Four Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

This easy Four Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken recipe is simply the best choice for a busy day! Take a few minutes to throw everything into your Crock-Pot, then come back in a few hours and shred for a savory, family-pleasing taco filling.

Today, let’s update an ancient post with one of these oh-so-easy recipes that should be in every family’s back pocket: Four Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken! 

I did first post this recipe way back in 2014, but it seemed high time to update that old post with slightly better photos and the addition of black beans. 🙂 This super simple salsa chicken recipe is my go-to for busy days, since it takes just two minutes to throw everything in the Crock-Pot and forget it — and everyone here looooves it.

Honestly, I have been making salsa chicken probably every couple of weeks for the past six years or so, per the kids’ ongoing request.

Use either boneless skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs to make your salsa chicken, and substitute any kind of salsa you prefer in order to change up the flavors and the spice level. (Salsa verde sometimes makes a nice change of pace, and thighs will come out slightly juicier than chicken breast.)

You can also stir in a can of corn and/or a little sour cream to taste after shredding the chicken at the end, but I tend to keep mine simple so that everyone can adapt their add-ons to their own taco taste.

Four Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

Ingredients

2-3 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, trimmed
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 Tbsp taco seasoning (or one packet)
16 oz salsa

Directions

Trim chicken and place it in the bottom of your Crock-Pot.

Rinse and drain the black beans, then add them to the Crock-Pot. 

Top the chicken and beans with taco seasoning and salsa.

Cook on low for 5-5.5 hours, then shred.

Serve the finished salsa chicken with your own favorite taco accoutrements.

Note: Use two or three (or a little more…) pounds of chicken, depending on what you have on hand, how many leftovers you want, or how “saucy” you like your chicken. This recipe is super forgiving.

Adapt salsa chicken to your own family’s needs

This basic easy recipe is extra awesome because of its infinite adaptability. Want it spicier? Use hot salsa and taco seasoning when cooking, and/or add jalapeño slices and hot sauce when assembling. Want it milder? Use mild salsa and seasoning. Gluten free? Use corn tortillas rather than flour, and make sure to use gluten free or homemade taco seasoning. Dairy free? Skip the cheese and sour cream when assembling your tacos. Low carb? Serve yours on a low carb wrap, lettuce wrap, or in a bowl. Hate tortillas? Serve yours over rice or use it in a taco salad.

Play with the basic recipe and fixings to suit your own family’s tastes and dietary needs, and enjoy a super easy dinner that should please everyone in the house — it surely does here.

Got salsa chicken leftovers?

Here’s a thought: Why not use your leftover salsa chicken to make a batch of loaded baked chicken nachos, a big pot of leftover chicken taco soup, or some chicken avocado taquitos or the next day? You’re welcome. 😉

Four Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken, printable recipe

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