Zesty Paleo Crockpot Salsa Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups of salsa (homemade or store-bought) - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels (can use fresh or frozen) - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped, for garnish - Lime wedges, for serving This recipe starts with simple yet key ingredients. You need four boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender base. Salsa adds a zesty punch. You can use homemade salsa or a store-bought brand that fits Paleo guidelines. I love using fresh ingredients, but a store brand works just fine. Next, we add black beans and corn. The black beans give protein and fiber, while the corn adds sweetness and color. Rinse the beans well to remove extra sodium. For seasoning, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika bring depth. Salt and pepper add a touch of balance. Fresh cilantro brightens the dish, and a squeeze of lime at the end elevates all the flavors. When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a dish that is both easy to make and delicious to eat. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they are in an even layer. This helps them cook evenly. Next, pour the salsa generously over the chicken. Each piece should be well-coated for the best flavor. The salsa not only adds taste but also keeps the chicken juicy. Now, add the rinsed black beans and corn on top of the salsa-covered chicken. This adds color and texture to your dish. Then, evenly sprinkle ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika over the mixture. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. This seasoning mix enhances the overall flavor and gives the dish a nice kick. Cover the crockpot securely with its lid. Set the temperature to low for 6-8 hours or to high for 3-4 hours. Cooking it low and slow helps the chicken become tender. When the time is up, carefully transfer the chicken to a plate. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. After shredding, return it to the pot to soak up the tasty juices. Stir everything well to combine. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. For tender chicken, cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow method helps the chicken stay juicy. If you're short on time, use the high setting. This option cooks the chicken in 3 to 4 hours. To adjust seasonings, taste as you go. Start with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can add more if needed. For a bolder flavor, try fresh herbs like cilantro. If you want to make homemade salsa, blend fresh tomatoes, onion, and lime juice. Add garlic and jalapeños for a kick. This will give your dish a fresh taste. You can also use store-bought salsa. Just make sure it’s paleo-friendly to keep it healthy. Pro Tips Use Homemade Salsa: For the best flavor, opt for homemade salsa. This allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the spice level to your liking. Shred Chicken While Hot: Shredding the chicken while it's still hot makes it easier to pull apart and helps it soak up more of the flavorful juices in the crockpot. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Consider adding lime crema, jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor and texture. Make It a Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in airtight containers for easy lunches throughout the week! {{image_4}} You can change some ingredients for this dish. If you want to avoid black beans, try using kidney beans or chickpeas. They both add great flavor and texture. For corn, you can swap in diced bell peppers or zucchini. These options will keep the dish fresh and tasty. You can also add different proteins. Instead of chicken, use turkey or even pork. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose. Try adding more veggies too! Spinach or kale can sneak in some greens and extra nutrition. When serving, you have fun options. You can use colorful bowls to present the dish. This makes each serving look inviting. Top each bowl with diced avocado and cilantro for extra flavor. Another great idea is to use lettuce wraps. This gives a crunchy twist to your meal. Just scoop the chicken mixture into the lettuce leaves and enjoy. To enhance the meal, serve with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime adds a bright pop of flavor. You can also pair it with a simple salad for a balanced meal. To store leftovers, cool the dish to room temperature first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps your chicken fresh for up to three days. I like glass containers for easy reheating and to avoid stains. If you use plastic, choose BPA-free options. For the best freezing results, pack the chicken in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a pot on low heat until warm. This keeps the flavors intact and delicious. Yes, this recipe is Paleo-friendly. It uses whole foods that fit the Paleo diet. The main ingredients are boneless chicken breasts, fresh salsa, black beans, and corn. These items are all natural and unprocessed. The spices like cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika add flavor without any additives. Just make sure your salsa is made with Paleo-approved ingredients. Avoid brands with added sugars or preservatives. Yes! You can easily adjust the spice level of this dish. If you want it milder, use a mild salsa. You can also reduce or skip the spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder. For more heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance. You have many options for sides with this dish. Here are some great ideas: - Cauliflower rice: It’s a fantastic low-carb option. - Zucchini noodles: They add a fun twist and texture. - Lettuce wraps: Use crisp lettuce leaves for a crunchy bite. - Avocado slices: They add creaminess and healthy fats. - Fresh salsa or guacamole: These can brighten the flavors. Feel free to mix and match these sides to create a complete meal! This blog post covered how to make a tasty Paleo Crockpot Salsa Chicken. We explored key ingredients, including chicken, salsa, black beans, and seasonings. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to fit your taste. Remember, you can adjust flavors and try different sides to make it your own. Enjoy creating this dish at home. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for any meal. Keep experimenting with ingredients to find your favorite version!$

Zesty Paleo Crockpot Salsa Chicken

A flavorful and healthy chicken dish cooked in a crockpot with salsa, black beans, and corn, topped with fresh avocado and cilantro.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Paleo

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups salsa
1 can black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained
1 cup corn kernels
1 piece avocado, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt
to taste black pepper
for garnish fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
for serving lime wedges

Instructions

Start by placing the boneless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot in an even layer.
Pour the salsa generously over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is thoroughly coated for maximum flavor.
Next, add the rinsed black beans and corn on top of the salsa-covered chicken, creating a colorful layer.
Evenly sprinkle the cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, along with a pinch of salt and pepper over the mixture.
Securely cover the crockpot with its lid and cook the dish on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is perfectly cooked through and easily shredable.
After cooking, carefully transfer the chicken from the crockpot to a plate. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the pot, letting it absorb the delicious juices.
Stir everything together well to combine and allow it to sit for a few minutes, so the flavors meld beautifully.
When ready to serve, dish out the zesty chicken mixture into bowls, generously topping each serving with fresh diced avocado and cilantro.
For an added burst of flavor, squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish just before serving.

Notes

Serve in colorful bowls or as a filling in lettuce wraps. Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro for presentation.

Keyword chicken, crockpot, healthy, paleo, salsa