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A simple slow cooker recipe where boneless, skinless chicken breasts are cooked with taco seasoning and salsa, then finished with sour cream for a creamy, tender, and flavorful chicken dish perfect for tacos, nachos, and more.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce)
  • 1 jar (approximately 16 ounces) of your favorite salsa
  • 0.5 cup sour cream (stirred in at the end, off the heat)

Instructions

  1. Spray the inside of a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker with cooking spray.
  2. Nestle the chicken breasts in a single layer in the slow cooker.
  3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.
  4. Pour the entire jar of salsa over the chicken and seasoning.
  5. Cover and cook on High for 3 to 4 hours if using thawed chicken, or on Low for about 8 hours if using frozen chicken.
  6. Check for doneness either by an instant-read thermometer (chicken should reach 165°F) or verify the chicken is no longer pink inside, juices run clear, and it shreds easily.
  7. Shred the chicken with two forks directly in the slow cooker.
  8. Turn off or set the slow cooker to Keep Warm and let the shredded chicken sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the juices.
  9. Remove the slow cooker insert from heat and stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Notes

If you use chicken thighs instead of breasts, start checking for doneness around 3 hours to prevent drying out., For a milder dish, use mild salsa and reduce taco seasoning; to increase heat, use spicy salsa or add chili powder or jalapeños before cooking., Stir in sour cream off the heat to avoid curdling; plain Greek yogurt can be substituted but avoid boiling after adding it., Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer storage., When reheating, add a splash of salsa and sour cream to refresh the flavors and moisture., A stand mixer on low speed can quickly shred large quantities of chicken in 20-30 seconds, preserving moisture by mixing in some cooking juices.

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