pot meal. It’s versatile, easy to make, and perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. Plus, the slow cooker does all the hard work for you!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups fresh salsa
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. - Add Salsa:
Pour the fresh salsa over the chicken, ensuring that the chicken is well-coated with the salsa. - Add Beans and Corn:
Add the drained black beans and frozen corn on top of the salsa. - Season:
Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over all the ingredients and stir gently to combine. - Cook:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded. - Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks, then mix everything together. - Serve:
Serve the shredded chicken and salsa mixture with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or avocado.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes (or 3 hours 5 minutes)
Variations
- Taco Bowls: Serve the shredded chicken and salsa over rice for a delicious taco bowl.
- Tacos: Use the chicken mixture as a filling for tacos, adding your favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, and guacamole.
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to increase the heat.
- Add Veggies: For extra veggies, add bell peppers or zucchini to the crockpot along with the beans and corn.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The chicken mixture can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra salsa or water to keep it moist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot, but you’ll need to add an extra 1-2 hours of cooking time on low.
2. Can I use canned salsa instead of fresh salsa?
Yes, canned salsa works fine, but fresh salsa will give a brighter, fresher flavor. Choose a mild, medium, or hot variety based on your preference.
3. Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! You can add diced bell peppers, onions, or even spinach for added flavor and nutrients.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a can of diced green chilies, diced jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce for some extra heat.
5. Can I use ground beef or turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground beef or turkey would work in place of chicken. Just be sure to brown the meat first before adding it to the crockpot.
6. Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen corn?
Yes, you can use fresh corn, just make sure to cut it off the cob and add it in during the last 2 hours of cooking if using the low setting, or the last 1 hour if cooking on high.
7. Can I use a different type of bean?
Yes, you can substitute black beans with other beans like pinto beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas if you prefer.
8. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in the crockpot and refrigerate it overnight. Just cook it the next day as usual.
9. What should I serve with Crockpot Chicken and Salsa?
This dish pairs well with rice, tortilla chips, avocado slices, or even as a topping for a salad.
10. Can I add cheese to the crockpot while cooking?
It’s best to add cheese as a topping after cooking so it doesn’t melt into the salsa. However, you can mix in shredded cheese once the chicken is shredded for a cheesy texture.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken and Salsa is the perfect go-to recipe for busy nights when you want a quick, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The tender, shredded chicken, combined with the salsa, beans, and corn, creates a delicious, versatile dish that can be enjoyed in tacos, bowls, or with your favorite sides. With just a few simple ingredients and the convenience of a slow cooker, you’ll have a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Print
Crockpot Chicken and Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes (or 3 hours 5 minutes)
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Crockpot Chicken and Salsa is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with fresh salsa, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning create a zesty and satisfying meal. Whether served in tacos, over rice, or in bowls, this set-it-and-forget-it recipe is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
2 cups fresh salsa
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
1 cup frozen corn
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
-
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
-
-
Add Salsa:
-
Pour the fresh salsa over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated.
-
-
Add Beans and Corn:
-
Add the drained black beans and frozen corn on top of the salsa.
-
-
Season:
-
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over all the ingredients and stir gently to combine.
-
-
Cook:
-
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
-
-
Shred the Chicken:
-
Once cooked, shred the chicken in the crockpot with two forks and stir to combine everything.
-
-
Serve:
-
Serve with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or avocado.
-
Notes
Taco Bowls: Serve over rice for a delicious taco bowl.
Tacos: Use the chicken mixture as a filling for tacos, adding your favorite toppings.
Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, add bell peppers or zucchini to the crockpot.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
- Category: Dinner, Slow Cooker, Mexican-Inspired
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican, American
