Simple and tasty, this juicy, shredded chicken will give your next meal a Mexican kick. 
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I have had some of my readers ask me if I ever use a crockpot.
The truth. Not that often, actually.
As much as I love quick and easy family friendly weeknight meals, I just don’t get out the crockpot that much.
But I do have reasons why.
- I don’t have the storage in my kitchen for my Crock-Pot. It is stored on a shelf in the basement. Easy to get to, yes. Out of sight, out of mind. Definitely.
- Even though it only takes a few minutes, food prep is not in my morning routine. Once the hustle and bustle of the kiddies routine is done and they are out the door and on the bus, I have a million and one other things on my list to tackle at that moment and dinner is not on my mind yet.
- Even with all the driving around to practices and other activities in the evening, I really enjoy preparing dinner at night. Remember in my About Me? I am that person that actually finds it relaxing to chop and prep dinner. For reals.
But every now and then, I feel motivated to throw something in the crockpot in the morning. And I’ll admit, when I do, it is pretty awesome to have the free time in the evening…though I do lose the excuse that I’m too busy to fold that load of laundry at night, so I may or may not juuuust start the dryer again. One more fluff won’t hurt.
Any other crazed mamas ever do that? Come on. Tell the truth. 
Hands down the easiest crockpot recipe is this Salsa Chicken. This takes less than 5 minutes to throw together!
Season 4-6 chicken breasts right in the crockpot with chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper.
Pour a can of black beans over the top.
Pour a jar of salsa over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When it’s dinner time, use two forks to pull apart and shred the chicken and give it a good toss to coat evenly with all that juice that has settled at the bottom.
This chicken is so versatile, but our go-to is to build rice bowls topped with our favorite garnishes, like my Chunky Guacamole.
Now chow down and go fold that laundry. There’s no excuse that dinnertime is too busy anymore.
This chicken is the perfect quesadilla or burrito filling or tasty topped on a salad. Go for a weekend snack and top this on some nachos too with a Blood Orange Margarita or Mexican Mule on the side!
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Tell me your quickest and most simple crockpot recipe.
Seriously Simple Salsa Chicken in the Crockpot
Simple and tasty, this juicy, shredded chicken will give your next meal a Mexican kick.
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- salt and pepper
- 15.5 ounce salsa
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- Add chicken to the crockpot and top with the seasonings.
- Pour the beans over the top.
- Pour the salsa over the top.
- Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours.
- When done, shred chicken using two forks.
- Stir to combine chicken with the juices.
Use shredded chicken for rice bowls, burrito fillings, quesadilla filling, nachos topping or salad toppings.
Add desired garnishes for a complete meal.
oh gosh! I love salsa chicken, but I’ve never tried it with black beans! totally trying this one next time!
Fun Recipe. I make a Sala Chicken that is similar. I love Salsa and Chicken. Yummy!
yum!! I have a similar recipe but this one sounds easier and better. I’ll have to give it a go!
Hope you like it!
This looks so yummy, and I love the idea of making into rice bowls!
We make something similar from time to time, so quick and easy. Thanks for sharing, I totally want burrito bowls now.
I wish I enjoyed cooking! LOL But my Crockpot does make things easier – I tried a new recipe this past Monday and it was really good. Thanks for this one; it looks yummy!!
-Lauren
Thanks, Lauren! Crockpots are dinnertime lifesavers sometimes!
This is perfect for me as I love using pots for going (slow cookers, pressure cookers). I have the Instapot which is all in one. This recipe sounds delicious and I can’t wait to try it this weekend. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Sandy!
Love the ingredients and can’t beat the efficiency! Thanks for the recipe Olive!
That’s the truth! Doesn’t get any easier!
I am looking forward to trying this recipe when my husband’s crazy softball schedule starts! I also don’t think about using my Crockpot very often so I’m going to try to incorporate it more! Thank you for sharing this.
That’s a great idea!
This looks delicious! And there are about a million ways to serve shredded chicken. This would make a great “leftover” meal. I already have ideas for the chicken over rice, as a taco, as a nacho topper, making a soup with leftovers….okay I’m hungry now!
I love the versatility here too!
MMM I love a good salsa crockpot recipe! thank you!
What’s better than easy and delicious chicken waiting for you at dinnertime!
I love finding new crock pot recipes! And that tostitos lime salsa is my favorite!
So happy you stopped, Abby! I love the touch of lime in this salsa too!
This looks so good! I love food with a Mexican flair. I am so hungry now. I’m subscribing to this blog to keep up with your recipes!
Thanks so much, Stacey! You rock! So happy you stopped and hope you enjoy some other recipes too!
I printed this one right away – I have all the ingredients!
I fell out of the crockpot habit but I think this will get me back into it. Especially because of all the different ways you suggested for using this one recipe. So smart!
I love the ease and versatility of this too! Getting so many meals and options out of one crockpot dish motivates me to visit the basement to the crockpot storage more often. lol