❤️ Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Salsa Chicken
If you want a weeknight dinner that’s easy, fast, saucy, and packed with bold flavor, this One-Pot Salsa Chicken is about to become your new favorite. Made with juicy chicken, your favorite salsa, warm spices, and a touch of creaminess, it’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent yet uses simple pantry staples.
Everything cooks in a single pot, so cleanup is effortless — perfect for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone who loves a delicious shortcut without compromising taste.
⭐ Recipe Highlights
- ✔️ One-pot convenience — fewer dishes & faster cleanup
- ✔️ Takes only 25–30 minutes from start to finish
- ✔️ Healthy, high-protein, naturally gluten-free
- ✔️ Customizable spice level (mild to extra hot)
- ✔️ Great for bowls, tacos, burritos, salads, and rice plates
- ✔️ Meal-prep friendly and reheats beautifully
🍗 One-Pot Salsa Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
🔸 For the Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 ½ cups thick chunky salsa (mild or spicy)
- 1 medium onion, finely sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder (more for spicy heat)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup cream cheese OR ¼ cup heavy cream (optional for a creamy finish)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
🍳 Instructions (Step-by-Step)
STEP 1 — Sauté the aromatics
Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Add onions and sauté 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
STEP 2 — Add the chicken + spices
Place chicken breasts on top. Sprinkle with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
STEP 3 — Add salsa + broth
Pour salsa and chicken broth over the chicken. Stir lightly so spices blend into the sauce.
STEP 4 — Simmer
Cover and cook for 18–22 minutes, turning once halfway through, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
STEP 5 — Shred or slice
Remove chicken and shred with two forks (or slice). Add it back into the pot.
STEP 6 — Optional creamy twist
Stir in cream cheese OR heavy cream until melted for a rich, restaurant-style texture.
STEP 7 — Add lime + cilantro
Finish with lime juice and fresh cilantro for brightness.
🍽️ How to Serve One-Pot Salsa Chicken
This recipe is incredibly versatile! Serve it:
- Over steamed white or Mexican rice
- Stuffed inside tacos, burritos, or quesadillas
- On top of nachos
- With roasted vegetables
- In burrito bowls with avocado and corn
- Over cauliflower rice for low-carb meals
🥡 Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: 4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: up to 2 months
- Reheat: warm on the stove with a splash of broth or in the microwave
Meal-prep tip: Store chicken separately from rice or tortillas to keep textures fresh.
🔄 Recipe Variations
🌶️ Spicy Salsa Chicken
Add diced jalapeños + extra chili powder.
🌽 Salsa Chicken with Vegetables
Stir in corn, bell peppers, or black beans during the simmer step.
🧀 Cheesy Salsa Chicken
Sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack on top and cover until melted.
🥑 Low-Carb Keto Salsa Chicken
Use homemade low-carb salsa and serve with cauliflower rice.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes — increase cooking time until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I use salsa verde?
Absolutely! It creates a tangier, slightly smoky flavor.
Best type of salsa to use?
A thick, chunky salsa adds the best texture and keeps the sauce rich.
📌 Pro Tips from Emily
- Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side for extra flavor (optional).
- Use smoky salsa or fire-roasted salsa for deeper flavor.
- Add lime at the end — adding it during cooking can make salsa bitter.
- Cut chicken in half for even faster cooking.
✨ Nutrition (Per Serving)
Approximate values – varies by ingredients
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 33g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 10g