Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Tacos Recipe
This Easy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Tacos recipe recreates the magic of a beloved taqueria, with incredibly tender chicken soaked in smoky, tangy salsa. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes (low) or 3 hours 5 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 16 ounces (450 grams) jarred salsa (medium-heat recommended)
- 1 tablespoon (8 grams) chili powder
- 1 teaspoon (3 grams) cumin
- 1 teaspoon (3 grams) garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 grams) onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 grams) black pepper
- 8 to 10 corn or flour tortillas
- Toppings of your choice: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour the entire jar of salsa over the chicken. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly on top. Do not stir.
- Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
- About 30 minutes before serving, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the salsa mixture.
- Let the shredded chicken rest in the slow cooker on warm for 10 to 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- While the chicken rests, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for about 30 seconds per side, until soft and lightly charred. Stack in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm.
- Assemble the tacos by spooning the salsa chicken onto each tortilla. Add desired toppings and squeeze a lime wedge over the top.
Notes
For best results, use a good-quality salsa and don’t lift the lid during cooking. The recipe is forgiving; if you forget to add spices early, stir them in later. Leftovers taste even better the next day. To freeze, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos with chicken
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 35
Keywords: slow cooker salsa chicken tacos, easy chicken tacos, salsa chicken, taco recipe, weeknight dinner, set it and forget it