Description
A comforting, low-effort slow cooker meal where chicken breasts are simmered in salsa and spices until tender enough to shred. Perfect for busy weeknights and self-care dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 16 oz jar of chunky salsa (mild or medium)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- Tortillas (corn or flour) for serving
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado
Instructions
- Trim any visible fat or silver skin from the chicken breasts. Place them in the bottom of a 4-quart slow cooker.
- Pour the entire jar of salsa over the chicken, followed by the chicken broth. Do not stir yet.
- Sprinkle the cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and black pepper evenly over the top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place on a plate. Skim excess fat from the cooking liquid in the pot.
- Shred the chicken using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in about 1/2 cup of the reserved cooking liquid.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken and stir to combine. Taste and add salt if needed.
- Serve immediately with warm tortillas and desired toppings.
Notes
[‘Cooking on LOW is crucial for tender, shreddable texture; HIGH may result in dry chicken.’, ‘Skim excess fat from the top of the salsa before shredding for a cleaner look and taste.’, ‘Always use fresh lime juice for brightness; bottled juice lacks flavor.’, ‘Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.’, ‘Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts; they are more forgiving if overcooked slightly.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos with chicken
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: slow cooker, salsa chicken, tacos, easy dinner, self-care meal, one pot, healthy dinner, chicken recipes