Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

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.