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You ever have one of those days where your to-do list is bigger than your appetite, but you still want something hearty on the table come dinnertime? That’s where this recipe swoops in like a trusty old friend: Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Salsa Chicken — simple, flavorful, and just plain reliable.
Now, I’ve made fancier dishes. Heck, I’ve messed up fancier dishes. But this one? This one never lets me down. It’s the kind of recipe that reminds me of those summer canning days with Grandma, when we’d jar salsa like it was gold — each one sealed with care and tucked away for the colder months when fresh tomatoes were just a memory. And let me tell you, nothing beats the feeling of cracking open a jar and letting that sunshine in.
This dish brings all that flavor and none of the fuss. Just five ingredients, one slow cooker, and dinner practically makes itself.
Why This Recipe Works (And Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to It)
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Just five ingredients — no shopping list stress
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Zero babysitting — toss it in, go about your day
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Family-friendly — everyone from toddlers to grandparents will ask for seconds
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So versatile — tacos, rice bowls, nachos, burritos… you name it
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Feeds a crowd — or makes the best leftovers
The (Very Short) Grocery List
Let’s break it down — here’s what you need:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Frozen or fresh, both work. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before serving. -
1 jar (16 oz) of your favorite salsa
Go mild, medium, or hot depending on your crew. I like a chunky one with a little heat. -
1 packet of taco seasoning
Store-bought or homemade — I keep a big jar of my own blend, but I’ve grabbed the packet in a pinch more times than I can count. -
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
They add heartiness and stretch the meal a bit further. Pinto beans work great too! -
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but pepper jack adds a nice little zing if you’re feeling bold.
That’s it. That’s the list. And yes, it really is that easy.
Step-by-Step: From Crock to Comfort
Let me walk you through how I make it — no overthinking, no overcomplicating.
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Start with the chicken.
Lay your chicken breasts flat in the bottom of your slow cooker. No oil needed — they’ll cook gently in all that salsa goodness. -
Season it up.
Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken. Give it a gentle pat if you like — make sure it hugs the chicken just right. -
Salsa time.
Pour the salsa right over the top. You want every bit of chicken smothered in that saucy goodness. No stirring needed — just let it do its thing. -
Add the beans.
Scatter your black beans on top. Don’t worry about stirring — they’ll settle in as everything cooks down. -
Cover and cook.
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Low for 6 to 8 hours
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OR High for 3 to 4 hours
You’re looking for fork-tender chicken that practically falls apart.
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Cheesy finale.
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, lift the lid and sprinkle the cheese across the top. Cover again to let it melt into gooey, glorious deliciousness. -
Shred and stir.
Once the cheese is melted, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir — it’ll look a little messy, but trust me, that’s the good kind of messy.
How to Serve It (and Make It Feel Like a Feast)
This dish is like a blank canvas. Here are my favorite pairings:
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Over rice – White, brown, or Spanish-style — they all soak up that sauce beautifully
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With corn tortillas – For make-your-own tacos (my kids’ favorite)
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Tucked in a burrito – Add rice, avocado, and a squeeze of lime
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On nachos – Pile it high, broil for a minute, and serve with sour cream
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With a green salad – Something crisp and tangy for balance
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With cornbread – My personal Midwestern favorite — nothing better than scooping with a thick, buttery wedge
Variations & Tips (Because We All Like a Little Wiggle Room)
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Spice it up – Use hot salsa or toss in a diced jalapeño for extra heat
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Creamy version – Stir in a block of cream cheese about an hour before serving
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Swap the beans – Pinto, kidney, or even chickpeas if that’s what’s on hand
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Lighten it up – Use reduced-fat cheese and low-sodium taco seasoning
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Double it – Great for potlucks, meal trains, or stocking the freezer
Leftovers That Taste Even Better Tomorrow
This chicken reheats like a dream. Honestly, I sometimes think it’s better the next day.
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
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Freezer: Yes! Freeze in individual portions for easy lunches
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Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop or microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between
It thickens up as it sits, which makes it even better for wraps or sandwiches later on.
From My Midwest Table to Yours
This Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Salsa Chicken may be simple, but it’s got heart. It’s the kind of recipe that fits into your life — whether you’re chasing toddlers, wrangling teenagers, or just trying to get dinner on the table after a long day.
It’s humble, but it delivers — flavor, comfort, and that warm fuzzy feeling that only a good home-cooked meal can give.
If you give it a go, I’d love to hear how you served it! Did your family gobble it up? Did you toss it into tacos or pile it on nachos? Tag me, message me, or share your spin — I always love hearing from you.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Salsa Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 jar salsa 16 oz, use your favorite variety
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can black beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.
- Pour the salsa over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well covered.
- Add the black beans on top of the salsa.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and cover again, allowing the cheese to melt.
- Once the cheese is melted, shred the chicken with two forks and stir everything together.
- Serve hot with your choice of sides such as rice, tortillas, or salad.
Notes
Nutrition