This delicious Instant Pot and oven Healthy Salsa Chicken Recipe is a quick, easy dinner you can make with just a few simple ingredients. It is the kind of recipe you will want to keep in your regular meal rotation because it is simple, flavorful, and flexible enough to use in several different meals.
If you need a fast weeknight dinner, this salsa chicken is a great choice. The chicken cooks until tender, then gets shredded and mixed with salsa and plain non-fat Greek yogurt for a creamy, zesty finish. It works well for burrito bowls, taco salads, tacos, lettuce wraps, or served over rice or another cooked grain.
This recipe is also a helpful option for anyone following WW because it can be a low-point or zero-point meal depending on your personal plan and the ingredients you choose. Even if you are not following WW, it is still a high-protein, low-calorie chicken dinner that is easy to prepare.
WW (Weight Watchers) Mexican Food
This Instant Pot Salsa Chicken recipe is a practical way to enjoy Mexican-inspired meals while keeping dinner light and satisfying. The shredded chicken has plenty of flavor from the salsa, and the Greek yogurt adds creaminess without using heavy cream or cheese.
You can build a simple WW-friendly dinner bowl with this recipe by choosing low-point toppings and sides. Start with a base, add the chicken, then finish with fresh vegetables and extra salsa for more flavor.
- Start with cauliflower rice as your base.
- Add black beans or pinto beans if they fit your plan.
- Add Easy Salsa Chicken.
- Top with lettuce and tomato.
- Add extra salsa and plain, fat-free Greek yogurt.
- Serve over a bowl of lettuce for a chicken taco salad.
- Serve with a whole wheat tortilla if you want chicken tacos.
This healthy salsa chicken is especially useful for meal prep. Make a batch at the beginning of the week and use it in different ways for lunches and dinners. Since the chicken is already cooked and seasoned, you can quickly assemble a bowl, salad, or taco whenever you need a fast meal.
Cooking Instructions for Slow Cooker and Oven for Salsa Chicken
Crock Pot – Add the chicken, salsa, and broth or water to the slow cooker. Cook on High for 4 hours, then shred the chicken and stir in the Greek yogurt.
Oven – Bake the chicken and salsa in an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Shred the chicken, return it to the pan, and stir in Greek yogurt.
Try this chicken breast dinner recipe the next time you want a simple, healthy meal that tastes great and does not require much prep time. It is easy enough for busy weeknights but flavorful enough to serve in several different ways.
Easy Salsa Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts fresh or frozen, about 6 ounces each, raw
- 15 ounces salsa (1 jar)
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- 1 cup Greek yogurt plain, non-fat
Instructions
Oven
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Preheat the oven to 350℉. Spray an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with cooking spray.
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Place the chicken breasts in the dish. Pour the salsa over the chicken. Cover and bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉.
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Remove the chicken, then chop it with a knife or shred it with two forks. Return the chicken to the pan.
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Stir in the plain non-fat Greek yogurt until the sauce is creamy.
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Serve over rice, in a taco salad, or in tortillas. These serving options are not included in the nutrition calculation.
Instant Pot
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Add the chicken breasts to the Instant Pot inner pot.
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Add the chicken broth or water.
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Pour the salsa over the chicken.
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Cook on “Manual” or “Poultry” for 15 minutes.
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Use a natural release or quick release.
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If you want a thicker sauce, simmer on “Saute” for 5 minutes.
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Let the chicken cool for 10 minutes.
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Remove the chicken, then chop it with a knife or shred it with two forks. Return the chicken to the pot.
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Stir in the plain non-fat Greek yogurt.
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Serve over rice, over taco salad, or in tortillas.
Slow Cooker
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Add the chicken breasts, salsa, and broth or water to the slow cooker.
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Cook on High for 4 hours.
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Remove the chicken, then chop it with a knife or shred it with two forks. Return the chicken to the slow cooker.
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Stir in the plain non-fat Greek yogurt.
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Serve over rice, in a taco salad, or in tortillas.
WW Information
Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Protein: 55 g
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 147 mg
Sodium: 1137 mg
Potassium: 1233 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 6 g
Vitamin A: 580 IU
Vitamin C: 6.8 mg
Calcium: 98 mg
Iron: 1.3 mg
The SmartPoints® or Points value of this recipe was calculated by this website and is provided for informational purposes only. This is not an endorsement, sponsorship, or approval of this website or its recipes by WW International, Inc.
Healthy Salsa Chicken Recipe (with Photos)
Add the chicken breasts to the Instant Pot inner pot. Pour in the chicken broth or water, then spoon the salsa over the top. The salsa seasons the chicken as it cooks and creates the base for the sauce.
Cook on “Manual” or “Poultry” for 15 minutes. When the cooking time is finished, use either a natural release or a quick release according to your preference.
Let the chicken cool for about 10 minutes so it is easier to handle. Remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks, or chop it with a knife if you prefer larger pieces. Return the chicken to the pot and stir it into the salsa mixture.
Add the plain non-fat Greek yogurt after the chicken has cooled slightly. This helps keep the sauce creamy. Stir until everything is well combined and the shredded chicken is coated in the salsa yogurt sauce.
Serve this healthy salsa chicken over rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, lettuce, tortillas, or taco shells. It is also a convenient filling for burrito bowls, taco salads, and simple meal-prep lunches.
This easy salsa chicken recipe is a simple way to make a healthy chicken dinner with very little effort. Keep the ingredients on hand for nights when you need a quick, high-protein meal that can be served in several different ways.