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    Home » Recipes » Entrees

    Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken

    close up of me in my kitchen
    Modified: Dec 10, 2024 · Published: Jul 27, 2016 by Mindy Boyd · 2 Comments
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    ⏲ 7 hours hours 5 minutes minutes
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    Crockpot Mexican Chicken is super easy, requiring only 4 simple ingredients! This Mexican shredded chicken can be used in tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, chicken taco salad, or chicken enchiladas. This literally takes about 5 minutes to put into the slow cooker.

    A bowl of Crockpot Mexican Chicken, an avocado, and small bowls of taco toppings.

    I use a combination of boneless chicken breasts and thighs because I like the flavor that you get from the dark meat. The beans are a great addition to add fiber and protein.

    This chicken recipe is great to make at the beginning of the week when you meal prep. There are so many different ways it can be used. Plus, it reheats well and will make an easy dinner on busy weeknights! 

    Two Mexican chicken tacos that were made using Crockpot Mexican Chicken.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Ingredient Notes
    • How to make crockpot salsa chicken 
    • Substitutions and additions
    • Ways to use this crock pot Mexican chicken
    • Storage and reheating
    • Try these Mexican inspired recipes next!
    • Crockpot Mexican Chicken

    Ingredients

    See recipe card for exact amounts.

    The raw chicken, black beans in the cans, a bowl of salsa and a small bowl of taco seasoning to make the Crockpot Mexican Chicken (easy slow cooker recipe).

    Ingredient Notes

    chicken – we use half thighs and half breasts because we like the tender flavorful meat of the thighs and the leaner meat of the breasts. All of one or the other can be used. 

    salsa – we use our favorite mild salsa, homemade salsa is also a great option. 

    beans – not only do these add great flavor, they also add nutrition. 

    taco seasoning – we like the low sodium store brand in this recipe. Most brands have Mexican spices like chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes in them. 

    Overhead view of the finished slow cooker Mexican chicken in the crockpot.

    How to make crockpot salsa chicken 

    1. Trim any fat from the chicken.
    2. Spray crockpot with cooking spray or line with a plastic liner.
    3. Place chicken, drained and rinsed black beans, salsa and taco seasoning mix into the crockpot.
    4. Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
    5. Remove chicken from the crockpot and shred using two forks. Return chicken to crockpot and stir.
    A cooked chicken breast on a plate partly shredded, the forks used to shred the chicken are on both sides of the plate.

    Substitutions and additions

    • Use whatever heat level of salsa you like. Medium, hot or extra hot salsa can be used. It also doesn’t have to be red salsa, green salsa or avocado salsa also work.
    • A block of cream cheese can be added for additional flavor and creaminess. 
    • Swap the black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans. 
    • Add frozen or canned corn. 
    • A small can of green chiles would be a nice addition and add to the heat level. 
    • Lime juice would be great in this dish.
    A serving bowl full of Mexican chicken, an avocado, small bowls of tomatoes and cheese, and a bunch of cilantro.

    Ways to use this crock pot Mexican chicken

    Use this chicken in all of your favorite Mexican chicken recipes, below are a few ideas.

    chicken tacos – for tacos serve in warm corn tortillas.

    burrito bowls – serve over plain rice, Mexican rice, or even cauliflower rice. 

    nachos– serve over a bed of tortilla chips. 

    Top the above dishes with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, fresh cilantro, sour cream, green onion, and additional salsa.

    enchiladas – roll meat mixture in corn or flour tortillas, cover with enchilada sauce and cheese and bake at 350° until hot. 

    Two Mexican chicken tacos on a plate, the crockpot chicken was used to make them.

    Storage and reheating

    Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet on the stove-top. If the mixture is too dry add a little bit of water or chicken broth. 

    A bowl full of Crockpot Mexican Chicken with the recipe title in text at the top so it can be pinned on Pinterest.

    Try these Mexican inspired recipes next!

    • Skinny Beef Enchiladas with Avocado Sauce
    • Cheesy Beef Taco Noodles
    • Chile Relleno Casserole

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    Love this recipe?

    Leave a comment and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!

    Feature image of a serving bowl full of Crockpot Mexican Chicken.

    Crockpot Mexican Chicken

    Author Mindy Boyd
    Crockpot Mexican Chicken is super easy, requiring only 4 simple ingredients! It can be used in tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, chicken taco salad, or chicken enchiladas.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print – Email Required Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 7 hours hrs
    Total Time 7 hours hrs 5 minutes mins
    Servings 15 ½ cup servings
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
    • 2 cups salsa
    • 2 cans black beans 15 ounces each
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    Instructions
     

    • Trim any fat from the chicken.
    • Spray crock with cooking spray or line with a plastic liner. Place chicken, beans, and salsa in slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
    • Remove chicken and shred using two forks, return to the crock pot and stir.
    • Serve in a taco, burrito, burrito bowl, nachos, enchiladas, or however you like.

    Notes

    Did you make this recipe? We would love it if you would leave us a comment and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below!
     
    Nutritional information is approximate and will vary depending on type and brand of products used. 
     
    See tips, notes, and suggestions in the post above.
     
    Bookmark this page to find it quickly when you are ready to make this recipe!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 125kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 290mg | Potassium: 394mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 185IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg
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    About Mindy

    Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.

    Comments

    1. Anne says

      July 28, 2016 at 12:22 pm

      Yassss this looks so amazing!!!!! Lovely!

      Reply
      • Mindy Boyd says

        July 28, 2016 at 1:12 pm

        Thank you!

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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