Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that cooks itself while you go about your day. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Erin Wallace

Created by

Erin Wallace

Last updated on 2025-12-30T01:07:17.241Z

This slow cooker salsa chicken is a family favorite. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve. It's perfect for tacos, salads, or served over rice!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless cooking with minimal cleanup
  • Packed with flavor from tangy salsa
  • Versatile dish that can be used in many meals

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding time to prepare a home-cooked meal can often feel impossible. That's where this Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken comes into play. With minimal preparation, you can set your slow cooker and leave it to do the hard work while you attend to your other responsibilities. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Imagine coming home after a long day to the comforting aroma of chicken and spices wafting through your home. Not only does this recipe save you time, but it also ensures that you and your family can enjoy a wholesome dinner together without the last-minute cooking stress.

Flavorful and Satisfying

One of the standout features of this recipe is its incredible flavor profile. The combination of tangy salsa, garlic powder, and cumin creates a delicious, savory sauce that infuses the chicken with mouthwatering taste. This dish is perfect for those who love bold flavors and want to satisfy their taste buds without complicated cooking techniques.

Additionally, the use of optional ingredients like corn and black beans not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful texture. You can easily tailor the recipe to suit your family's preferences, making it a versatile favorite that everyone will enjoy.

Versatile Meal Ideas

Once your Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken is ready, the possibilities are endless. Serve it in warm tortillas for delicious tacos, over a bed of fluffy rice for a hearty meal, or on top of a fresh salad for a lighter option. This dish adapts beautifully to various cuisines and can even be used as a filling for burritos, quesadillas, or nachos.

The leftovers, if you have any, can be used in a multitude of ways. Create a tasty chicken salad by mixing it with your favorite dressing, or toss it into soups for added protein. Its versatility makes it a favorite among families looking for quick and easy meal solutions.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup corn (optional)
  • 1 cup black beans (optional)

Mix and match your favorite salsas for varied flavors!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

Add Seasonings

Sprinkle garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the chicken.

Pour Salsa

Pour the salsa over the seasoned chicken. You can also add corn and black beans at this stage if desired.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.

Shred and Serve

Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with the salsa. Serve warm in tacos, over rice, or with a salad!

Enjoy your meal with some fresh toppings like avocado or cilantro!

Storing and Reheating

Storing your leftover Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken is easy. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. This makes it a great option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy flavorful meals throughout the week without the need to cook each day.

When it comes to reheating, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can also add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. This dish remains delicious even after reheating, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners.

Customizing Your Recipe

One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe your own. Feel free to customize your Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken by adding your favorite ingredients. Consider incorporating chopped bell peppers, onions, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can also switch up the salsa type; try a mango salsa for a sweet twist or a verde salsa for a fresh flavor.

For those who prefer a creamier texture, you can mix in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream towards the end of the cooking process. This will create a rich, creamy sauce that pairs wonderfully with the chicken. The options are endless, allowing you to experiment and find your perfect flavor combination.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it may require additional cooking time.

→ What if I don't have salsa?

You can use diced tomatoes or make a quick homemade salsa with chopped tomatoes, onions, and spices.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.

Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Set-It-and-Forget-It Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that cooks itself while you go about your day. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration6 hours
Overall Time6 hours 10 minutes

Created by: Erin Wallace

Recipe Type: Quick & Easy

Skill Level: Beginner

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  2. 1 cup salsa
  3. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  4. 1 teaspoon cumin
  5. Salt and pepper to taste
  6. 1 cup corn (optional)
  7. 1 cup black beans (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

Step 02

Sprinkle garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the chicken.

Step 03

Pour the salsa over the seasoned chicken. You can also add corn and black beans at this stage if desired.

Step 04

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.

Step 05

Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with the salsa. Serve warm in tacos, over rice, or with a salad!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 30g