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I’m all about simple, flavorful dinners with minimal fuss, and this 2-ingredient slow cooker salsa chicken is one I make on repeat. It’s truly a dump-and-go crockpot salsa chicken—just add chicken and your favorite salsa, press start, and come back to tender, shreddable protein that’s perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, salads, or lettuce wraps.
Naturally lean and WeightWatchers-friendly (with Zero-Point with the right ingredients), this salsa shredded chicken is budget-conscious and ideal for meal prep. When I need a fast, family-pleasing recipe, this easy slow cooker salsa chicken never lets me down.

Salsa is one of my go-to healthy, low-calorie, zero-point seasonings. It’s a delicious way to sneak in extra veggies without any extra effort! If you love Mexican-style shredded chicken, you’ll definitely want to give this easy 2-ingredient slow cooker recipe a try.
Table of Contents
- Why I Love This Easy Salsa Chicken
- Ingredients and Substitutions
- Calories and Nutrition
- How To Make This Easy 2-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
- Recipe Additions and Variations
- Ways to Use this 2-Ingredient Salsa Chicken
- Storing and Leftovers
- Easy 2-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Easy Healthy Slow Cooker 2-Ingredient Chicken Recipes (WW Friendly)
- Articles and Tips for WeightWatchers
Why I Love This Easy Salsa Chicken
- Truly Effortless – With only two ingredients, it doesn’t get any simpler. Perfect for busy weeknights when I don’t want to fuss with dinner.
- Versatile – I can use it in tacos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, salads, sandwiches, soups, casseroles, sandwiches or even just with a side of veggies and rice or beans.
- WW-Friendly – Made with skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) and a low-point salsa, it comes out to ZeroPoints on WeightWatchers, which makes tracking super easy.
- Great for Meal Prep – I love making a big batch on Sunday to have ready-to-go protein for the week.
- Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters enjoy it, and I can adjust the spice level depending on the salsa I choose.
- Budget-Friendly – Just two basic ingredients stretch into multiple meals without breaking the bank.

Ingredients and Substitutions
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – I prefer thighs, but use whatever you like best or have on hand.
- Salsa – Any jarred or homemade salsa works. I usually reach for mild or medium, but you can go spicy if you like more heat. A chunky salsa adds more texture, while a smoother one gives a saucier finish.
- Optional sliced onion and bell peppers – Add these for a fajita-style salsa chicken. They cook down beautifully in the slow cooker and give the dish extra flavor and veggies.
- Optional seasonings – A sprinkle of chili powder, cumin, or garlic powder can boost flavor, but it’s totally optional since salsa already does most of the work.
Calories and Nutrition
According to my calculations, each serving (made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs) has about 187 calories
On the latest WW Program, all skinless chicken is 0 Points.
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You need to be logged into the app on a smartphone or tablet.)

How To Make This Easy 2-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
Just load the chicken and any optional ingredients into your slow cooker. Top with salsa and cook until tender. You can keep the chicken in pieces/chunks or shred it, whatever you like best.

Recipe Additions and Variations
- Different salsas: there are so many choices available today – red, green, chipotle, black bean, fruit, etc.
- Different meats: substitute lean pork or beef for the chicken.
- Additional spice: add spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, etc. to boost the flavor.
- Vegetarian: substitute beans—black, white, pinto, garbanzo beans—for the chicken.
- Chicken and bean: stir in a can of rinsed and drained beans.
- More veg: add chopped onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, corn, etc.

Ways to Use this 2-Ingredient Salsa Chicken
I love the versatility of this recipe. Here are some delicious ways to use your shredded 2-ingredient slow cooker salsa chicken:
- Tacos – Use the chicken as a filling for tacos, wraps, or burritos.
- Salads – Top salads with the chicken for a protein-packed, Mexican-inspired meal. (For example use it in place of the ground meat in this Skinny Taco Salad for One.)
- Bowls – Make a chicken bowl with rice, beans, and veggies.
- Enchiladas – Fill tortillas and bake for a comforting enchilada dish. (It would work well in these Easy Stacked Chicken Enchiladas.)
- Quesadillas – Stuff into tortillas for quick and satisfying quesadillas.
- Stuffed Peppers – Use the chicken to stuff bell peppers for a healthy dinner.
- Nachos – Use the chicken as a topping for nachos with cheese and toppings. (It would be great added to these Cheesy Black Bean Nachos for an added protein boost.)
- Sandwiches – Serve the chicken in sandwiches, wraps, or sliders.
- Breakfast Scramble – Add it to eggs or a breakfast burrito for a hearty morning meal.
- Soups – Toss into soups like tortilla soup for added flavor and protein. (Use it in place of the rotisserie chicken in this Easy Salsa White Bean Soup.)

Storing and Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store cooked salsa chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It reheats well in the microwave (affiliate link) or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
- Freezer: This recipe freezes beautifully. Shred the chicken, let it cool, then portion into freezer bags or containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Meal Prep Tip: I like to portion leftovers into single-serve containers for easy lunches. It’s perfect to have on hand for quick tacos, bowls, wraps, or salads during the week.
If you like this easy, healthy 2-ingredient salsa shredded chicken, be sure to check out some of my other easy, healthy Weight Watchers friendly slow cooker recipes including Slow Cooker Goddess Chicken, Easy 5-Ingredient Chicken Parmesan Lasagna, 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs, Easy Slow Cooker Italian Sloppy Joes and Slow Cooker 5-Spice Chicken, Meal Plan featuring this 2-Ingredient Salsa Chicken
Watch this video to see how easy it is to make up your own version of slow cooker salsa chicken at home:
If you’ve made this Shredded Low-Carb Salsa Chicken, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Easy 2-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 pounds lean skinless chicken thigh filets
- 1-1/2 cups thick and chunky salsa
Instructions
- Ideal slow cooker size: 4-Quart.
- Place the chicken in your slow cooker. Top with the salsa.
- Cover and cook on LOW until the chicken is tender, 4 to 6 hours.
- When cooked, remove the chicken and set on a large plate or cutting board (affiliate link) and shred with two forks.
- Add the shredded chicken back into the crock pot with the pots juices. Season to taste with salt and pepper, if desired.
Notes
(You must be logged in on a tablet or smartphone.) 5 PointsPlus (Old plan) Additions and Variations Different salsas: there are so many choices available today – red, green, chipotle, black bean, fruit, etc. Different meats: substitute lean pork or beef for the chicken. Additional spice: add spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, etc. to boost the flavor. Vegetarian: substitute beans—black, white, pinto, garbanzo beans—for the chicken. Chicken and bean: stir in a can of rinsed and drained beans. More veg: add chopped onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, corn, etc.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
It’s best not to. According to USDA food safety guidelines, starting with frozen chicken in the slow cooker means the meat may sit too long at unsafe temperatures before it heats through. For the safest results, thaw your chicken in the refrigerator overnight before adding it to the slow cooker.
Can I make this salsa chicken in the Instant Pot?
Absolutely. Place the chicken and salsa in the Instant Pot (affiliate link), seal, and cook on High Pressure for 12 minutes (15 minutes if using frozen chicken). Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release and shred.
What type of salsa works best?
Any salsa you love will work—chunky, smooth, mild, or spicy. I often use a jar of restaurant-style salsa, but fresh pico de gallo works too for a lighter flavor.
Can I make it fajita-style?
Yes! Add sliced onions and bell peppers to the slow cooker along with the chicken and salsa for an easy fajita-style version.
How do I serve salsa chicken?
It’s so versatile. Try it in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, over rice or cauliflower rice, on baked potatoes, or even on top of a big salad.
Is salsa chicken really 0 WW Points?
Yes, if you’re using boneless, skinless chicken breast and salsa with no added sugar or oils, it’s Zero Points on WW. Be sure to check the label on your salsa to confirm.
More Easy Healthy Slow Cooker 2-Ingredient Chicken Recipes (WW Friendly)
Here are more easy and delicious recipes for WW friendly 2-Ingredient Chicken:
- 2-Ingredient Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken
Combine chicken breasts or thighs with your favorite BBQ sauce. They slow-cook to tender, saucy perfection, perfect for shredding over sandwiches or serving with a side. - 2-Ingredient Creamy Crock Pot Chicken
Combine chicken breasts or thighs with a can of cream of chicken soup to create a comfort food classic. - 2-Ingredient Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
Combine chicken breasts or thighs with a bottle of teriyaki sauce. It creates a savory-sweet glaze that pairs well with rice or steamed veggies. - 2-Ingredient CrockPot Chicken and Marinara
Add a jar of marinara sauce to chicken breasts/thighs for an Italian-inspired dish. Serve over pasta or spaghetti squash for a comforting meal. - 2-Ingredient CrockPot French Onion Chicken
Use a can of French onion soup with the chicken. This results in a rich, flavorful broth with tender, juicy chicken—great with creamy low calorie mashed potatoes or crusty bread. - 2-Ingredient Slow Cooker Italian Dressing Chicken
Pour a bottle of Italian dressing over chicken thighs. It results in tangy, well-seasoned chicken that works well with pasta or a green salad.
Articles and Tips for WeightWatchers
- A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the WeightWatchers Program
- A Comprehensive List of Articles & Tips for WeightWatchers
- What Foods Should I Eat in a Day on WeightWatchers
- WeightWatchers Zero Points Foods List
- WeightWatchers Friendly Meal Plans
- Why We Are More Motivated the Closer We Get to Our Goals – Another powerful WW Weekly Workshop Topic.





Delicious!
I am confused. Why are chicken thighs not zero points on the freestyle Smartt points
HI! I am looking for a recipe to use turkey thighs. Do you think this would work with this recipe?
I would like to print this recipe for the salsa chicken to keep in my binder but I’m not seeing an actual recipe with portions, points, etc. It just has the recipe for the bbq chicken. Is there a link somewhere so I can print it? Thanks so much!!
Hi Priscilla,
This has been corrected so you should be able to print it!
I made this for dinner last night and both my hubby and I really enjoyed it. We’re trying hard to eat healthier and this is a very tasty way to do that.
Thanks Martha!
Hi Barbara, so glad to hear that both you and your husband enjoyed it! Eating healthier is an ongoing practice. The key is to just stick with it and slowly, steadily your tastebuds will change!
Dear Martha. I haven’t written to you before… this isn’t about chicken recipes. I’ve been making your recipes for quite a long time now and love love love the porcupine meatballs.Omg!!!!!
Looks so good, can’t wait to make it. Do you use frozen chicken or should it be thawed first?
Hi Joanne, I use thawed chicken. Some people use frozen, but the food safety authorities say that thawed is best.
One of the easiest, delicious meals I’ve ever made. I made brown rice and served it on tacos. We loved it! My husband finished the left-over today and said “I’m sorry that it’s gone. You still have the recipe right.”
Thank you for all the work you put into sharing these delicious recipes.
Hi Jen, Thanks so much for letting me know! I really love hearing this.
Have you made this with boneless chicken breast? Not a big fan of dark meat
Hi Victoria, Yes it will work with boneless chicken breasts. You’ll just want to watch the time more closely so they don’t dry out. With my slow cookers they are usually done on low in about 4 to 4.5 hours. Hope this helps!
This was a brilliant, healthy alternative to pulled pork. Thanks so much!
Hi Anne, Glad yo liked it. Thanks for taking the time to let me know 🙂
The salsa product I would add to this wouldbe a processed product with salt sugar and other ingredients added so calling it two ingredients is really not true
But you are only “dumping” 2-ingredients into your crockpot. That is, unless YOU choose to make your own HOMEMADE salsa….then that is on you. I’ve made this recipe many times and it is fabulous. Why be such a sticky-wicket!! Geesh
🙂
Technically it is 2 ingredients…
When you list a recipe each item is an ingredient. You don’t list the ingredients that might be in an ingredient.
You remark was crazy.
Thanks K Martin 🙂
Seriously, Deb? You pick up a jar of salsa, it’s one ingredient in a recipe. If you were to make a pumpkin pie and it calls for a can of pumpkin, we call that one ingredient. We don’t look at the can of pumpkin and say, “Oh, this has water and this and that added to it, so it’s not one ingredient in the recipe.” For God sake, let’s be real here.