If you’re craving a home-cooked meal that demands minimal effort but delivers major flavor, you’ll love this Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Smoky Salsa Chicken. Gather a handful of simple pantry items, let them mingle in your slow cooker, and come home to a hearty dinner that practically cooks itself!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups of your favorite smoky salsa
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium, if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Begin by lightly coating the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil. Arrange the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker, then sprinkle them with chili powder. In a separate bowl, stir together the smoky salsa and chicken broth until they are well combined, and pour this mixture over the chicken.
Set your slow cooker to low heat and let the dish simmer for about 6 to 7 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high heat for about 3 to 4 hours. Once the chicken is done, shred it gently with two forks and stir the meat back into the savory salsa sauce. This will ensure every bite is juicy and infused with the smoky flavor.
Spoon this tender salsa chicken into soft tortillas, pile it onto a warm bed of rice, or top a crunchy salad for a lighter option. Add any of your favorite taco fixings—sliced avocado, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream—to complete the meal.
This recipe is fantastic for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone looking to avoid kitchen fatigue without sacrificing taste. You can swap the chicken for another protein like pork shoulder or even hearty vegetables.
If you need to watch your sodium intake, opt for low-salt salsa and broth, or add more fresh tomatoes to lighten it up. However you serve it, this straightforward 5-ingredient wonder proves that home cooking can be simple, flexible, and irresistibly delicious.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
