Last updated on April 23rd, 2019 at 03:14 pm
This Crockpot Salsa Chicken with cheese requires only 3 ingredients. It’s embarrassingly easy to make, full of flavor and so delicious!
Crockpot Salsa Chicken
I can’t even begin to tell you how delicious this salsa chicken is. Not only is it yummy, but there are only 3 ingredients in this recipe and it’s made in a crockpot. It’s embarrassing how easy it is to make this chicken.
The ingredients are chicken breasts, salsa and cheese. I make this all the time, because it makes for a healthy easy lunch or dinner. This dish is also incredibly versatile. You can omit the cheese and turn it into Mexican shredded chicken. Shredded chicken is great for tacos or burritos.
How to Make Crockpot Salsa Chicken
This literally will take you 2 minutes to put together, maybe 1 minute only. Basically all you do is put the chicken in the crockpot, pour a jar of salsa over it, about 2 cups, and cook it on high for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
You don’t want to cook it more than that, because it will start falling apart. If you’re just looking for shredded chicken, just start shredding it with two forks. That’s it, you’re done.
If you like it with cheese the way I love it, transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Spoon some of the leftover salsa over the chicken, sprinkle with cheese, then bake at 425 F degrees for about 15 minutes until the cheese melts. If you want to make it look pretty, garnish it with some parsley or cilantro.
What to Serve With Salsa Chicken
You can serve this over some Mexican rice, beans, maybe cauliflower rice if you’re looking to eat healthy. However, I love to serve mine with a shredded cabbage, carrot and kale salad. Trust me, it’s so good!
You can also shred the chicken and make some tacos. Make sure to drizzle lots of lime juice over the chicken for that extra zing.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in the Crockpot
It’s NOT really recommended to cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker as there’s risk of bacteria contaminating the meat before it reaches a safe temperature. I would thaw it out in the microwave first for a few minutes before actually adding it to the slow cooker. You can also thaw out your chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks Instead
For sure! Follow the same process, however the thighs will require a little bit longer to cook. Cook them on high for 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours.
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
If you try this in your Instant Pot, make sure to add 1/4 cup of water to the pot along with the salsa and chicken. The reason is to prevent your IP from getting a ‘burn’ message. Cover the pot with the lid and cook on HIGH pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release the pressure.
If you’re looking for shredded chicken cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes, then natural release for 5 minutes.
Good news: you can use frozen chicken in the Instant Pot!
Looking for More Crockpot Recipes? Try These:
Crockpot Salsa Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts boneless, skinless (about 4)
- 2 cups salsa mild
- 1 cup Mexican Blend cheese shredded
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: Place whole chicken breasts in your crockpot then pour the salsa over each breast.
- Cook: Cook anywhere from 1 1/2 to 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low, you don't want to cook it longer because it will start falling apart.
- Preheat your oven to 425 F degrees.
- Add Cheese: Transfer the chicken to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spoon some of the leftover salsa over the chicken. Sprinkle each breast with cheese, about 1/4 cup of cheese for each breast.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and is bubbling.
Watch How To Make It
Notes
- It’s not really recommended to cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker as there’s risk of bacteria contaminating the meat before it reaches a safe temperature. I would thaw it out in the microwave first for a few minutes before actually adding it to the slow cooker.
- Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.
ABBY says
June 9, 2019 at 6:35 pmWhat’s the green seasoning in your picture?
Nicole Beaulieu says
June 10, 2019 at 10:17 amSome fresh chopped parsley 🙂
Abby says
June 12, 2019 at 7:43 pmThank you! Mine didn’t turn out as pretty as yours, the cheese turned darker but it definitely was yummy!
Abby says
June 12, 2019 at 7:43 pmOops I meant was yummy! Haha
Maria says
May 21, 2019 at 9:36 amWhat would the instructions for the instant pot be, with frozen chicken breasts? I’ve never used my instant pot before and i would love to try this!
Nicole Beaulieu says
May 21, 2019 at 10:42 amLay as many chicken breasts as you can in a single layer on the bottom of the pot and pour in the salsa. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then quick release. Add the cheese over the chicken and close the lid back up. Let everything sit in the heat and melt the cheese for about 5 minutes, then remove the lid and serve.
BartB says
March 3, 2019 at 6:41 pmDelicious and simple. We serve it over rice.
John says
February 19, 2019 at 4:44 pmOutstanding! My wife the picky eater even loved it!!
Carole Simpson says
January 31, 2019 at 9:33 amThis chicken dish sounds wonderful and easy! I’m intrigued with the shredded cabbage, carrot and kale salad you mention. This looks delicious. Do you add any dressing to the vegetables? Love all your recipes Jo.
Nicole Beaulieu says
January 31, 2019 at 10:04 amWe make a dressing with olive oil, any type of vinegar we have handy, salt, and pepper 🙂 It’s always so tasty!
Dale says
January 30, 2019 at 10:00 pmJo this was some of the best tasting chicken I have ever had the pleasure of making. I used Sprouts roasted garlic salsa and it turned out great. Thanks for sharing.
Nicole Beaulieu says
January 31, 2019 at 10:18 amThat’s so great to hear! We love how easy it is 🙂
Brian says
January 30, 2019 at 10:54 amThis looks really good. Thanks for sharing your recipe. I don’t have a crockpot, so could this be done in a baking dish in the oven? I’m guessing it would need to be covered for most of the time. If so, how long would it take to cook in the oven? Thanks again.
Joanna Cismaru says
January 30, 2019 at 11:46 amAbsolutely! I’d do it at 375 F degrees for about 25 minutes, covered. Uncover it, top it with cheese and back in the oven for another 10 min or so.
Brian says
January 30, 2019 at 12:14 pmOK, that’s great. Thank you for your response. I can just imagine the aroma when this is cooking.
Joanna Cismaru says
January 30, 2019 at 12:16 pmYou’ll love it!
BartB says
March 3, 2019 at 6:44 pmDude, you have to get a crockpot! 🙂
Sharon says
December 21, 2018 at 12:28 pmGreat recipe, we have it often and is always delicious.