Easy Crockpot Salsa Chicken Tacos – Best 20 Minute Meal
These Easy Crockpot Salsa Chicken Tacos are a dump-and-go meal that delivers tender, juicy shredded chicken infused with salsa and spices. Perfect for busy weeknights, they require just 5 minutes of prep and are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2.5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes (low) or 2 hours 35 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 16 ounces jarred salsa (one standard jar)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Corn or flour tortillas for serving
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges, hot sauce
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer if possible.
- In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this spice blend evenly over the chicken.
- Pour the entire jar of salsa over the chicken. Do not stir.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board. Let rest for a few minutes, then shred with two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir into the salsa juices. Let sit on warm for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb flavor.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds.
- Assemble tacos: spoon salsa chicken onto tortillas and top with desired toppings. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not skip the spices; they transform the flavor. Shred the chicken off heat for better texture. Let the chicken rest before shredding to keep it juicy. Warm tortillas properly for the best taco experience. Season to taste at the end as salsas vary in salt and acidity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 350400
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 35
Keywords: crockpot salsa chicken tacos, easy taco recipe, slow cooker tacos, dump and go dinner, weeknight meal