Slow Cooker Shredded Salsa Chicken
In short: Chicken breasts cooked slowly in jarred tomato salsa and warm spices until they shred easily, ready for bowls, wraps, salads and sandwiches. It takes about 4 h 40 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 4 h 30 min
- Total
- 4 h 40 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 190 kcal
Shredded salsa chicken is a workhorse for anyone who meal-preps. Chicken breasts and a jar of tomato salsa go into the slow cooker with a few spices, and a few hours later the meat pulls apart into moist strands that hold the sauce. Use it in rice bowls, wraps, baked potatoes, salads or on toast. The recipe makes enough for several meals, and the salsa you choose sets the heat level.
Instructions
- Mix the cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder and salt in a small bowl.
- Lay the chicken in a single layer in the slow cooker and sprinkle the spice mixture over both sides.
- Pour the salsa over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
- The chicken is ready when it shreds easily with a fork and reads at least 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part.
- Lift the chicken onto a board and shred it with two forks. Return it to the slow cooker and stir it into the juices.
- Cover again and leave for 10 minutes so the meat soaks up the sauce. Stir in the lime juice and cilantro and serve.
Tips
- Chicken thighs work too and stay juicier if the pot cooks a little long. Allow 4 to 6 hours on low.
- Do not add extra liquid. Chicken releases water as it cooks, and a thinner sauce makes soggy wraps.
Questions and answers
How long does slow cooker shredded chicken keep?
Store it in its juices in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water.
Can I freeze shredded salsa chicken?
Yes. Freeze it with the sauce in flat bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What can I make with shredded salsa chicken?
Serve it in rice bowls, wraps, baked potatoes, quesadillas, salads or on nachos. It also makes a quick filling for stuffed peppers.
How long does it take to make Slow Cooker Shredded Salsa Chicken?
About 4 h 40 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 4 h 30 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Slow Cooker Shredded Salsa Chicken?
About 190 kcal per serving, with 33 g of protein, 5 g of carbohydrates and 4 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 190 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 33 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
