Crockpot Cheesy Salsa Chicken

Course Main Course, Poultry

Cuisine American, Mexican Inspired

Keyword cheesy-salsa-chicken, crockpot-cheesy-salsa-chicken, crockpot-chicken-recipes

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 10

Servings servings

Calories 527kcal

Author Melissa Sperka

Spray the bottom and sides of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
Pour the salsa onto the bottom of the slow cooker, spread evenly. Sprinkle with 1/2 of the onion.
Place the chicken pieces in a plastic bag and drizzle with oil. Add the taco seasoning, cumin, garlic salt and lemon pepper. Seal the bag and toss until evenly coated.
Arrange the seasoned chicken over the salsa. Sprinkle with remaining onion.
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours on low or on high for 2-3 hours.
During the final 30 minutes of cooking, uncover and stir. Thicken the sauce using the tomato paste. Stir until the tomato paste has dissolved. Repeat using more or less, to your taste.
After your preferred thickness is reached, sprinkle with the shredded cheese. Cover and continue to cook for 10 minutes on high, just until melted.
Serve immediately over cooked rice or cauliflower rice with fresh pico de gallo and sour cream or any of your favorite toppings.

Chicken: This recipe uses boneless chicken breasts. You could also use boneless skinless chicken thighs or a mix of both.

Taco Seasoning: You can use your favorite brand of taco seasoning. If you'd like to make your own, checkout my Homemade Taco Seasoning here.

Adjust the Thickness to Taste: I recommend that you be prepared to thicken the sauce a bit with tomato paste to enhance the texture. Add 1-2 tablespoons at a time and mix thru until it's completely dissolved before adding more.

Cheese: You can use any variety of cheese that you enjoy for this recipe. Sharp cheddar cheese, monterey jack cheese, or quesadilla cheese would work well, too. You could use pepper jack cheese to amp up the spice.

Salsa: You can adjust the level of heat in the dish by using mild, medium or fiery hot salsa according to your family's preference. A thick or chunky salsa works best for this recipe. Use your favorite brand.

Side Dish and Serving Options: We love this salsa chicken with a side salad. Top it with fresh pico de gallo and a dollop of creamy sour cream or a generous drizzle of crema. You can enjoy this ladled over Mexican rice or my recipe for cilantro-lime cauliflower rice for a lower carb option.

Garnishes: You may opt to sprinkle the top with sliced ripe olives, avocado, fresh cilantro, guacamole or a side of Mexican Street Corn for additional color and texture.