Go Back
Shredded salsa chicken with title reading 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Recipe
Good Fork Daily Editorial Kitchen

3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Recipe

Thawed chicken breasts cooked with thick salsa and measured low-sodium taco seasoning, then shredded and coated with reduced sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Resting time 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 190

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds thawed boneless skinless chicken breasts 3 to 4 similar-size pieces
  • 2 cups thick tomato salsa one 16-ounce jar
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium taco seasoning

Equipment

  • 4- to 6-quart slow cooker
  • Dedicated raw-meat cutting board
  • Thin-probe instant-read thermometer
  • Clean plate
  • Two forks

Method
 

  1. Confirm chicken is fully thawed and note any retained salt solution. Pat dry and trim; halve an unusually thick breast horizontally.
  2. Spread 1/2 cup salsa over the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker.
  3. Arrange chicken in one layer. Coat evenly with taco seasoning and spoon remaining salsa over and around it.
  4. Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, beginning checks at 2 hours.
  5. Remove each breast when its thickest center reaches 165°F. Rest on a clean plate for 5 minutes.
  6. Shred into medium strands. Reduce watery sauce separately before returning chicken.
  7. Fold chicken into enough hot sauce to coat, taste and serve promptly.

Notes

  • The base has exactly three ingredients; toppings are optional.
  • Use fully thawed chicken and remove each piece at 165°F.
  • Read labels for retained solution and sodium before adding more seasoning.
  • Reduce watery sauce separately so lean shredded chicken stays moist.
  • This recipe was developed through culinary research and editorial review.