Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken

Okay, friends, let me tell you about the easiest, most flavorful chicken dish you’ll ever make: Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken. Seriously, this is one of those “dump and forget” recipes that tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen. It’s even simpler than my famous slow cooker pulled pork, and dare I say, just as delicious. The vibrant salsa verde infuses the chicken with so much flavor, and the slow cooking makes it fall-apart tender. This is a weeknight lifesaver, a party pleaser, and just plain good eats!

What is a slow cooker salsa verde chicken?

Think of it as a fiesta in a pot! It’s essentially chicken simmered in a flavorful salsa verde sauce until it’s incredibly tender. Salsa verde, if you’re not familiar, is a vibrant green sauce made from tomatillos, cilantro, onions, and chilies. It’s bright, tangy, and a little bit spicy – the perfect complement to chicken. This isn’t just about throwing some chicken in a Slow Cooker, though. It’s about creating a flavorful experience with minimal effort. The beauty of the slow cooker is that it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why this recipe has become a staple in my house. First and foremost, the flavor is absolutely incredible. The salsa verde is bright and tangy, with a subtle heat that isn’t overpowering. It’s the kind of flavor that makes you want to lick your plate clean. What I love most about this is how unbelievably easy it is to make. Seriously, you just dump everything into the Slow Cooker and let it do its thing. There’s minimal prep work involved, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also incredibly cost-effective. Chicken and salsa verde are both relatively inexpensive, especially when you buy in bulk. And let’s talk versatility. You can use this Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken in so many different ways: tacos, burritos, salads, bowls… the possibilities are endless! I honestly think it’s even more versatile than my go-to ground beef taco recipe! For me, though, the real winner is that my kids actually *ask* for this. That, my friends, is a culinary miracle.

How do you make Salsa Verde chicken?

Quick Overview

How do I make a Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken? If you’re using chicken breasts or thighs in a slow cooker, smother them in salsa verde, and serve them with rice. Let them cook on low for a few hours. What is the slow cooking process for chicken? What is the best salsa verde recipe?

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
* 2-3 pounds boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts or thighs (I prefer thigh for extra flavor and texture). * 1 (16-ounce) jar of your favorite salsa verde (I’m partial to the Herdez brand, but I’ll be honest, I can’t eat it). What do you like to do? Is there a taco seasoning in the box? ) * 1 teaspoon cumin (adds warmth and depth of flavor)* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (because it is more flavorful than pepper) What is better with garlic? 1/2 cup chicken broth (if you want extra sauce)

For Serving:
* Tortillas (corn or flour, your choice)
* Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, lime wedges

What is the best step

Step 1: Place Chicken in Slow Cooker

First, grab your slow cooker (mine is a standard 6-quart) and place the chicken breasts or thighs in it. Make sure they’re in a single layer for even cooking. I always give my slow cooker a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray just to make sure nothing happens. I don’t want to ruin it. What are some examples of sticks, but that’s totally optional?

Step 2: Add Salsa Verde and Seasonings

What’s the best salsa verde to serve over chicken? Then, sprinkle the taco seasoning, cumin, and garlic powder over the chicken. If you’re using chicken broth, pour it in now.

Step 3: Cook on Low

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through. How do you shred a potato easily with the fork? How long will it take for chicken to cook in a slow cooker?

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. What should I do if my chicken is so tender that it almost falls apart? What is my favorite part of the aroma?

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

What’s the fun part about serving? I love to serve this Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken in tacos with all the fixings. Is there any limit to creative ideas?

What to serve it with?

Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken is incredibly versatile, so you can serve it with just about anything. What are some of my favorite combinations?

For Taco Night: What’s Serve in warm tortillas with shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, and lime wedges. A side of Mexican rice and black beans is always a welcome addition.

For Burrito Bowls:What’s your favorite topping for chicken over rice? What are some of the best Greek yogurt recipes?

For Salads:Top a bed of lettuce with the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, avocado, and drizzle of olive oil. Serve with sour cream. What is cilantro lime dressing What is a light and refreshing option for lunch or dinner?

For Nachos:Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with chicken, cheese, and your favorite nachos. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly. What is a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day?

Growing up, my mom always served something similar with a side of her famous cilantro lime rice. That combo still gives me all the cozy feels!

How do I cook a Salsa Verde chicken?

What are some tricks to make this Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken even better? What are the top tips for a successful career?

What is your chicken choiceIs it safe to use chicken thighs? They are more flavorful and tend to stay more moist during the slow cooking process. I tested this with both bone-in and boneless thighs – either works, but bone is easier to shred!

Salsa Verde Selection: The quality of your salsa verde will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. I prefer to use a salsa verde that’s made with fresh ingredients and has a good balance of tanginess and heat. Read the labels – you’ll taste the difference!

Don’t overco Overcooked chicken is dry and stringy, so be sure to check it regularly towards the end of the cooking time. The chicken is done when it easily shreds with a fork.

Spice It Up: If you like things spicy, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the slow cooker. You can also use a hotter salsa verde.

Thicken the Sauce:If you want a thicker sauce, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and whisk together 1 tablespoon of sauce. What is cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water? Stir cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker and cook on high for 15-20 minutes. When the sauce has thickened, stir it until smooth.

Experiment with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Some of my favorites include pickled onions, crumbled cotija cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. I even tried adding a bit of mango salsa once and it was surprisingly delicious!

What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?

This Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken is great for meal prepping because it stores and reheats beautifully. Here are my tips for storing and reheating:

Room Temperature:Is it safe to leave chicken at room temperature for more than 2 hours? Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate or freeze it as soon as possible.

Refrigerator Storage: HowHow do you store shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days? How do I prevent condensation from forming when I store it? Can you make chicken soggy?

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the shredded chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. I like to portion it out into individual servings for easy reheating.

Reheating: You can reheat the chicken in the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the oven. If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent it from drying out. If reheating on the stovetop, simmer over medium heat until heated through. If reheating in the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Glaze Timing Advice: Since there is no glaze for this recipe, this advice doesn’t apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with frozen chicken?

I generally don’t recommend using frozen chicken in the slow cooker, as it can take longer to cook and may not cook evenly. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time and check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.

What if I don’t have taco seasoning?

No problem! You can easily make your own taco seasoning by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. There are tons of recipes online if you need specific measurements!

Can I use a different type of salsa?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for salsa verde, you can definitely experiment with other types of salsa. Salsa roja (red salsa) would also be delicious. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be different.

How do I make my own salsa verde?

Making your own salsa verde is easier than you might think! You’ll need tomatillos, cilantro, onion, jalapeño, garlic, and lime juice. Roast the tomatillos, onion, and jalapeño until softened, then blend all the ingredients together until smooth. There are tons of great recipes online!

Can I add beans to the slow cooker?

Yes, you can definitely add beans to the slow cooker! Black beans or pinto beans would be a great addition. Just add them in during the last hour of cooking so they don’t get too mushy.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: my go-to recipe for Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken. It’s easy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this recipe is sure to be a hit. If you love the ease of this recipe, you should definitely check out my other slow cooker creations. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you try any fun variations, I’d love to hear about them too! Happy cooking!

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