Easy Crockpot Salsa Chicken: The Best Light & Healthy Recipe
This easy crockpot salsa chicken is a light and healthy recipe that requires just 5 minutes of prep and simple ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be used in tacos, burrito bowls, salads, and more.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes to 8 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1½ cups (360ml) your favorite salsa (medium or mild)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (fine sea salt)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- Juice of 1 lime (fresh)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer.
- In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken and rub in gently.
- Pour the salsa directly over the seasoned chicken without stirring. Spread evenly with a spatula if needed.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fork-tender.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the salsa juices.
- Squeeze the lime juice over the shredded chicken and stir gently. Taste and adjust salt if needed. If too liquidy, cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes to reduce.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Notes
For frozen chicken breasts, add an extra hour of cooking time on low. Don’t open the lid during cooking to avoid losing heat. Use a thinner restaurant-style salsa for better sauce distribution. Adjust salt based on salsa’s sodium content. For a spicier version, use hot salsa or add diced jalapeño. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces of shredded
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 32
Keywords: crockpot salsa chicken, easy salsa chicken, healthy chicken recipe, slow cooker chicken, light chicken dinner, weeknight dinner, gluten-free chicken, dairy-free chicken