Fiesta Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
Fiesta Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Recipe Introduction: The Easiest Fiesta Ever!
Ever get that craving for something totally flavourful? Fancy something with a bit of a kick that doesn't take all day? Oh my gosh, then you NEED this crock pot salsa chicken recipe in your life! Seriously.
Quick Hook: Salsa Chicken for the Soul
This crock pot salsa chicken is a game changer. It’s a total flavour bomb. The vibrant salsa combined with tender chicken is chef's kiss .
This is the easy slow cooker recipe you need!
Brief Overview: Mexican Night, Made Easy
Originating from Tex-Mex cuisine, this dish brings those south-of-the-border flavours to your table. It's so easy, even I can't mess it up.
Prep time is 5 minutes, and it cooks for 4- 6 hours on low. This recipe yields about 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner.
Main Benefits: Healthy ish & Totally Delicious
This gluten free crock pot chicken recipe is packed with protein. It is relatively low in fat. It's perfect for a weeknight crock pot chicken dinner after a long day.
Honestly, what makes this recipe so special is how simple it is, and how incredibly versatile.
Ready to dive in?
Ingredients: Gathering Your Fiesta Essentials
Okay, let's dive into this " Crock Pot Salsa Chicken " recipe. I’m no SEO guru, but I know a good meal! Here’s what you need:
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 16 oz (450g) jar of your favourite salsa. I prefer medium heat.
- 1 packet (1 oz or 28g) taco seasoning.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth.
- Optional: 1 can (15 oz or 425g) of black beans, rinsed and drained.
- Optional: 1 can (15 oz or 425g) of corn, drained.
Time To Get Cooking
With this recipe, you can have the ultimate Crock Pot Mexican Chicken ready whenever. Make your Crock Pot Tacos like never before.
Are you looking for Crockpot Dishes , or the amazing Salsa Chicken Recipe Slow Cooker , well, here you go.
This is also a perfect " Dump and Start Crock Pot Chicken " meal.
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Fiesta!
Okay, let's dive into this Crock Pot Salsa Chicken adventure! This really is a belter of a recipe. I kid you not.
I've made it countless times. Usually when I can't be bothered to cook! Think of me as your friendly neighbourhood recipe guide.
Main Ingredients: The Starters
Here's what you'll need. Don't stress too much about brands.
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Quality matters. Look for chicken that's plump and pink, not pale. Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken needs decent chicken, innit?
- 16 oz (450g) jar of your favourite salsa. This is where you get to choose! Mild, medium, hot. Whatever floats your boat.
- 1 packet (1 oz or 28g) taco seasoning. I usually have this, but it's fine to make your own.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth. Low sodium is best, but honestly, don't sweat it if you only have the regular stuff.
If you want to throw in some extras:
- Optional: 1 (15 oz or 425g) can of black beans, rinsed and drained. Adds a bit of extra somethin'.
- Optional: 1 (15 oz or 425g) can of corn, drained. For a bit of sweetness!
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!
For this Crock Pot Salsa Chicken , taco seasoning is your key. It's a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic and onion powders.
Can't find taco seasoning? Mix chili powder, cumin, garlic and onion powders, smoked paprika, oregano and salt. Crockpot Dishes like these thrive on flavour! A little extra cumin never hurts, you know?
Flavor enhancers are things like cayenne if you want heat, or lime if you wanna brighten it up a bit.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
Honestly, you don't need much:
- A slow cooker (Crock Pot). This is the star of the show. No slow cooker? A Dutch oven in a low oven (275° F/ 135° C ) might work, but I've never tried it.
- A fork. For shredding the chicken. Easy peasy.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Get the amounts just right!
Crock Pot Tacos are just a fork and tortilla away! And remember, if you're anything like me, you'll probably end up licking the spoon.
Don't pretend you don't do it, LOL. This recipe is perfect for Easy Slow Cooker Recipes !
Cooking Method: Ace Your Crock Pot Salsa Chicken
Okay, let's dive into this Crock Pot Salsa Chicken thing. Honestly, it's a lifesaver on busy weeknights! Think of me as your friendly neighbourhood guide.
I've had my fair share of kitchen disasters, but this one is pretty foolproof. So, grab your slow cooker , and let's get started!
Prep Steps: Ready, Set, Go!
First, the mise en place , as the fancy chefs say! Grab your 2 lbs of chicken breasts , your 16 oz jar of salsa , 1 oz packet of taco seasoning , and 1/2 cup of chicken broth .
Done!
Time saving tip: I often chop my chicken into smaller pieces before putting it in the slow cooker. This helps it cook faster and shred more easily later.
Oh, and safety first! Make sure your chicken is fully thawed before cooking. Nobody wants a salmonella surprise!
Step-by-Step: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
This dump and start Crock Pot Chicken recipe is really as simple as it sounds.
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker . No one likes chicken stuck to the pot.
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Pour the salsa and chicken broth over the chicken. Then sprinkle with taco seasoning .
- Cover and cook on Low for 4- 6 hours or on High for 2- 3 hours .
- Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. It should be falling apart tender.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir.
- Serve and enjoy.
The visual cue for doneness? The chicken should shred super easily with a fork. If it's still tough, give it a bit longer.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salsa Chicken
Want to make your Crock Pot Salsa Chicken even better? Here are a few of my tricks.
First, spice! If you like things hot, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Common mistake : Overcooking the chicken. It'll dry out. Check it early!
Another tip: Use a good quality salsa . It makes a huge difference!
And finally, for a real flavour bomb try this: Make ahead magic! Assemble all the ingredients in the slow cooker the night before.
Stick it in the fridge, and then just pop it in the slow cooker in the morning. You'll come home to a delicious weeknight Crock Pot Chicken dinner.
Serve it in Crock Pot Tacos or over rice. The choices are endless with this Easy Slow Cooker Recipes .
Recipe Notes for the Best Crock Pot Salsa Chicken EVER!
Okay, so you're about to make some seriously amazing crock pot salsa chicken . But hold up a sec! Let's chat about some ways to make this even MORE awesome.
I mean, who doesn't want the best dump and start crock pot chicken ? This is just a guideline. You can use bone in chicken such as chicken thighs instead of chicken breast!
How to Serve Your Salsa Chicken Like a Pro
Right, plating! Think about how you want to chow down. I love piling this easy slow cooker recipes masterpiece into warm tortillas for tacos.
Top with all the goodies: cheese, guac, sour cream. Oh my gosh , my mouth is watering already! For something different, try it over rice with some black beans and corn.
Or heck, throw it on a salad! Grab a Southwest style ranch too!. A bit of sunshine in a bowl, you know? You can even make crock pot tacos .
For drinks, I recommend an ice-cold Mexican beer or a zesty margarita. Perfect, right?
Storing Leftovers (If There ARE Any!)
Okay, let's get real. Sometimes there ARE leftovers. Just pop that crockpot dishes into an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Honestly, it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing is totally an option too. I like to portion it out into freezer bags for easy lunches. It will last for up to 2-3 months! When you are ready to eat again, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Sorted!
Spice it Up (or Down!) with These Variations
Listen, this gluten free crock pot chicken recipe is super versatile. Want to make it creamy? Stir in a dollop of sour cream after shredding.
Boom! Creamy goodness. Or you can use salsa verde instead of regular salsa for a tangy twist. I've also made it with ground turkey.
Brown the ground turkey on a pan and add it to the crock pot.
If you are feeling a bit spicy, a dash of cayenne pepper it's the way to go. If you want something more healthy, just add more chicken broth and less taco seasoning.
You can even make crock pot Mexican chicken
Nutrition Snippets (Keepin' it Real)
So, you are thinking about your macros? Each serving of this salsa chicken recipe slow cooker is about 250 calories.
You get about 35g of protein, 5g of fat, and 15g of carbs. Not bad, eh? The fibre content is around 3g.
Your sodium intake can vary widely. This depends on the salsa and taco seasoning you use.
Overall, this weeknight crock pot chicken is a healthy and delicious way to get your protein fix. Plus, it's packed with flavour!
Honestly, this recipe is foolproof. You are totally going to nail it. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking, folks!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make crock pot salsa chicken ahead of time? Like, can I be a domestic goddess and prep it the night before?
Absolutely! You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, just pop it into the slow cooker and turn it on.
This is a brilliant time saver think of it as your very own culinary "set it and forget it" moment, like setting the VCR to record your favourite show (showing my age here!).
My salsa chicken came out a bit watery. How can I thicken the sauce in my crock pot salsa chicken?
Ah, the dreaded watery sauce! Don't worry, it's an easy fix. Remove the lid during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking (or after shredding the chicken) on high to allow some of the excess liquid to evaporate.
You can also mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce to thicken it up think of it as a culinary magic trick!
What kind of salsa should I use for this recipe, and does it really matter?
The type of salsa you choose makes a HUGE difference! Mild salsa will give you a gentler flavour, while medium or hot salsa will add some serious kick. Chunky salsa adds great texture.
Experiment with different varieties (fire roasted, black bean & corn, etc.) to find your perfect salsa soulmate it's like finding the perfect cuppa tea, personal and important!
How long does crock pot salsa chicken last in the fridge, and can I freeze it for later?
Leftover salsa chicken will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container. It's even better the next day as the flavours meld together beautifully! And yes, it freezes like a dream! Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe bags or containers.
It will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. It's perfect for meal prepping - like having a secret weapon against those "hangry" moments.
Is crock pot salsa chicken healthy? I'm trying to be good, you know?
It can be! This recipe is naturally gluten free and a good source of protein. To make it even healthier, use low-sodium chicken broth and be mindful of the sodium content in your salsa and taco seasoning. Load it up with veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado when serving to boost the nutrient content.
Like Mary Poppins said, "a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down." This dish has flavor, and can be healthy too!
I don't have taco seasoning. Is there a good substitute to use for this crock pot salsa chicken?
No taco seasoning, no problem! You can easily make your own blend with ingredients you probably already have in your spice rack. Combine 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Adjust the amounts to your taste. Voila! You're a spice wizard - eat your heart out, Jamie Oliver!
