I love meals that practically make themselves, and this one is a weekday hero. I first started making this after a long week when I wanted something healthy, hands-off, and satisfying. The salsa does the heavy lifting for flavor, and the colorful bell peppers and cabbage make it feel fresh without extra work.

This recipe is a real crowd-pleaser and a great example of a easy crockpot chicken recipe that stays low-effort and high-reward. It’s also a fantastic option if you’re after healthy chicken dinner ideas that are family-friendly and meal prep friendly.

How to Make Healthy Crockpot Salsa Chicken

Below I walk you through everything you need to get this on the table with minimal fuss. I’ll cover ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and a quick troubleshooting guide so you feel confident using your crockpot or slow cooker.

Ingredients you’ll need for Healthy Crockpot Salsa Chicken

This ingredient list is simple and pantry-friendly. You’ll need basic produce, boneless chicken, salsa, and a little chicken broth to keep things juicy. I recommend using a thick jarred salsa for best texture.

1 1/2 lb chicken breast, boneless, skinless
16 oz red salsa
1/2 cup chicken broth, no sodium added
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 orange bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
salt and pepper to taste
10 oz cabbage, shredded

Tools: You’ll need a crockpot or slow cooker. A pair of forks for shredding and a cutting board and knife for the peppers are all that’s required.

Step-by-step Instructions for crockpot chicken with salsa

Follow these steps to get perfectly tender, flavorful chicken. I include the crockpot settings so you can set it and forget it. If you like a little heat, pick a spicy jar of salsa for a spicy crockpot chicken with salsa twist.

Assemble ingredients — Place all ingredients except the cabbage in a crockpot except the cabbage.
Cook — Cover and set to cook on high for 4-5 hours or low 8 hours.
Shred the chicken — Remove the cover of the crockpot and shred the chicken by pulling it apart with two forks. If it shreds easily, it is done. If it does not shred easily, it needs to cook slightly longer.
Wilt the cabbage — Once the chicken is done and shredded, stir in the cabbage until it has wilted down into the sauce. It will take a few minutes to stir and wilt it in completely, but it will eventually.
Serve — Serve the shredded chicken over lettuce, cauliflower rice, brown rice or quinoa and with more veggies.
Store — Store in the refrigerator up to 7 days.

Quick crockpot tip: If you’re short on time, set the cooker to high. If you want to start it in the morning and eat that evening, set it to low. This is classic slow cooker salsa chicken convenience.

Jake’s Tips for Perfect Healthy Crockpot Salsa Chicken

Here are a few easy tricks I use to make this recipe faster, tastier, and more versatile.

Use a thick chunky salsa so the sauce isn’t too watery. If your salsa is thin, drain a little liquid from the jar before adding it to the crockpot.
For more heat, pick a hot salsa or add a diced jalapeño with the peppers. If you prefer mild, choose a mild salsa and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Shred with two forks right in the crockpot to keep things simple. If the chicken is sticking, it needs a bit more time. I usually let it rest covered for 5 minutes, then shred.
Swap the cabbage for spinach if you want it to disappear into the sauce faster. Cabbage gives a nice texture and is a great low-calorie add-in for bulk.

Healthy Crockpot Salsa Chicken FAQs

I answer the most common questions I get so you can cook with confidence. If you have another question, drop it in the comments and I’ll reply.

Can I use frozen chicken? Yes. I prefer thawed for even cooking, but you can use frozen. Add extra cooking time and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How spicy will it be? That depends on the salsa. Use a mild salsa for a kid-friendly version, or choose a hot jar for a spicier meal. You can always add hot sauce at the table.
Is this meal prep friendly? Absolutely. This is a meal prep friendly recipe. It stores well in the fridge up to 7 days and freezes great in portions for quick lunches.
What can I serve it with? I like it over lettuce for tacos, with cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal, or over quinoa or brown rice for more carbs. It also works great in burrito bowls.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot or air fryer? This is designed for a crockpot or slow cooker. You can adapt it to an Instant Pot using the slow-cooker function or pressure cook then shred, but timing will change. For crispier peppers, finish under a broiler or in an air fryer for a minute or two.

Conclusion

I love how easy and flexible this recipe is. The Healthy Crockpot Salsa Chicken gives you a low-calorie, protein-packed dinner with minimal hands-on time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or an effortless family dinner.

Give it a try and tell me how you serve it. I love seeing your swaps and shortcuts, so leave a comment or tag KitchenShortcuts.net on social. If you like this, check out other slow cooker meals and one-pot dinners on the site for more time-saving ideas.