Name: 3 Ingredient Salsa Chicken {Crock-pot}
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 185 min
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breast (boneless, skinless); 1 onion (sliced); 2 cups salsa

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Jump to Recipe Pin It

3 Ingredient Salsa Chicken made in a crock-pot seems to good to be true! Not only is it delicious and easy to make, but it's lower in carbs, gluten-free and there are so many ways to use it!

In fact, only 2 ingredients are absolutely required: chicken and a good salsa. We used these same ingredients to make Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin with salsa. It works!

Or, if you're looking for something creamier, toss a few cubes of cream cheese into the crock-pot too. It will blend into the chicken when you shred it. This variation is inspired by our Slow Cooker Chicken Salad recipe.

Once it's done you can enjoy it in a big bowl. Or, it becomes a base for Mexican dinner dishes like tacos, salads, and rice bowls.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Salsa Chicken in a Crock-Pot

To make this recipe, simply layer chicken and sliced onions in a slow cooker. Pour salsa over the top. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 6-8 hours.

When it's done, use two forks to shred the chicken. It's best to do this step right away while the chicken is warm. As the chicken cools the chicken muscles start to firm up.

Stir it all up and enjoy!

Best Salsa for Crock-Pot Salsa Chicken

Salsa is the workhorse of this recipe and contains all the spices and juices you need. The key is to find one that you LOVE.

See all the peppers and tomatoes throughout the shredded chicken? I used a chunky salsa!
If you have picky eaters in the house, then you may want to stick to a very smooth salsa.
Choose a salsa that has no added sugar to keep the carbs down.
And, if you happen to be a family of adventurers, then try a fruity salsa like peach or mango.

Switching up the salsa in a recipe is a trick I love which completely changes the flavor of a dish. I do this all the time with dishes like Burrito Pie Casserole!

By the way, a fruity salsa will give this recipe a Jamaican or Hawaiian appeal.

We add our favorite products to our Amazon Store or check out this 5 minute restaurant salsa by The Chunky Chef.

3 Ingredient Salsa Chicken Variations

We added sliced onion to get to a grand total of 3 ingredients. You could also add some of these food items, before or after cooking:

Peppers
Tomatoes
Black beans (or white beans, chickpeas, pinto beans)
Corn
Cream Cheese
Cilantro
Garlic

Serving Ideas for Crock-Pot Chicken Salsa

There are lots of ways to enjoy this chicken dish. It's the recipe that keeps on giving because the base works well in so many other dishes!

Use Crock-Pot Salsa Chicken to make:

Fajitas or tacos - add your favorite toppings and serve in tortillas, taco shells or lettuce leaves
Pulled chicken sandwiches
Serve it with rice and beans or include it in a rice bowl
Use in soup, like Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Layer in Stacked Burrito Pie Casserole or other casseroles that call for chicken
Add to salads, like Layered Taco Salad in a Jar (perfect for make-ahead lunches)

Our favorite sides or additions to these recipes are Simple Guacamole Dop, microwave corn on the cob and black bean and corn salsa.

It's fiesta time!

How to Freeze Crock-Pot Salsa Chicken

If you're not sure what to do with the leftovers, freeze them! Place chicken in a resealable bag, removing as much excess air as possible. Label and store in the freezer.

For best results, use chicken within 2 months. To defrost it, place the bag in the refrigerator overnight. Or, remove the chicken from the bag and defrost it in the microwave.

Video: 3 Ingredient Salsa Chicken in the Crock-Pot

We've recapped the entire process in this video:

Please rate this recipe and tag @DinnerMom or #DinnerMom on social media. We love to see what you are cooking up!

📋 Recipe