Description
This Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken recipe offers a deliciously easy and flavorful way to prepare tender, juicy chicken infused with zesty salsa verde and aromatic spices. Perfect for busy days, this set-it-and-forget-it dish lets the slow cooker do all the work, resulting in a meal that’s bursting with Mexican-inspired flavors and perfect for tacos, burritos, or on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Salsa
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier meat)
- 2 cups salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and sliced
- 1 can diced green chiles (4 ounces)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish and Finish
- 1 lime, juiced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or line it with a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
- Add Chicken and Salsa Verde: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the salsa verde evenly over the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken. Add the thinly sliced onion, jalapeño, and diced green chiles for added flavor and heat.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce so it absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- Finish with Lime and Cilantro: Stir fresh lime juice into the shredded chicken before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Adjust the jalapeño quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Serve the chicken in tacos, burritos, over rice, or with a side of vegetables.
- The cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adding a squeeze of fresh lime just before serving brightens the flavors beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken, slow cooker chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, Mexican chicken, salsa verde chicken, shredded chicken recipe
