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For this dish, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups homemade or store-bought salsa (make sure it’s Paleo-friendly) - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels (you can use fresh or frozen) - 1 avocado, diced These main ingredients create a hearty base for your chicken. The chicken stays tender and juicy while soaking up the flavors of the salsa. To enhance the flavor, you will need these spices: - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste These spices add depth and warmth to your dish. Cumin brings a nutty taste, while garlic and onion powders add savory notes. Paprika will give it a nice color. For a fresh finish, consider these garnishes: - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving Diced avocado adds creaminess, while cilantro gives a burst of freshness. Squeezing lime on top brightens the flavors and makes each bite pop. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. You will need four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place them at the bottom of your crockpot. This forms the base of your dish. Next, rinse and drain one can of black beans. If you are using fresh corn, cut it off the cob. If you choose frozen corn, just measure out one cup. Dicing the avocado can wait until later. This way, it stays fresh and green. You won’t want brown avocado on your meal. Now, pour two cups of salsa over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is fully coated. This adds flavor and moisture. Next, sprinkle the rinsed black beans and corn on top of the salsa-covered chicken. Then, add your spices: one teaspoon each of cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. This mix makes your dish rich and tasty. Cover the crockpot with its lid. You can cook on low for six to eight hours or on high for three to four hours. The low setting is best for deep flavors. If you're short on time, choose high. When the chicken is done, it should shred easily with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot to soak in the juices. Let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the flavors blend well. Your Paleo Crockpot Salsa Chicken is now ready to serve! To shred chicken, first, let it cool a bit. Use two forks to pull apart the meat. Start at one end and move to the other. Shredding while warm helps it come apart easily. If you want finer shreds, you can use a hand mixer on low. Just be careful not to overdo it! You can boost the flavor of your salsa chicken with extra items. Try adding bell peppers or jalapeños for a spicy kick. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add a nice touch. You can also mix in lime juice to brighten up the dish. Experiment with your favorite flavors for a unique twist! To keep your chicken moist, avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches 165°F. The salsa helps keep the chicken juicy, so make sure it covers the meat well. If it looks dry, add a bit more salsa or some chicken broth. This will help keep everything nice and tender! Pro Tips Use Homemade Salsa: Making your own salsa allows you to control the ingredients and spice level, ensuring it meets your paleo standards. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding chili powder or smoked paprika can give it an extra kick. Let it Rest: After shredding the chicken, let it sit in the juices for a few minutes before serving for enhanced flavor absorption. Serve with Fresh Ingredients: Top with fresh avocado and cilantro just before serving to add a burst of color and freshness to your dish. {{image_2}} You can switch up the beans or add vegetables. Try pinto beans or kidney beans for a new taste. You might add bell peppers or zucchinis for more color and nutrition. Adding different beans or veggies makes this dish more fun and unique. If you want to change the protein, chicken isn’t your only choice. Ground turkey or shredded beef works well too. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Ground turkey cooks faster, while beef may need a bit longer. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting every time you make it. This recipe is very flexible for different diets. To keep it Whole30, just check your salsa for additives. Most salsa brands fit, but homemade is best. For gluten-free diets, ensure your salsa has no hidden gluten. This makes it a great meal for everyone at the table. You can enjoy this dish while sticking to your dietary goals. To store leftovers, let the chicken cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. Always label your container with the date. This helps you track how long it has been stored. When you are ready to eat, there are a few ways to reheat the chicken. The best way is to use the stove. Heat a pan over low heat. Add the chicken and some salsa to keep it moist. Stir until hot. You can also use the microwave. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a lid or a wet paper towel. Heat in short bursts until warm, checking often. You can freeze this dish if you want to save it for later. Make sure it is cool before you freeze it. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in your Paleo Crockpot Salsa Chicken. Just remember to add extra cooking time. Cook on low for about 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours. This longer cooking time helps thaw and cook the chicken through. Always check that the chicken reaches 165°F for safety. To ensure your salsa is Paleo-friendly, look for options without added sugar or preservatives. You can make your own salsa using fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and lime juice. Store-bought salsa can work too, but read the label. Avoid brands that add non-Paleo ingredients like corn syrup or artificial flavors. You can serve many delicious sides with your Paleo Crockpot Salsa Chicken. Here are some ideas: - Riced cauliflower for a low-carb option. - Zucchini noodles for a fresh twist. - A side salad with greens and avocado. - Steamed broccoli or green beans for added veggies. - Sweet potato wedges for a satisfying crunch. These sides complement the chicken well and keep your meal balanced. Paleo Crockpot Salsa Chicken is simple and tasty. We talked about the main ingredients and spices that make it special. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you cook it perfectly. Tips and tricks can make a big difference in taste and texture. Plus, you can switch things up with different proteins or veggies. Store leftovers safely and reheat them well. This dish is full of flavor and fits many diets. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor every bite!

Zesty Paleo Crockpot Salsa Chicken

A flavorful and healthy chicken dish cooked in a crockpot with salsa, black beans, and spices.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Paleo
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups homemade or store-bought salsa
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained (15 oz)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 piece avocado, diced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro
  • for serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • Place the boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
  • Pour the salsa evenly over the chicken, ensuring it's fully coated.
  • Add the rinsed black beans and corn on top of the salsa-covered chicken.
  • Sprinkle cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
  • Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and can be easily shredded.
  • Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot. Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the pot to mix with the juices.
  • Stir well to combine, and let it sit for a few minutes to soak in more flavor.
  • Serve the zesty chicken mixture in bowls, topped with diced avocado and fresh cilantro.
  • Squeeze lime juice over the dish for an extra kick.

Notes

Serve in colorful bowls or lettuce wraps for a fresh touch, garnished with lime wedges and extra cilantro for a vibrant pop of color.
Keyword chicken, crockpot, paleo, salsa