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Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Recipe

4.5 from 65 reviews

This Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken recipe is a flavorful, hands-off meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts or thighs cook slowly with salsa, black beans, corn, lime juice, and cream cheese, resulting in a creamy and zesty dish that pairs beautifully with rice and a dollop of sour cream. Easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors, this comforting Mexican-inspired dish is ideal for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast or 2 boneless skinless chicken thighs, thawed and patted dry
  • Salt, to taste (preferably kosher)
  • 1 cup salsa (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (roughly 12 limes)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into 4 pieces
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

For Serving

  • Cooked rice
  • Sour cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: In a 6-quart slow cooker, place the boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs. Sprinkle salt evenly over the chicken to season it.
  2. Add the Ingredients: Pour in the salsa, black beans, corn, and fresh lime juice. Ensure the chicken is well covered by the salsa mixture. Then, place the cream cheese pieces on top of the chicken and other ingredients.
  3. Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on high for 4-6 hours or on low for 8-10 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
  4. Shred and Mix: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir all ingredients together until the cream cheese melts completely and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  5. Finish the Dish: Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
  6. Serve: Spoon the creamy salsa chicken over cooked rice and add a dollop of sour cream on top to serve.

Notes

  • Use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful.
  • If you don’t have fresh lime juice, bottled lime juice can be used as a substitute.
  • For a spicier kick, choose a salsa with added jalapeño or chipotle peppers.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop.
  • This recipe can be doubled to feed a larger crowd, adjusting slow cooker size accordingly.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, salsa chicken, creamy chicken, easy dinner, slow cooker recipe, Mexican chicken, crockpot chicken