Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken

Introduction

Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken is an incredibly easy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a tangy, zesty green salsa. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the chicken to absorb all the delicious flavors of the salsa verde, creating a juicy and flavorful base for tacos, burritos, salads, and more.

I remember the first time I made this for a casual family dinner, and the aroma that filled the house was absolutely irresistible. The combination of tangy salsa verde and seasoned chicken creates the perfect balance of flavors. It’s so versatile—you can serve it in so many different ways, from wrapped in soft tortillas to on top of a fresh salad or even in a cozy bowl of soup.

What’s great about this recipe is how simple it is. With just a few ingredients and a bit of time in the slow cooker, you get a meal that tastes like you spent hours cooking. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, making it ideal for busy days when you need something hearty and satisfying without a lot of effort. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this salsa verde chicken will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Meal prep
• Tacos, burritos, and salads
• Crowd-pleasing family meals
• Salsa verde lovers

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken

Here’s why Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken will be your new go-to:

• Hands-Off Cooking: Just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the work for you. No need for constant monitoring.
• Tender and Flavorful: The chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, soaking up the bright and tangy salsa verde.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it in tacos, burritos, over rice, or on top of a salad for a variety of meal options.
• Simple Ingredients: Only a few ingredients are required, making this recipe easy to prepare even on the busiest days.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze leftovers for future meals.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 6-7 hours
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 cups salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 lime, for squeezing over the cooked chicken (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Both cuts of chicken work well for this recipe. Thighs are a bit more forgiving and tender, but chicken breasts will yield a leaner dish.
• Salsa Verde: The green salsa (typically made from tomatillos, green chilies, and cilantro) adds a bright, tangy flavor that infuses the chicken with every bite.
• Cumin, Garlic, and Onion Powder: These spices add depth and warmth to the salsa verde, complementing the tanginess of the sauce.
• Lime and Cilantro: A squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness right before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the slow cooker. Drizzle with olive oil, if using.
2. Add the Salsa Verde: Pour the salsa verde over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
3. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken with cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper.
4. Mix and Coat: Stir the salsa and spices together to coat the chicken evenly.

Cook the Chicken:

5. Slow Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shred with a fork.
6. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it into the salsa verde for added flavor.
7. Finish with Lime and Cilantro: If desired, squeeze fresh lime juice over the shredded chicken and garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken

Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

• Tacos: Use the shredded chicken as a filling for soft corn or flour tortillas. Top with your favorite taco toppings such as avocado, cheese, cilantro, and salsa.
• Burritos: Add the chicken to a large flour tortilla, along with rice, beans, cheese, and any other toppings you like.
• Salads: Serve the chicken on top of a bed of greens with avocado, cherry tomatoes, corn, and a light dressing for a refreshing salad.
• Bowls: Create a delicious bowl with the chicken, rice, beans, guacamole, and any toppings you prefer.
• On Its Own: Serve as a main dish with a side of Mexican rice, beans, or roasted vegetables.

Additional Tips for Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken

Here are some tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken is perfect every time:

• Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: While both chicken breasts and thighs work, thighs will be more moist and forgiving if you accidentally cook them for a little too long.
• Add Vegetables: For extra flavor, consider adding chopped onions, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes to the slow cooker with the chicken.
• Adjust the Heat: If you like a spicier dish, add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños in the salsa verde.
• Don’t Overcook: While slow cookers are forgiving, it’s best to keep an eye on the time to prevent overcooking the chicken and making it too dry.
• Use Homemade Salsa Verde: If you prefer a more personalized flavor, consider making homemade salsa verde with fresh tomatillos, garlic, onion, and cilantro.
• Shred the Chicken Right in the Slow Cooker: Shredding the chicken directly in the slow cooker helps it soak up more of the flavorful salsa verde.

Recipe Variations for Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken

Here are 10 variations you can try for Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken:

• Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos: Top with shredded lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and your favorite salsa for a traditional taco experience.
• Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas: Roll the shredded chicken in corn tortillas, cover with salsa verde, and bake with cheese for a satisfying enchilada dish.
• Salsa Verde Chicken Quesadillas: Spread the shredded chicken between flour tortillas with cheese and grill for a crispy, melty quesadilla.
• Salsa Verde Chicken Soup: Add chicken broth and diced vegetables to create a hearty salsa verde chicken soup.
• Spicy Salsa Verde Chicken: Increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños to kick up the heat.
• Salsa Verde Chicken with Rice and Beans: Serve the shredded chicken over a bed of cilantro-lime rice and black beans for a complete meal.
• Salsa Verde Chicken Nachos: Layer the shredded chicken over tortilla chips, top with cheese, and bake for a cheesy, spicy nacho dish.
• Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Tostadas: Spread the shredded chicken on crispy tostada shells and top with lettuce, tomatoes, and crema.
• Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole: Layer the shredded chicken with tortillas, cheese, and salsa verde for a baked casserole.
• Salsa Verde Chicken with Avocado and Lime: Serve with slices of creamy avocado and a squeeze of lime for a light, flavorful meal.

Freezing and Storage for Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken

• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked salsa verde chicken for up to 3 months. Simply store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Storage: Store leftover salsa verde chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove for easy meals.

Special Equipment for Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken easier:

• Slow Cooker: A slow cooker (also known as a crockpot) is essential for this recipe.
• Forks for Shredding: Use two forks to easily shred the chicken in the slow cooker.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring the spices to flavor the chicken.
• Storage Containers: Airtight containers to store leftover chicken and freeze extra servings.
• Lime Squeezer: A lime squeezer helps you get the most juice out of your lime without the mess.

Frequently Asked Questions for Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the slow cooker. However, be sure to cook it on the low setting for a longer time (around 7-8 hours) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and are often more forgiving, remaining tender and juicy even with longer cooking times.
3. Can I make this recipe with other proteins?
   Yes, you can substitute the chicken with pork or even beef. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for different meats.
4. Can I use homemade salsa verde?
   Absolutely! Homemade salsa verde can add even more flavor and freshness to the dish.
5. How do I store leftovers?
   Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Print

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken is a deliciously easy and versatile dish that’s perfect for a wide range of meals. The slow cooking method ensures the chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with the bright, zesty flavors of salsa verde. Whether you’re using it for tacos, over rice, in a burrito bowl, or even as a topping for nachos, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.

Great for busy weeknights or meal prepping, it’s a dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. With endless customization options, you can adjust the spice level or add other ingredients to make it your own.

I’d love to see how your Salsa Verde Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your culinary creations. Happy cooking!.