Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a lazy weekend, or a cozy dinner with friends, this slow cooker recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken infused with the smoky, zesty notes of salsa. The magic lies in four (or five) ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Ingredients
The Essential 5
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra richness)
- 1 cup of your favorite salsa (mild, medium, or hot — depending on your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 fresh cloves, minced)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional: adjust for heat level)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional additions for extra flavor:
- ½ teaspoon cumin for earthy warmth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky depth
- A squeeze of lime juice at the end for brightness
Step-by-Step Instructions
Continued on next page//
1. Prep the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the salsa more effectively. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can slice them in half horizontally to create more even pieces.
Tip: For a juicier result, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. They remain tender and less likely to dry out during long cooking.
2. Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer. Sprinkle garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepperover the chicken, ensuring each piece gets a light coating of seasoning.
Next, pour the salsa over the top. If your salsa has large chunks of tomato or peppers, give it a gentle stir so the chicken is evenly coated. Resist the temptation to mix everything too much — the slow cooker will do the work for you.
3. Cooking Time
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The chicken will cook gently in its own juices and the salsa, absorbing flavor and turning tender enough to shred with a fork.
Tip: Avoid lifting the lid frequently — every peek lets heat escape and extends the cooking time.
4. Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. The chicken should pull apart easily, soaking in the remaining salsa.
After shredding, stir everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed — sometimes, a little extra salt, pepper, or chili powder makes a big difference.
5. Serving Suggestions
Continued on next page//
