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Bold flavors and minimal effort make this slow cooker salsa chicken a true weeknight hero. Juicy chicken tenderloins are slow-cooked in a vibrant salsa fresca (literally “fresh salsa”) that’s made with fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers, and herbs. Topped with melty chihuahua cheese and garnished with cilantro and lime, it’s satisfying, comforting and full of flavor. This recipe comes together easily in the slow cooker, making it ideal for busy days when you still want something warm and flavorful on the table.
Slow cooker salsa chicken is juicy, cheesy and loaded up with fantastic, fresh flavors. With its homemade salsa base, this is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal.
More chicken recipes you might like include chicken orzo bowls, grilled chicken with pineapple salsa and this Tuscan marry me chicken.
Why You’ll Love It
Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does all the work.
Fresh ingredients: Homemade salsa makes it taste bright and bold.
Cheesy topping: Melty cheese adds richness and comfort.
Crowd-pleaser: Great for family meals or casual gatherings.
Keto-friendly: There are barely any carbs in this dish, making it a great choice for low carb eating.
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Chicken tenderloins: Lean and tender, they cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
Fresh herbs: Cilantro adds a citrusy, aromatic brightness.
Garlic: Adds savory depth to the salsa.
Sweet onion: Milder than yellow onions, it blends smoothly into the salsa.
Jalapeño: Brings gentle heat and peppery flavor.
Red chili pepper: Adds a touch of spice and vibrant color.
Roma tomatoes: Firm and meaty, ideal for homemade salsa.
Spices: Cumin, white pepper and chili powder build warm, earthy flavor.
Chihuahua cheese: Melts beautifully for a rich, gooey finish. Chihuahua cheese is white and soft. In Mexico you can get it in balls, braids or rounds. It comes from (as you might guess) the Mexican state of Chihuahua, but is known locally as queso menonita after the Mennonite communities who first made it.
Limes: Add acidity and brightness when served.
How to Make Crockpot Salsa Chicken
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Make the salsa: Pulse cilantro, garlic and onion in a food processor. Add peppers, then tomatoes, blending into a chunky salsa.
Season the chicken: Rub with cumin, white pepper and chili powder.
Slow cook: Place chicken in the slow cooker, pour salsa over the top and cook until tender.
Add cheese: Sprinkle chihuahua cheese over the chicken and cook until melted.
Garnish and serve: Top with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Substitutions and Variations
Use different cheese: Try cheddar, Monterey Jack or muenster if Chihuahua cheese isn’t available.
Adjust the spice: Feel free to adjust the spice level if you want. You don’t have to use a red chili as well as jalapeno. You can stick with one of the other, or increase or reduce the amounts to make this palate-perfect for you.
Swap the protein: Use boneless thighs or turkey breast for a variation.
Serving Suggestions
Appetizer: Begin your meal with shrimp ceviche or tilapia fish nachos.
Side dishes: Pair your slow cooker salsa chicken with rice and cowboy caviar or elote Mexican street corn. It’s also good with tortillas for scooping up the salsa fresca.
Dessert: Enjoy Mexican rice pudding, refreshing Mexican ice cream or a tall, chilled glass of homemade horchata.
How to Store Salsa Fresca Chicken
Store: Leftovers will keep for 3 days in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Freeze: Freezing isn’t recommended, as the ingredients like cilantro, tomatoes and limes don’t thaw well. The whole point of salsa fresca is the fresca (which means “fresh!”)
Reheat: Reheat just the chicken and cheese in the oven, air fryer or microwave.
Top Tips
Don’t over-blend the salsa: Keep some texture for better flavor and consistency.
Add cheese at the end: Let it melt slowly for the best results.
Use fresh lime at serving: It lifts the flavor and cuts the richness.
Slow Cooker Chicken with Salsa FAQs
Yes, just adjust the cooking time slightly if using thicker cuts.
You can, but the fresh version adds more depth and texture.
It’s added on top during the last part of cooking so it melts over the salsa fresca chicken bake.
Slow Cooker Salsa Fresca Chicken Recipe
Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1 Bunch cilantro
- 3 Cloves garlic
- 1/2 sweet onion
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
- 1 red chili pepper, seeded and diced
- 4 roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 1 Teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 Teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 Teaspoon chili powder
- 2 Cups Chihuahua cheese, or medium cheddar or Muenster, sliced or shredded
- 2 limes, quartered
Instructions
- Roughly chop cilantro. Cut onion, jalapeno, red chili pepper, and roma tomatoes into large chunks.
- Add cilantro, garlic, and onion to a food processor and pulse for 10 seconds. Add jalapeno and red chili pepper and pulse for 10 seconds. Finally, add roma tomatoes and pulse for 15 seconds.
- Season chicken tenderloins with cumin, sea salt, white pepper, and chili powder. Place into the bottom of the slow cooker and top with salsa. Cook on high for 3 hours.
- Add chihuahua cheese over the top of the chicken and cook 30 minutes, or until melted.
- Garnish with cilantro and limes and serve right away.
Notes
Add cheese at the end: Let it melt slowly for the best results.
Use fresh lime at serving: It lifts the flavor and cuts the richness.
Nutrition
Slow cooker salsa chicken is one of those easy meals that delivers big on flavor without demanding your time. With fresh salsa made from real ingredients, seasoned chicken and a generous layer of melted cheese, it’s hearty and satisfying. The slow cooker handles everything while you go about your day, and the result is juicy, flavorful chicken with a Tex-Mex twist. Whether served with lime wedges or tucked into tacos, slow cooker salsa chicken is a go-to dinner that never disappoints.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
I really enjoyed cooking this recipe. Looking forward to trying it out again.
This recipe is so lovely! One of the best chicken recipes I’ve tried so far.
I’m beyond thrilled with how this recipe turned out. It’s a definite winner in our household!
i used muenster cheese instead of chihuahua and this chicken was really good, it’s easy to make too and everyone enjoyed it
This looks so delicious and I love crockpot meals! Makes things so much easier.
I am always looking for great chicken recipes this one sounds delicious
Oh, wow! This is so colorful and so big on flavor! I love the idea of this chicken dish to liven up any meal!
I’m always looking for new chicken recipes. Can’t wait to try this one.
This is amazing, I definitely need to invest in a crock pot now that the weather is getting colder
This is my favourite. I have never tried it in the crock pot before. Will make this weekend!