The pressure builds and you start counting down minutes until you eat. You sprinkle on that chicken taco seasoning and notice the salsa bubbling quietly just under the sealing ring. The float valve pops up and you know it's time to get ready for the deliciousness. It's like waiting for your favorite song to start playing, but in your belly.

Every time you peek, you catch a whiff of those spices mingling with the chicken and that hint of black beans and corn. The broth depth in the pot looks just right013 not too watery, not too thick. The texture you9re hoping for is slowly coming together, and you already feel your mouth watering in anticipation.
When you finally do your quick release you gotta be careful avoiding the steam blast but also you can9t wait to fork-shred that chicken, mixing all that goodness in. It smells like fiesta every single time, just like you remember from your favorite taco night. You9re cooking made easy and super flavorful, no fuss involved.
Why This Recipe Works Every Single Time
- No-chop recipe means less mess and more time for chillin'.
- Salsa and seasoning packet do all the heavy flavor lifting.
- Low and slow heat cooks chicken super tender and juicy.
- Black beans and corn add perfect texture without prep.
- Using the sealing ring right ensures pressure builds perfectly.
- Quick release helps avoid overcooking and keeps texture just right.
- Customizable toppings let you make it your own every time.
The Complete Shopping Rundown
- 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds). You can cut these in half if you want chicken extra tender.
- 1 jar (16 oz) of salsa. Pick your fave style from the deli refrigerated section for fresh vibes.
- 1 chicken taco seasoning packet. You can swap for ranch or southwestern seasoning if you like.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed. Pinto beans work too if you wanna switch it up.
- 1 cup frozen corn. No need for prep just throw it right in.
- Cooking spray for your slow cooker insert so stuff don9t stick.
- Taco toppings like shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sour cream, shredded lettuce, or avocado slices. Whatever you want to pile on.
- Flour or corn small tortillas for serving.
- Optional sides like Instant Pot Spanish rice or Cilantro Lime Rice make a nice pairing.
Your Complete Cooking Timeline
- First, spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray so nothing sticks and clean up9s easy.
- Next, dump that salsa right into the bottom of the cooker and spread it around a bit to make a nice base.
- Now, lay the chicken breasts on top of the salsa. If you cut them in half, spread them out evenly for best cook.
- Sprinkle your chicken taco seasoning all over the chicken. This keeps the flavor right where you want it.
- Add the rinsed black beans and frozen corn on top. No chopping needed, easy peasy.
- Pop the lid on, set to LOW heat, and let it cook for about 6 to 7 hours. Or if you9re short on time, HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
- When done, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. Mix everything together to combine that fiesta flavor.
- Serve with your choice of tortillas and load up all your fav toppings. Then dig in and enjoy!

Valve Hacks You Need to Know
- Check your sealing ring carefully before cooking to make sure it9s seated well and clean. It helps get that pressure build without leaks.
- Use quick release for this recipe to avoid overcooking chicken. But be careful of the steam blast, keep face and hands away.
- If the broth depth looks too thin at start, add a splash of water, but not too much or it gets watery.
- Let the float valve pop up fully for a good pressure seal so everything cooks evenly.
- When you9re done cooking and do quick release, hold the lid down firmly so it doesn9t jump off with steam flying.
What It Tastes Like Fresh From the Pot
You know that feeling when you first break into something that9s been slow cooking all day? That9s what this tastes like. The chicken is so tender it just falls apart, soaking up all those spicy-salsa flavors.
The black beans and corn add little pockets of sweet and hearty bites which make it feel like a real fiesta in your mouth. The seasoning hits that spot between just right spicy and super comforting.
Fresh from the pot the whole dish smells like a fiesta night with friends, warm and inviting. You catch the tang of salsa with every bite, and the soft chicken melts right in your mouth. Honestly, you won9t wanna wait long before digging in.
How to Store This for Later
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where it9ll last for 3 to 4 days. Just reheat and you9re set.
- For longer storage, pop the chicken taco meat into a freezer-safe bag once it9s cooled to room temp. Freeze up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Common Questions and Real Answers
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yeah totally, chicken thighs work great and can be even more tender with this method.
- Do I gotta chop anything for this recipe? Nope, that9s the beauty. Just dump everything in and you9re done.
- What if my slow cooker doesn9t have a float valve? It might not be a pressure cooker then. For this recipe, you gotta use one with a float valve to keep pressure right.
- Can I prep this the night before and cook in the morning? Sure thing. Just throw everything in cold and set it for 6-7 hours on low in the morning.
- What toppings do you recommend? I love shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and a little cilantro. But go wild with avocado or jalapeos if you want a kick.
- Is there a way to make this spicy? Totally, add some diced jalapeos or a splash of hot sauce in with the salsa before cooking.
Related Recipes You Might Like
For related recipes, check out our Cheesy Kielbasa Hashbrown Casserole Dump Meal Recipe for a quick and easy option using kielbasa, or explore Mozzarella Stuffed Rosemary Parmesan Soft Pretzels featuring cheesy, herbed treats perfect for snacks. Also, don9t miss our Easy Marinated Cheese Appetizer with Salami & Green Olives as a savory delight to complement your meals.


Slow Cooker Fiesta Chicken Tacos and More: Your Pressure Cooker Guide
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker 6 QT recommended
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3-4 Boneless skinless chicken breasts about 2 pounds, can be halved
- 1 jar Salsa 16 oz
- 1 Chicken taco seasoning packet
- 1 can Black beans 15 oz, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup Frozen corn
- 1 Cooking spray for coating the cooker insert
- Tortillas flour or corn, for serving
- Taco toppings shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sour cream, shredded lettuce, avocado slices
Instructions
Instructions
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray so nothing sticks.
- Dump the salsa into the bottom of the cooker and spread it around to make a base.
- Lay the chicken breasts on top of the salsa and sprinkle with taco seasoning.
- Add the drained black beans and frozen corn on top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
- Shred the chicken in the pot using two forks. Mix everything together and serve with tortillas and toppings.



