This recipe for Crockpot Salsa Chicken is a great way to change up your typical dinner rotation. It’s easy to prepare and tastes absolutely delicious! I was skeptical about kids enjoying this chicken, but it's been a hit with everyone! The best part is that it can be served in so many different ways. It has become one of my go-to crockpot chicken recipes.
Using salsa to flavor chicken is genius! You can use your favorite brand and variety to truly make this recipe your own. The chicken breasts slow cook to perfection in the salsa and cream cheese mixture. It’s great on its own, served in tortillas for a unique taco, or as a sandwich!
If you like Mexican crockpot recipes, you will love Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos, Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Chili, Crockpot Apricot Chicken, Salsa con Queso or our Honey Butter Chicken (Air Fryer & Oven)recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Salsa Chicken Recipe
- Quick dump meal: All of the ingredients are added to the slow cooker with no prior prep work needed. It’s perfect when you don’t have a lot of time. Don’t sleep on crockpot dump meals!
- Budget-friendly: The ingredients used in this slow cooker salsa chicken are very inexpensive so it’s a fantastic dinner for a tight budget.
- Versatile recipe: The toppings and serving methods for this recipe are endless. They even make tasty leftovers.
Ingredients
There are 5 main ingredients in this recipe for chicken and salsa in the crockpot. They are common items that are also very affordable if you are looking for a cheap and yummy meal to feed the family.
- Salsa: Feel free to use any kind of tomato salsa that you like. I chose a mild salsa to control the spice.
- Cream cheese: Ensure that the cream cheese is softened before you add it to the slow cooker. It just needs to be soft enough to break up and mix, small clumps are fine. Feel free to use full-fat or low-fat cream cheese.
- Monterey jack cheese: I love the flavor of shredded Monterey jack cheese paired with the salsa. It also melts so well.
- Sour cream: This helps thin out the cream cheese while also adding more flavor.
- Taco seasoning: This is the only seasoning needed. It has several spices in the mix that work well in this recipe.
- Garnishes: There are so many toppings you can garnish this chicken with. Some of my favorites are fresh cilantro, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime juice.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Tropical Salsa Chicken: Use your favorite diced tropical fruit like pineapple and mango for a sweet twist.
- Spicy Salsa Chicken: Try this recipe with a spicy salsa or add your favorite diced pepper such as habanero or jalapeno!
- Salsa Chicken and Veggies: Add chopped onions, bell peppers, and corn for more texture and flavor.
- Salsa Chicken and Beans: Black or pinto beans would be a great addition to this salsa chicken.
How to Make Salsa Chicken in the Crockpot
Below are the instructions on how to make salsa chicken in your crockpot. Before you get started, ensure the cream cheese is softened, and that you grease the pot generously so nothing sticks to it.
Step 1: Add to the crockpot. Combine the salsa, cream cheese, Monterey Jack, sour cream, and taco seasoning in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 2: Mix the salsa mixture. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed.
Step 3: Add the chicken. Place the chicken breasts on top of the mixture without overlapping them.
Step 4: Cover and cook the chicken. Spoon some of the salsa cheese mixture on top of the chicken. Add the lid and cook the chicken for 3-4 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Step 5: Shred the chicken. Grab two forks and shred the cooked chicken breasts directly in the crock pot and then give all of the ingredients a good stir.
Step 6: Serve. Enjoy the salsa chicken any way you like! My favorites are tacos or sandwiches.
⭐️ Hint: If it is easier, remove the chicken and shred it in a separate bowl. Then, transfer it back to the crock pot and stir it all together before serving.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy Cheesy Salsa Baked Chicken, Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Flour, Crockpot Huli Huli Chicken, Chicken Casserole with Cream of Mushroom Soup, Crock Pot Chicken Nachos or our Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe.
Storage Directions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers of the salsa chicken in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: You may reheat individual servings in the microwave or add the chicken to a medium saucepan over low heat until it is warmed through.
- Freezing: Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying it.
- Make Ahead: This is a great make-ahead meal! Prepare it 24 hours in advance for a quick dinner or a yummy lunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Easy Cheesy Mexican Corn Casserole as a side to keep with the theme of this crockpot Mexican chicken recipe.
- Use Avocado Aioli as a tasty spread on salsa chicken sliders using Air Fryer Dinner Rolls. It’s also great as an appetizer.
- Reheat the leftovers and use them in tacos, burritos, or nachos. The chicken reheats so well.
Recipe Tips
- Ensure the chicken has cooked thoroughly: Check the chicken with a thermometer to ensure that it has reached 165 degrees F for safety.
- Try a crockpot liner: Use a liner in the crockpot for super easy cleanup.
- Bake it: This recipe can be made in the oven. Cook the chicken for about 45 minutes at 375 degrees F.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! You may need to adjust the cook time slightly as dark meat takes a little longer. I recommend using a thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked all the way through before serving it.
No, you should thaw the chicken before cooking. The chicken breasts will cook more evenly when thawed and it's safer to cook thawed chicken in a slow cooker.
Sure! Just add all of the components to the crockpot and heat them until warm and the cheese is fully melted.
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More Delicious Crockpot Recipes
Do you like cooking meals in your crockpot? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Creamy Crockpot Salsa Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 24-ounce jar mild red salsa
- 1 8-ounce brick cream cheese softened
- ½ cup Monterey jack cheese shredded
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 1-ounce package taco seasoning
- 2 ½ pounds chicken breasts 3-4 breasts
Optional Ingredients For Tacos
- hard or soft taco shells
- cilantro
- additional sour cream
- diced avocado
- diced tomato
- additional monterey jack or cheddar cheese shredded
- lettuce shredded
- lime wedges
Instructions
- In the bowl of a 6-8 quart crockpot, add your salsa, cream cheese, monterey jack cheese, sour cream and taco seasoning and stir to combine. The mixture should be smooth but your cream cheese may remain clumped. This is ok, it will melt down during cooking.
- Nestle the chicken breasts into the creamy salsa mixture making sure to spoon some over the chicken to coat each piece with flavor.
- Cover and cook on low 3-4 hours or high 2-3 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Using two forks, shred your chicken in the crockpot.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve warm on its own or make tacos with the shredded chicken. Another great option is serving this chicken on sandwich buns!
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Notes
- Ensure the chicken has cooked thoroughly: Check the chicken with a thermometer to ensure that it has reached 165 degrees F for safety.
- Try a crockpot liner: Use a liner in the crockpot for super easy cleanup.
- Bake it: This recipe can be made in the oven. Cook the chicken for about 45 minutes at 375 degrees F.
Patricia says
Hi Kitchen Divas! Another recipe I just have to comment on. . .I made this as written today and it's delicious!!! We just loved it! I served as soft tacos (will try the hard shells for the leftovers). I served your Mexican Street Corn Casserole alongside which is so delicious as well! Thank you for sharing your delicious (and easy recipes)!
Karin and Ken says
I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe. It’s in our regular rotation. We actually make both regularly and they never disappoint. I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to let me know. You made my day! Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much. I can’t wait to hear. All the best. Karin