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The easiest dinner ever! You will love this recipe for 3 ingredient chicken taco meat! Made with taco seasoning and salsa, this 3 ingredient salsa chicken is simple and delicious!
I thought it was about time I posted another 3 ingredient dinner recipe for you guys. You seem to like them and I love creating them! This 3 ingredient chicken recipe is going to be one of your favorites, once you try it out! It’s crazy easy!
So, I took these photos last week when the sun was shining and it felt like the perfect time to eat some tacos and drink a margarita. Now, as I finish up this post, it is SNOWING. I mean, it’s not all that shocking, considering where I live and that it’s only mid-March. We were bound to get some more snow! But, when just a day ago we were breaking out the flip-flops and sunning ourselves on the deck, it does seem rather surprising.
Anyway, warm or cold out, this slow cooker chicken recipe is perfect. The meat is so versatile! You can make tacos with it, keep it in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week, or throw it into a bowl filled with veggies and rice, as I’ve done here. It’s so good!
The recipe is somewhat similar to my chicken tinga (which I love), but it’s a better one for when you’re short on time or you are doing some quick meal prepping!
How do you make 3 ingredient chicken?
You will love this slow cooker recipe! Set it and forget it, literally.
To the bottom of a slow cooker, add 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. I like to use thighs because they’re so juicy and moist, but chicken breasts are completely fine too and the recipe remains the same.
On top of the chicken, sprinkle some taco seasoning. You’re completely welcome to use the store-bought kind, and you’ll need 1 package of it. I prefer to make my own, so I’ve added some notes in the recipe if you’d like to do your own as well! After sprinkling on the seasoning, add the salsa, in an even layer on top of the chicken.
You’ll need 2 cups of salsa. For this recipe, use restaurant-style salsa, instead of a pico de gallo or fresh salsa.
Place the lid on the slow cooker, then set to cook for 5-6 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on low. If you’re leaving the slow cooker on all day while you’re at work, be sure your slow cooker will go to “keep warm” when the 6 hours of cooking time is done.
When you’re ready to eat, remove the chunks of chicken to a cutting board and use two forks to shred the meat, before returning it to the slow cooker and giving it a good stir.
How do you serve 3 ingredient chicken taco meat?
As I mentioned earlier, there are so many ways you can serve this versatile meat up!
I love making a taco bowl, like my crispy fish buddha bowl. You can put the meat on top of rice and throw in crunchy lettuce, avocado, cheese and other veggies. It’s so good! If you’re not into the bowl idea, you can place this chicken in a wrap, like a burrito, or in tacos. My kids love this taco meat in hard-shell tacos with cheese and lettuce.
You could also make enchiladas, a taco salad, quesadillas…the list goes on!
Can you freeze this salsa chicken?
The meat also freezes very well. Once it’s cooled, place the meat in a freezer-safe bag and keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
My hope is that this recipe becomes a go-to for you, to make your life easier! It sure has helped me!
Some of my other favorite recipes from the blog I think you’ll enjoy:
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3 Ingredient Chicken Taco Meat
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 3-4 servings 1x
Description
The easiest dinner ever! You will love this 3 ingredient chicken recipe! Made with taco seasoning and salsa, this recipe makes the best chicken taco meat!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 (1.25 oz) package taco seasoning (see notes for homemade)
- 2 cups restaurant-style salsa, medium*
Instructions
- To a slow cooker, add the chicken, then sprinkle the taco seasoning on top, covering the chicken as much as possible in an even layer. Add the salsa on top, again covering as much of the surface of the chicken as possible. Do not stir!
- Set the slow cooker to 5-6 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high. If you’re going to be away from home for longer than the cook time, be sure your slow cooker will go to “keep warm” automatically after cooking.
- Once the chicken is done cooking, remove the cooked chicken to a cutting board and use two forks to tear the chicken meat apart. Return it to the slow cooker and give everything a stir. Serve immediately.
Leftover meat can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. To freeze the meat, allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Notes
*If you want the meat to be spicier, feel free to use spicy salsa. Likewise, use mild salsa for less heat.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Mix together the following, then use as directed in the recipe:
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: dinner
- Method: slow cooker
- Cuisine: mexican
This is a regular meal made over in my house! It’s the best and so easy. I’ve never added the taco seasoning though. Next time I’ll have to try your recipe!
It is so easy right!? The seasoning adds a bit more flavor and spice! Thanks Kelly!
Perfect timing Katherine!! My slow cooker is off the bench and doing almost all the work these days. Definitely adding this to my rotation!
The slow cooker is the best!! Thanks Tasia!! You would really love this meat Tasia!
So many delicious uses for this chicken taco meat, Katherine! Love recipes like this! So versatile and tasty, and great that there are only 3 ingredients!!
3 ingredient meals are the best, right!? Thank you Dawn!!
You come up with such great three ingredients recipes, Katherine! This one’s a winner in our house – so simple and so versatile. Love that you can make it once and turn it into all kinds of deliciousness.
Thank you Marissa! It is so simple, isn’t it!? And so useful for so many different recipes!
This is just the kind of recipe that makes weeknight dinners easier! I’d definitely use this chicken in a taco bowl!
Ooh yes, taco bowls are so delicious!! They’re so good!