Salsa Lime Chicken uses simple chicken breast and store bought (no sugar added) salsa to amp up taco night. Everyone needs a quick and easy recipe like this up their sleeve for those crazy weeks- just dump ingredients in the crock pot or Instant Pot and carry on! This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with.
Confession: This week is crazy.
What week isn’t crazy, you ask?
I’m not sure anymore!
Anyway, I wouldn’t even call this meal a recipe…it’s more like opening a jar and turning on a Crock Pot or Instant Pot. But it tastes delicious and that’s all that matters.
The possibilities are endless, so make enough Salsa Lime Chicken for the whole insane week ahead.
How to make Crock Pot salsa lime chicken:
1 . Throw some boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a Crock Pot.
2. Add a jar of Salsa – look for an organic brand that doesn’t have added sugar.
3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then squeeze on some fresh lime, and shred the chicken.
How to make Instant Pot Salsa Lime Chicken
1. Throw some boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the instant pot.
2. Add a jar of Salsa – look for an organic brand that doesn’t have added sugar.
3. Cook on poultry button or 15 minutes on manual, then squeeze on some fresh lime, and shred the chicken.
And that’s it. No matter your method- So. Dang. Easy.
What can I make with this Salsa Lime Chicken?
The bonus – this is SO versatile. Serve it in tacos (be sure to use my taco seasoning), make a Flatbread pizza, make some Taquitos or layer it over rice, zoodles or spaghetti squash.
How do I count this for 21 Day Fix or Weight Watchers?
For the 21 Day fix measure using your RED container- I count it as 1 RED and 1/2 GREEN
For Weight Watchers this Salsa Lime Chicken is ZERO points!
Can I use Frozen Chicken?
For this Instant Pot Salsa Lime Chicken recipe, you can definitely use frozen chicken. It is not recommended to cook from frozen in your crock pot because the meat will stay at unsafe temperatures for too long and you could become sick from eating it.
If your chicken is just slightly frozen, follow the same cook time but be sure to do a full natural release.
If your chicken is a frozen solid block, add an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness. Thicker chicken, add 10 minutes. Thinner chicken or tenderloins, you should be good just adding 5 minutes.
Find the whole recipe below!
Salsa Lime Chicken (Instant Pot/Slow Cooker)
Ingredients
- 1-2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 jar organic all natural salsa with no added sugar
- 1 lime
Instructions
Instant Pot
- Place chicken in the Instant Pot
- Top with salsa
- Lock lid and hit the poultry button or use manual/pressure cook and set for 15 minutes. After cook time, natural release. (For frozen chicken set it for 20 minutes with a full natural release - there are more details on this in the post)
- Shred chicken and squeeze on some fresh lime juice
Slow Cooker
- Place chicken in the Slow Cooker
- Top with salsa
- Cook for 4-6 hours on low
- Shred chicken and squeeze on some fresh lime juice
Alice :) says
How much salsa? Jars come in many sizes…
Nancylynn says
Honestly, whatever you feel like using! Any size will work. I’ve also used the premade fresh kind from the produce section and it turns out great. This is a very forgiving recipe!
Julie P says
I have made this before and its super good! I was going to make this tonight but, can I use frozen chicken breasts in the insta pot?
Nancylynn says
Frozen chicken – yes! If you have a large block of frozen chicken cook it for 20 minutes with a natural release. If they are frozen but as individual breasts or tenders you can keep the 15 minute cook time.
Daniel says
But how much salsa? A jar isn’t a measurement.
Nancylynn says
2-3 cups will work… the recipe is very forgiving!
Pam says
You suggest using your salt-free taco seasoning with this recipe. Do you add the seasoning into the slow cooker with the chicken and salsa, or mix it in at the end?
Nancylynn says
Either would work, but I think adding it with the chicken and salsa would be best! Enjoy!
Courtney says
16oz jar of salsa?
Risa says
Can you prep this meal ahead of time and freeze it?
Nancylynn says
YES! One of my favorites to prep and freeze!
Laura says
How long is does this cook for in the instant pot?
Nancylynn says
I would do 15 minutes.
Mimi Goh says
could this be made in the instant pot? Just not sure if its enough liquid for it?
Nancylynn says
Absolutely!!! I use the poultry button and natural release and it’s perfect every time!
Selene says
What type of salsa???
Nancylynn says
I use anything organic with minimal ingredients!
Lindsay says
making this right now! IT SMELLS SO GOOD.
Sarah Mills says
Love your recipes! So glad I found your page. I shared it with all my FB friends!
Nancylynn says
Thank you SO much, Sarah – such a nice message to wake up to!! Happy you found the blog and hope it helps!!