We’ve been due for a new meal prep recipe in our favorite cheap appliance, the slow cooker. We’re using 4 simple ingredients and making a delicious Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken. It’s great by itself, with vegetables, or a carb source. If you need a new high protein meal idea to try, this is it!

Start with 2 1/2 pounds of chicken. I’m going boneless chicken thighs today but breast work great too. Cut up and trim the fat off of whatever you’re using.

I also always like to throw this out there for those of you who haven’t tried chicken thighs yet. They’re super tender and practically impossible to overcook, are usually cheaper, and the macros aren’t too far off from breast.

Add your chicken into the bottom of your slow cooker and follow with 2 ounces of a low sodium taco seasoning mix. Here’s where you can change it up with other seasonings, herbs, or spices. Some of what I’ve used in the past with success?

• Cayenne Seasoning
• Barbecue Seasoning
• Cilantro
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Basil
• Black Pepper
• Ground Cumin
• Smoked Paprika
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Chili Powder

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

*Double or triple this recipe and have access to it whenever you need it!

• 1 1/4 Tablespoons Chili Powder
• 1 1/2 Teaspoons Ground Cumin
• 3/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper, Paprika
• 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Oregano, Salt
• 1/4 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper

Continue with 2 ounces of green chiles and 32 ounces of your favorite salsa. The choice is yours here, let us know some of your favorite combinations in the comments below.

Variations

• Change up the heat with mild, medium, hot, Thai, habanero, or ghost pepper!
• Change up the texture with regular, chunky, or restaurant style.
• Change up the flavor with mango, pineapple, garlic, fire roasted, and so on.

Last, put your lid on and let it cook on low heat for around 4-5 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when your chicken reaches 165F/73C internally.

Salsa Chicken Tips

1. You can shred the chicken 15-20 minutes before it’s done by using 2 forks and pulling apart like this
2. Eat this with fresh vegetables, nachos, in a tortilla or burrito, over rice, pasta, or some chips!
3. And 3. If you’re looking for something to take with you that tastes great cold…this is worth a try!

Don’t have a slow cooker? Try our Baked Sriracha Salsa Chicken instead!