Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with mouthwatering aromas of perfectly seasoned, tender chicken that practically falls apart with the touch of a fork - without spending hours in the kitchen! This Crock Pot Salsa Chicken is your ticket to a hassle-free, flavor-packed meal that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple tasks, or simply someone who loves delicious food without complicated cooking techniques, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight superhero.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup of salsa, 1 can of black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup of corn (frozen or canned), 1 teaspoon of cumin, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help remove any excess moisture and ensure even cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine the salsa, black beans, corn, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot. Make sure they are laid flat and not overlapping to ensure even cooking.
- Pour the salsa mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure to cover them completely. This will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. If you are short on time, you can set it to cook on high for about 3 hours, but low is recommended for best results.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid and check the chicken for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If the chicken is not fully cooked, cover and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crock pot, mixing it with the salsa mixture. This will help the chicken absorb more flavor.
- Once shredded, taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the salsa chicken warm, either on its own or over a bed of rice, in tacos, or with tortilla chips. Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado, or cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious and easy Crock Pot Salsa Chicken!
Tips
- Choose your salsa wisely: The flavor of your dish heavily depends on the salsa. Opt for a high-quality, fresh salsa with robust flavors.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Ensure chicken breasts are laid flat and not overlapping to guarantee even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Temperature matters: Always check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
- Customize your protein: This recipe works great with chicken thighs or even turkey breasts if you prefer.
- Make it ahead: This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Serving suggestions: Transform leftovers into enchiladas, quesadillas, or a hearty burrito bowl for added variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 85mg
