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Homemade Salsa Chicken Crockpot photo

Salsa Chicken Crockpot

A simple slow-cooker salsa chicken made with tender chicken thighs, beans, and spices that’s perfect for bowls, tacos, or rice.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings 5 servings

Equipment

  • 6-quart slow cooker (Crock-Pot)
  • Cooking spray
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Colander
  • two forks or tongs and a knife
  • Mixing Spoon

Ingredients
  

  • cooking spray
  • 1 16-ounce jar salsa
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs see note 1
  • 1 teaspoon ground chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 15.5-ounce can black beans drained and rinsed
  • roasted corn and peppers see note 2; optional side or topping

Instructions
 

  • Spray a 6-quart slow cooker generously with cooking spray.
  • Place the chicken thighs in the prepared slow cooker in an even layer.
  • Pour the salsa over the chicken.
  • Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the salsa and chicken.
  • Stir gently to combine so the spices and salsa coat the chicken; try to submerge the chicken as much as possible.
  • Cover and cook on high for 210 minutes (3½ to 5 hours) or on low for 240–360 minutes (4–6 hours), until the chicken shreds easily.
  • Turn off the slow cooker, remove the chicken to a cutting board, discard any excess fat, and shred with two forks or cut into pieces with a knife.
  • Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir gently to combine with the sauce, and taste; adjust seasoning if desired.
  • Serve over cooked rice or in tacos and top with roasted corn and peppers and your preferred toppings.

Notes

  • Thighs give more flavor and stay tender; breasts may be used but watch cooking time closely.
  • Roast peppers and corn as a side and add black beans after roasting if desired.
  • Serve with cooked rice, lime wedges, cilantro, cilantro-lime sauce, guacamole or avocado, sour cream, and cheddar.
  • Cut chicken breasts into 3 even pieces if using breasts.
  • Drain and rinse canned black beans before adding.