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Home / Recipes

Crockpot Salsa Chicken

4 hours 17 minutes
4.49 from 620 votes
169 Comments
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  • 3822
by: Joanna Cismaru

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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 in a baking dish

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.

Crockpot Salsa Chicken process shots

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.

Crockpot Salsa Chicken with cheese

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!

Crockpot Salsa Chicken on a white plate served with salad

Looking for More Crockpot Recipes? Try These:

  • Pork Carnitas
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Beef Stew
  • Crock Pot Roast
  • Pepper Steak

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side view shot of crockpot salsa chicken

Crockpot Salsa Chicken

4.49 from 620 votes
Prep: 2 mins
Cook: 4 hrs 15 mins
Total: 4 hrs 17 mins
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Serves: 4
Print Pin Rate
This Crockpot Salsa Chicken with cheese requires only 3 ingredients. It’s embarrassingly easy to make, full of flavor and so delicious! 

Equipment

  • 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chicken breasts boneless, skinless (about 4)
  • 2 cups salsa mild
  • 1 cup Mexican Blend cheese shredded
US Customary – Metric

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 9×13 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.

Video

Recipe Notes

  1. 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.
  2. Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1breastCalories: 396kcal (20%)Carbohydrates: 9g (3%)Protein: 56g (112%)Fat: 14g (22%)Saturated Fat: 6g (38%)Cholesterol: 171mg (57%)Sodium: 1374mg (60%)Potassium: 1233mg (35%)Fiber: 2g (8%)Sugar: 5g (6%)Vitamin A: 875IU (18%)Vitamin C: 5.2mg (6%)Calcium: 235mg (24%)Iron: 1.5mg (8%)
Course:Main Course
Cuisine:American
Keyword:crockpot recipes, crockpot salsa chicken, salsa chicken
Tried this recipe? Rate it belowtag @jocooks on instagram and hashtag it #jocooks!
  • 3822

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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Comments

  1. Lisa Sellers says

    May 31, 2022 at 1:08 pm

    5 stars
    I’m so happy to have finally found a slow cooker recipe for chicken that is not shredded! And it looks yummy! Tonight’s dinner is decided! Thank you, Jo!

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      May 31, 2022 at 2:36 pm

      My pleasure!

      Reply
  2. Pamela S Chavez says

    November 14, 2021 at 1:31 pm

    5 stars
    When I saw this recipe I liked how simple it was, but I didn’t expect much flavor. Was I wrong! The chicken juices slow cooking the salsa was amazing. I will be making this one often.

    Reply
    • Joanna Cismaru says

      November 14, 2021 at 2:20 pm

      I’m so glad you liked it!

      Reply
  3. Allison says

    June 11, 2021 at 1:38 pm

    5 stars
    Yummmy! I cone back to this every time I want to make salsa chicken!

    Reply
  4. Chuck Villegas says

    April 17, 2021 at 5:03 pm

    all seems GREAT !!! : )))

    Reply
  5. Gemma Kinghorn says

    September 17, 2020 at 5:52 am

    5 stars
    Easiest thing to make, and delish, I’d make it with medium or hot salsa for adults

    Reply
  6. McKenna Purcell says

    August 27, 2020 at 9:38 am

    could i double the recipe in the same sized crockpot?

    Reply
    • jo says

      August 27, 2020 at 12:30 pm

      If your crockpot is big enough sure!

      Reply
  7. Sylvia says

    August 26, 2020 at 1:27 pm

    Can I brown the chicken breasts before adding them to the crockpot? I don’t like the look of pale chicken.

    Reply
    • jo says

      August 26, 2020 at 1:56 pm

      Absolutely! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Dana says

    August 15, 2020 at 8:03 pm

    5 stars
    We love this recipe. I cook it at least twice a month. I find organic chicken works the best. I also add green chiles. My husband loves spicy food but this just adds a bit more flavor.

    I just made your sex in a pan for a meal train. I hope the family lives it.

    Reply
  9. Denise Baker says

    July 27, 2020 at 3:19 pm

    What other cheese would work with salsa chicken?

    Reply
    • Jo Cooks Team says

      July 27, 2020 at 4:46 pm

      Provolone is another great melty cheese. Monterey Jack would be awesome, gouda, white cheddar.

      Reply
  10. Lynda K says

    July 21, 2020 at 5:53 pm

    5 stars
    Winner winner salsa chicken dinner! Let’s start by saying we have a picky adult son who makes dinner time challenging. Does not like anything chunky so he did not have any salsa with the chicken so he said chicken was bland. <>. My guy and I enjoyed the chicken and the salsa made a nice sauce to go with it. Is the chicken pale yes, did I want to throw on the grill for some color yes, but I didn’t lol. Once the cheese is on top and gets brown it takes on a whole other look. I did this in the instant pot and it can’t get any easier. My chicken may have been a bit thicker so it took 14 min to get to temp. We paired this with the suggested Mexican rice, wowza the picky son said he enjoyed the rice and not to make any of that boxed stuff again. I also made the homemade enchilada sauce, yum! All around I would make all of these recipes again. Quickly, easy and delicious!

    Reply
    • jo says

      July 21, 2020 at 6:05 pm

      Yay! Happy to hear this chicken was a winner!

      Reply
  11. Patti Vianco says

    June 18, 2020 at 8:26 am

    In this recipe for crockpot chicken and salsa, you need turn that you serve with a shredded kale salad. Would you please share the recipe for that?

    Reply
    • Jo Cooks Team says

      June 18, 2020 at 10:29 am

      This is just a basic shredded cabbage salad with vinaigrette; we don’t have a recipe on the blog for it. Olive oil + vinegar + salt + pepper.

      Reply
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I'm Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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