This is one of those perfect chicken recipes that can use up an extra jar of salsa in your pantry! I’ll show you how to make the best chicken and salsa together, easy pairing ideas, and even methods to make it in your Crock Pot or Instant Pot if you prefer.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for chicken recipes with salsa, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Just like my cilantro lime chicken, you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs, but cooking time will vary slightly. Spices – Including sea salt, smoked paprika, cumin, and black pepper. You can easily substitute store-bought or homemade taco seasoning if that’s what you have on hand. Olive Oil – I prefer to use extra-virgin olive oil, but feel free to substitute any neutral cooking oil you like. White Onion – You can substitute any onion you wish. Garlic – Fresh minced garlic makes a big difference in taste for this recipe, but you can use jarred minced garlic to save time. If you need to substitute garlic powder, use 1/2 teaspoon and add it to the chicken with the other spices. Tomato Salsa – Use your favorite store-bought brand, or make it yourself. I prefer my salsa chicken with my classic homemade salsa recipe, but fresh tomato salsa also tastes great. Shredded Cheese – Including a blend of cheddar cheese and white cheddar cheese. You can substitute monterey jack, Mexican blend cheese, or any semi-hard cheese that melts easily.
How To Make Salsa Chicken
This section shows how to make this chicken with salsa recipe, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below. To make chicken salsa verde, simply trade the tomato salsa for an equal amount of your favorite green salsa.
Alternate Cooking Methods
I have a different slow cooker salsa chicken recipe in my first cookbook, but below are instructions for converting this recipe for the Crock Pot or Instant Pot.
Crock Pot Salsa Chicken
Slow cooker salsa chicken is a hands-off alternative if you want to skip stovetop cooking! To make a recipe for Crock Pot salsa chicken, follow these steps:
Add onions and garlic to the bottom of the slow cooker and layer chicken on top. Season, top with salsa, and cook on high for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Scoop out any excess liquid with a ladle, if desired. In the last 10 minutes, you can add cheese and cover again to melt.
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
To make salsa chicken Instant Pot friendly, follow these steps:
Season chicken. Sear the chicken or onions in oil in the pot if desired, but it’s not necessary. (If searing, remove chicken before proceeding.) Add enough salsa to coat the bottom of the inner pot. Add chicken on top and pour remaining salsa on it. Adjust the steam release knob to sealing position, then cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken. Release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, followed by quick release for any remaining pressure. Scoop out any excess liquid with a ladle, if desired. Add cheese and cover again until cheese melts.
Storage Instructions
Store: Leftover salsa chicken will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat: You can reheat in the microwave, or in the oven at 350 degrees F. Freeze: Cool completely, then transfer to a zip lock bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What To Serve With Salsa Chicken
What goes with salsa chicken? There are SO many options! Try it with these other mains, serving ideas, and sides:
Toppings – You can serve the chicken as-is (which is what I ended up doing — time wasn’t on my side that day!), but Mexican toppings are amazing over it. Try jalapeno slices, sour cream, fresh cilantro, sliced black olives, diced red onions, and homemade guacamole or avocado slices. Nachos – Serve on top baked tortilla chips and add your favorite nacho fixings. Tacos – Make traditional tacos with your favorite tortillas (jicama tortillas would be delicious here!) or use it as the main protein in a healthy taco salad. Easy Stuffing – Add to burrito bowls, use in quesadillas (I love it with almond flour tortillas), or add to chicken stuffed peppers. Mexican Sides – Pair salsa chicken with conventional rice or black beans, or try it alongside cilantro lime cauliflower rice, avocado corn salad, or cilantro lime taco slaw for a fresh alternative.
More Healthy Baked Chicken Recipes
Healthy chicken doesn’t have to be boring! Change it up with these easy recipes that cook hands-off in your oven. Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
