Dinner doesn’t get more delicious than this creamy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken! With just four ingredients, this chicken recipe couldn’t be easier to make. Everything goes into your slow cooker and you can walk away, making it the perfect dinner for busy nights, holidays or parties!
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
This salsa chicken is so versatile, and there are so many different ways that you can serve it. The slow cooker method makes it juicy, succulent and really allows the flavors to sink in. With just a bit of cream cheese to make it cozy, this shredded chicken has just enough of a kick to make dinner interesting.
- Easy to Make: Just 4 ingredients and no prep. Just dump everything into your slow cooker and walk away.
- Cozy and Hearty: We added just enough cream cheese to make this chicken dish feel comforting, while still a satisfying, hearty meal.
- Versatile: There are so many ways that you can serve this salsa chicken, we listed some of our favorites further down in the post.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe require pretty much zero prep, so you can pop them right into your slow cooker. Scroll down to the recipe card for exact amounts needed.
- Chicken Breast: Or you can use chicken tenderloins, even boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Salsa: Use your favorite salsa brand, mild or spicy.
- Cream Cheese: Regular cream cheese melts the best, reduced fat is fine but fat free isn’t recommended.
- Fajita Seasoning: We make our own Fajita Seasoning, but you can also buy it at the store, or swap out taco seasoning or our popular All Purpose Seasoning.
How To Make
Making this slow cooker salsa chicken couldn’t be easier. Just a few steps and you’re on your way to a cozy, comforting dinner without any effort!
- Place chicken breasts into a slow cooker and season with fajita seasoning. Pour in salsa and top with cream cheese. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Remove the chicken to a plate and shred. Return the chicken back to the slow cooker and stir in with the sauce. Serve or turn to the “keep warm” setting until ready.
Variations
This slow cooker chicken recipe can be kept super simple like this, or you can jazz it up with a few extra ingredients!
- Chipotle Peppers: We updated this recipe from years back and removed the chipotle peppers to keep it simple. That being said, a couple of chipotle peppers really does add a delicious, smoky flavor to this chicken.
- Beans: When you return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, try stirring in black beans or pinto beans.
- Types of Salsa: There are hundreds of salsa brands and flavors to choose from. Smoky, spicy, mango, mild, chunky or smooth. Since salsa is a primary ingredient, you can change the flavor of this chicken with the type of salsa that you choose.
- Cheese: If you’re a fan of cheese (because who isn’t) you can stir in some colby jack, pepper jack or shredded cheddar cheese at the end.
Ways To Serve
This salsa chicken can be eaten by itself or with a few toppings (I like grated cheddar cheese, cilantro and scallions). Here’s a quick list of other ways you can enjoy it.
- Burritos: Grab a soft flour or corn tortilla and load it up with chicken. Add your favorite cheese, along with cilantro lime rice and black beans, a few veggies, and a scoop of guacamole.
- Sandwiches: Grab a roll and pile some spicy pulled chicken and Super Creamy Coleslaw on top for a delightfully saucy sandwich. Pair it with these Homemade Shoestring French Fries to add some crunch.
- Baked Potato: Make some baked potatoes and load them up with this this shredded chicken. Add a dollop of sour cream on top and sprinkle some cheese and chives on top.
- Nachos: This pulled chicken makes an amazing topping for nachos. Throw some shredded cheese over the top for a wonderfully gooey appetizer or dinner.
- Rice Bowl: Fill up a bowl with any type of rice, beans and avocados, then scoop some of this shredded chicken on top. You can also try cauliflower rice instead.
- Tacos: Tacos are my favorite way to serve this salsa chicken, hands down. They’re just so easy to make. And the best part is, you can use all your favorite taco toppings! Homemade Pico de Gallo is particularly good on this chicken tacos because the fresh tomatoes and onions cut through the creaminess of the chicken.
Does This Chicken Freeze Well?
This slow cooker salsa chicken makes for an excellent freezer meal. Just make sure it’s cooled to room temperature, then transfer it to a freezer bag or a an air tight container, we love using these individually portioned Souper Cubes, too! Keep it frozen for up to 3 months, then thaw it in the fridge overnight before you reheat it.
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Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 Servings 1x
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeThis Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken only has 4 ingredients! So easy to make, just dump into your slow cooker and walk away. We love this creamy chicken for rice bowls, tacos, burritos and meal prepping.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken breasts (can also use chicken tenderloins or boneless, skinless chicken thighs)
- 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- 15 ounce jar of salsa (any kind you like)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
Instructions
- Add the chicken to your slow cooker and season with the fajita seasoning. Pour the salsa on top and then add the cream cheese. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place onto a board. Use a whisk to combine any remaining cream cheese into the sauce.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and return to the slow cooker. Stir the chicken into the sauce and serve, or turn your slow cooker to the “keep warm” setting until ready.
Recipe Notes
- To Store: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze: Let cool completely, then transfer to a freezer bag or an air tight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- To Reheat: Heat in the microwave, on the stove, or in the oven until warmed through.
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
