Easy 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Recipe with Cream Cheese
A simple and comforting slow cooker recipe combining chicken breasts, salsa, and cream cheese for a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes (low) or 3 hours 9 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa (medium-spicy, chunky or smooth)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts.
- Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle garlic powder and ground cumin evenly over the chicken.
- Pour salsa over the chicken, spreading gently to cover evenly.
- Cut softened cream cheese into chunks and scatter over the salsa layer.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken with two forks or tongs directly in the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt or lime juice if needed.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for better melting. Avoid opening the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain heat. If sauce is too thick after cooking or reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with vegan alternative. Can add jalapeños or cayenne for spice. Shred chicken while warm for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Protein: 28
Keywords: slow cooker, salsa chicken, cream cheese, easy dinner, 5-ingredient recipe, crockpot, chicken recipe, creamy chicken, weeknight meal