Crockpot Salsa Chicken is an easy, flavorful slow cooker dinner that brings fresh energy to Taco Tuesday. With tender shredded chicken, salsa, taco seasoning, and creamy cream cheese, this simple crockpot dinner is perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, salads, and more.
Looking for more easy crockpot recipes? Try Crockpot Meatballs, Crockpot Pulled Pork Sandwiches, and Crockpot Chicken Ranch.
Crockpot Salsa Chicken
This Crockpot Salsa Chicken is a simple, family-friendly meal made with juicy chicken breasts, taco seasoning, chunky salsa, and cream cheese. The slow cooker does almost all the work, leaving you with tender shredded chicken that is creamy, well-seasoned, and ready to serve in your favorite Mexican-inspired meals.
It is one of those dependable recipes you can start earlier in the day and come back to when dinner time gets busy. The chicken cooks slowly in salsa and seasoning, soaking up bold flavor while staying moist and easy to shred. Once the cream cheese melts into the mixture, it creates a rich, creamy texture that makes this slow cooker salsa chicken especially delicious.
- Great for weeknights. This crockpot salsa chicken is ideal for busy weekdays because the prep is quick and the slow cooker handles the cooking. You can have a warm, satisfying dinner ready with very little effort.
- Perfect for a crowd. This recipe makes 8 to 10 servings, making it a smart option for parties, potlucks, game days, and casual get-togethers.
- Easy to serve in different ways. Use the shredded chicken in tortillas, over rice, on nachos, in burritos, on taco salads, or even in a bun for a fun twist.
- Good for meal prep. The leftovers store well in the refrigerator and can also be frozen, so you can enjoy easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Ingredients For Crockpot Salsa Chicken
- Chicken Breasts. Boneless chicken breasts work best because they become tender and shred easily after cooking. For the best results, use thawed chicken before adding it to the crockpot.
- Taco Seasoning. A packet of original taco seasoning gives this recipe classic taco flavor. You can also use low-sodium taco seasoning or spicy taco seasoning depending on your taste.
- Salsa. Mild chunky salsa adds flavor, moisture, and texture. If you prefer more heat, use medium or hot salsa instead.
- Cream Cheese. Cream cheese makes the shredded salsa chicken creamy and rich. There is no need to soften it first, but cutting it into cubes helps it melt more evenly.
Tips for the Best Results
- Choose a salsa you enjoy. The salsa is one of the main flavor ingredients, so use a brand and flavor you already like. Mild, medium, hot, roasted, or chunky salsa can all change the final taste.
- Use boneless chicken. Boneless chicken breasts make this recipe quick to prep and easy to shred. They also absorb the taco seasoning and salsa well as they cook.
- Shred the chicken while warm. The easiest method is to shred the cooked chicken directly in the crockpot with two forks. You can also transfer it to a bowl and use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Cook on low when possible. Cooking on low helps the chicken turn out extra tender and flavorful. If you are short on time, the high setting can be used, but low gives the best texture.
How To Make The Best Crockpot Salsa Chicken
- Prepare. Spray a large crockpot with cooking spray, then place the chicken breasts in an even layer on the bottom.
- Season. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken. Pour the salsa over the top and spread it so all of the chicken is covered.
- Cook. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred. Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it and return it to the crockpot if needed. Add the cubed cream cheese on top and let it melt.
- Finish. Cook for about 15 more minutes, then stir everything together until the cream cheese is fully combined with the shredded chicken.
- Serve. Use this creamy crockpot salsa chicken for tacos, nachos, burritos, taco salads, rice bowls, or any easy dinner you love.
What To Serve With Crockpot Chicken Salsa
Crockpot Chicken Salsa is a flexible dinner that works well for weeknights, parties, and potluck meals. Serve it with warm tortillas, taco shells, rice, tortilla chips, or fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, shredded cheese, and sour cream. It also pairs well with homemade Pico De Gallo, Slow Cooker Queso Dip, Chipotle Corn Salsa, and Frozen Strawberry Margaritas for a fun Mexican-inspired dinner spread.
Leftovers & Storing
- Store. Place leftover salsa chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 1 minute, or until the chicken is heated through.
- Freeze. Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating, then warm in the microwave until fully heated.
More Crockpot Recipes
Crockpot Salsa Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 16 ounce jar mild chunky salsa
- 1 8 ounce block cream cheese, cubed
Instructions
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Spray a large crockpot with cooking spray.
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Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
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Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.
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Pour the salsa over the chicken and spread it to cover each piece.
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Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
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Remove the cooked chicken, shred it, and return it to the crockpot.
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Add the cubed cream cheese on top of the shredded chicken. Do not stir right away.
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Cook on low for 15 minutes, or until the cream cheese has melted. Stir until fully combined.
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Serve in hard or soft taco shells, over rice, on nachos, or as a taco salad.
Notes
- Salsa Flavors. The salsa gives this recipe much of its flavor, so choose one you enjoy. Mild, medium, or hot salsa all work well.
- Boneless Chicken. Boneless chicken breasts are easy to shred and work especially well in this recipe.
- Shredded Chicken. Shred the chicken with two forks, or use a hand mixer or stand mixer for a faster method.
- Cook on low. For the most tender chicken, cook on low when time allows.
- Use this chicken for tacos, nachos, burritos, rice bowls, taco salads, or sandwiches.
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Carbohydrates: 2g
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Protein: 19g
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Fat: 2g
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Sodium: 388mg
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