Slow cooker salsa chicken
This Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken features smoky paprika and zesty salsa, slow-cooked to tender perfection. Ideal for busy days, it offers a vibrant, Cuban-inspired meal with minimal effort.
Cook time 420 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
3 tbsp paprika2 tsp black pepper
1 cup garlic
2 tbsp salt
1 cup canned tomatoes
2.50 cups salsa sauce
1 onion
6 lb chicken breasts
1 green pepper
This Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken recipe is a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish that combines the taste of smoky paprika, zesty black pepper, aromatic garlic, and onion with juicy chicken breasts. It's a perfect meal for busy days, as the slow cooker does all the work, infusing the chicken with rich and vibrant Cuban-inspired flavors.
Instructions:
- Mince the garlic, finely chop the onion and green pepper.
- Dice the canned tomatoes if they are not already diced.
- In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Rub this spice mixture all over the chicken breasts to ensure they're evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion on top of the chicken.
- Spread the diced canned tomatoes and finely chopped green peppers over the chicken and garlic-onion mixture.
- Pour the salsa sauce over all the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring everything is well covered.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Alternatively, you can set it on high for 3-4 hours if you need it done faster.
- Once the cooking time is up, check the chicken for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Shred the chicken using two forks (optional) for a pulled chicken style.
- Stir all the ingredients to combine the flavors well.
- Serve the salsa chicken over rice, with tortillas, or alongside your favorite vegetables.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.
With minimal prep work and a few hours in the slow cooker, you can enjoy a delicious and hearty Salsa Chicken meal that is bursting with bold flavors. This dish is versatile and can be paired with various sides or used in tacos, burritos, or even as a topping for nachos. It's an easy and satisfying recipe that your whole family will love.
Slow cooker salsa chicken FAQ:
For optimal flavor and tenderness, cook the Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken on low for 6-8 hours. Alternatively, it can be cooked on high for 3-4 hours if you're short on time.
The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check this for safety.
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, adjust the cooking time to ensure they're fully cooked, generally increasing the low setting time by 1-2 hours.
If you don't have salsa, you can substitute it with a mix of diced tomatoes, chopped green chilies, and a dash of hot sauce for added flavor.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving, ensuring it reaches 165°F (75°C) again.
Tips:
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a few dashes of hot sauce or a diced jalapeño pepper before cooking.
- Make sure to use a thick salsa to avoid a watery dish; if your salsa is too thin, you can thicken it by allowing the dish to cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. It's perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition per serving
1 ServingsCalories 3850kcal
Protein 640g
Carbohydrates 120g
Fiber 33g
Sugar 44g
Fat 80g
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