Craving a flavorful and easy-to-make dish? This crockpot salsa chicken thighs recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with a delightful kick, perfect for any meal.
Photos of Crockpot Salsa Chicken Thighs Recipe
Adobo seasoning and ground cumin may not be common pantry staples for everyone. Adobo seasoning is a blend of garlic, oregano, pepper, and other spices. You can find it in the spice aisle or Latino section of your supermarket. Ground cumin, with its warm and earthy flavor, is typically found in the spice section as well.
Ingredients for Crockpot Salsa Chicken Thighs
Chicken thigh filets: Boneless and skinless, providing tender and flavorful meat.
Chunky salsa: Adds a burst of flavor with tomatoes, onions, and peppers.
Adobo seasoning: A blend of spices offering a robust taste.
Garlic powder: Enhances the dish with its savory and aromatic profile.
Ground cumin: Imparts a warm, earthy flavor.
Salt: Balances and enhances all other flavors.
One reader, Kingston Almeida says:
This crockpot salsa chicken thighs recipe is a game-changer! The chicken turns out incredibly tender and flavorful. The blend of salsa and spices creates a delicious, savory dish that's perfect for any weeknight dinner. Plus, it's so easy to make. Highly recommend!
Cooking Techniques for Crockpot Salsa Chicken Thighs Recipe
How to season chicken: Explanation on how to properly apply adobo seasoning to the chicken thighs. How to shred chicken: Explanation on how to use two forks to shred the cooked chicken thighs. How to adjust seasoning: Explanation on how to taste and adjust the salt and cumin to your preference.
How To Make Crockpot Salsa Chicken Thighs
Our five-ingredient salsa chicken works amazingly as a hearty dinner meal! Cook this tasteful chicken easy in the crockpot just in time for dinner.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½lbschicken thigh filets,lean skinless, like Perdue Fit and Easy
- 1cupchunky salsa
- adobo seasoning,or salt to taste
- ¼tspgarlic powder
- ¾tspground cumin
- salt,to taste
Instructions
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Season the chicken with adobo, then place it in the crock pot.
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Top with the salsa, garlic powder and ½ teaspoon of cumin.
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Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours.
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When cooked, remove the chicken and set on a large plate to shred with two forks.
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Pour the liquid into a bowl and reserve, then place the shredded chicken back into the crock pot.
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Adjust the salt to taste and add remaining ¼ teaspoon of cumin.
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Pour ¾ cup of the reserved liquid back into the crock pot.
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Serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 269.41kcal
- Fat: 19.09g
- Saturated Fat: 5.20g
- Trans Fat: 0.10g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.94g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.02g
- Carbohydrates: 4.44g
- Fiber: 1.00g
- Sugar: 1.74g
- Protein: 19.62g
- Cholesterol: 111.13mg
- Sodium: 398.30mg
- Calcium: 39.13mg
- Potassium: 371.81mg
- Iron: 1.68mg
- Vitamin A: 38.72µg
- Vitamin C: 1.03mg
Expert Technique Tip for Perfecting Crockpot Salsa Chicken Thighs
For a richer flavor, sear the chicken thighs in a hot skillet with a bit of oil before placing them in the crock pot. This will add a nice caramelization to the meat and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Salsa Chicken Thighs in a Crockpot
Pre-season the chicken: Season the chicken thighs the night before and store them in the fridge to save time in the morning.
Use pre-made salsa: Opt for store-bought chunky salsa to cut down on prep time.
Shred with a mixer: Use a hand mixer to quickly shred the cooked chicken instead of using forks.
Measure spices in advance: Pre-measure the garlic powder, ground cumin, and adobo seasoning and store them in small containers.
Double the recipe: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Substitute Ingredients For Crockpot Salsa Chicken Thighs Recipe
chicken thigh filets - Substitute with chicken breast filets: Chicken breast is leaner and will provide a similar texture and flavor when cooked in a crockpot.
chunky salsa - Substitute with diced tomatoes with green chilies: This will add a similar texture and a bit of heat, mimicking the flavor profile of salsa.
adobo seasoning - Substitute with taco seasoning: Taco seasoning has a similar blend of spices that will provide a comparable flavor to adobo seasoning.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic will give a more robust garlic flavor, though you may need to adjust the quantity to taste.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a slightly different flavor but will still provide a warm, earthy note to the dish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though you may need to adjust the quantity to avoid overpowering the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Salsa Chicken Thighs
Choose the right plate: Select a large, white, flat plate to create a clean canvas that highlights the vibrant colors of the salsa and chicken.
Create a base layer: Place a small mound of shredded chicken in the center of the plate, forming a neat, compact circle.
Add a touch of sauce: Drizzle a small amount of the reserved salsa liquid around the chicken to add a burst of color and flavor.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped cilantro or parsley over the top of the chicken for a fresh, green contrast.
Incorporate texture: Add a few crispy tortilla strips on top of the chicken for an added crunch.
Balance the plate: Place a small dollop of sour cream or guacamole on the side of the plate to balance the flavors and add creaminess.
Add a citrus element: Include a wedge of lime on the side for a pop of color and a hint of acidity that diners can squeeze over the dish.
Finish with a flourish: Lightly dust the plate with a pinch of ground cumin and paprika for an aromatic and visually appealing finish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Salsa Chicken Thighs in a Crockpot
Crock pot: A slow cooker that will cook the chicken thighs evenly over a low temperature for several hours.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the salsa and other seasonings accurately.
Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring small quantities of spices like garlic powder and ground cumin.
Tongs: Handy for placing the seasoned chicken thighs into the crock pot without making a mess.
Large plate: Used to set the cooked chicken thighs on for shredding.
Forks: Two forks are needed to shred the cooked chicken thighs.
Bowl: Used to reserve the liquid from the crock pot after cooking.
Knife: Useful for trimming any excess fat from the chicken thighs before cooking.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for trimming the chicken thighs.
Mixing spoon: Used to stir the shredded chicken and mix it with the reserved liquid and additional seasonings.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Crockpot Salsa Chicken Thighs
- Let the crockpot salsa chicken thighs cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled chicken to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- If storing in the refrigerator:
- Place the container or bag in the refrigerator.
- The crockpot salsa chicken thighs will keep well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- If freezing:
- Squeeze out any excess air from the plastic bag before sealing, or use a vacuum sealer for best results.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Place the container or bag in the freezer.
- The crockpot salsa chicken thighs can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reheat:
- Thaw the frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight, if frozen.
- Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely with a damp paper towel.
- Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- When reheating, be sure to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's safe to consume.
How To Reheat Leftover Crockpot Salsa Chicken Thighs
Reheat the shredded chicken in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it's heated through. This method allows you to control the moisture content and add extra salsa or seasonings if needed.
Place the leftover crockpot salsa chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is heated through. The damp paper towel helps prevent the chicken from drying out.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover salsa chicken to an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until it's heated through. This method is ideal if you have a large amount of leftover chicken to reheat.
For a quick and easy meal, use the leftover salsa chicken as a filling for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. Simply warm up the chicken and tortillas separately, then assemble your dish with your favorite toppings.
Transform your leftover crockpot salsa chicken into a delicious soup. In a pot, combine the shredded chicken with chicken broth, diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and additional seasonings to taste. Simmer the soup until it's heated through and the flavors have melded together.
Interesting Trivia About Crockpot Salsa Chicken Thighs
A random fact about this recipe is that using a crock pot allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and flavorful as it slowly cooks, making it easy to shred and perfect for tacos, burritos, or even over rice.
Budget-Friendly Crockpot Salsa Chicken Thighs Recipe
This crockpot salsa chicken thighs recipe is highly cost-effective. Using chicken thighs, a budget-friendly cut of meat, and simple pantry staples like salsa and spices, it keeps expenses low. The slow-cooking method enhances flavors without needing expensive ingredients. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $10-$12 USD. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is the Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Thighs Recipe Healthy?
This crockpot salsa chicken thighs recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a good balance of protein, vegetables, and spices. The use of chicken thighs provides a lean source of protein, while the salsa adds a flavorful kick along with some vegetables. The spices used, such as garlic powder and cumin, not only enhance the taste but also offer potential health benefits like anti-inflammatory properties and digestive support.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Opt for a low-sodium or homemade salsa to reduce the overall salt content of the dish
- Consider adding more vegetables to the crockpot, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Serve the shredded chicken over a bed of leafy greens or with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a well-rounded meal
- Use skinless chicken thighs to further reduce the fat content, if desired
- Experiment with additional spices and herbs, like chili powder or fresh cilantro, to boost the flavor profile without relying on excess salt or sugar
Editor's Opinion on the Crockpot Salsa Chicken Thighs Recipe
This crockpot salsa chicken thighs recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. The use of adobo seasoning and cumin adds depth, while the salsa provides a tangy, slightly spicy kick. Cooking the chicken in the crockpot ensures it remains tender and juicy. Shredding the chicken and reintroducing it to the seasoned liquid enhances the overall flavor. Adjusting the salt at the end allows for perfect seasoning. This dish is versatile and can be served in tacos, over rice, or in a salad. Overall, it's a convenient and delicious recipe worth trying.
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Why trust this Crockpot Salsa Chicken Thighs Recipe:
This crockpot salsa chicken thighs recipe is a must-try for busy cooks. The chicken thighs are seasoned perfectly with adobo seasoning, garlic powder, and ground cumin, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite. The crockpot method makes it incredibly convenient, allowing you to set it and forget it. Plus, the salsa adds a delightful tang and moisture, making the chicken tender and juicy. Trust this recipe for its simplicity, flavor, and ease of preparation.
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