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Delicious slow cooker salsa chicken with brown rice

Spicy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken with Brown Rice

This easy slow cooker recipe features tender chicken thighs simmered in a flavorful salsa and spice blend, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal. Served over fluffy brown rice and customizable with your favorite garnishes, it's a delicious and simple weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Forks
  • Pot or Rice Cooker

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 (16-ounce) jar medium or hot salsa
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1.5 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 diced jalapeño seeds removed for less heat
  • 1 cup long-grain brown rice

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Avocado
  • Lime wedges
  • Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Sour cream

Instructions
 

Salsa Chicken

  • Lightly grease your slow cooker or line it. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
  • Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Pour the salsa over the chicken.
  • Add the chicken broth, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and diced jalapeño.
  • Stir gently to mix the spices and jalapeño around the chicken.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 7 hours or on HIGH for 3.5 hours, until the chicken shreds easily.
  • Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
  • Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it to coat thoroughly in the spicy salsa sauce.

Brown Rice

  • While the chicken is cooking, prepare the brown rice separately according to package directions using either the stovetop or a rice cooker.

Serving

  • Serve the Spicy Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken generously over a bed of cooked brown rice.
  • Garnish with your favorite toppings such as fresh cilantro, diced avocado, a squeeze of lime, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

This recipe is excellent for meal prepping throughout the week. The salsa chicken is also versatile and can be used in tacos, burritos, or served over salads.