Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken
Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken is a flavorful, hands-off dish that makes dinner both easy and delicious. With minimal prep, it turns into a saucy, tender chicken that can be enjoyed in various ways—from a simple bowl to a taco or enchilada filling.
Packed with the vibrant flavors of salsa verde, green chiles, and a hint of spice from jalapeño, this dish takes no time to prepare and is perfect for busy days. The long, slow cooking process melds the ingredients into a comforting, savory meal.
Top it off with fresh scallions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for extra zest. Whether served over rice, wrapped in tortillas, or paired with your favorite toppings, this meal will quickly become a family favorite.
Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Ingredients
This vibrant dish begins with tender chicken thighs, which provide a juicy base that absorbs all the bold flavors of the sauce. The salsa verde introduces a tangy, herby kick, while the mild green chiles lend a subtle heat that doesn’t overwhelm.
Garlic and jalapeño infuse the dish with aromatic warmth, balancing the spice with depth. Cumin and onion powder layer in earthy, savory notes that tie everything together. Fresh scallions and cilantro bring brightness and a refreshing finish, while lime juice adds a burst of acidity to round out the flavors.
Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken
Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken is the ultimate weeknight meal—packed with bold flavors and incredibly easy to prepare. This tender chicken simmers in a spicy, tangy salsa verde sauce, absorbing all the delicious spices and seasonings. Whether you enjoy it over rice, in tacos, or as an enchilada filling, the possibilities are endless. To help you make the most of this dish, here are some valuable recipe tips, serving suggestions, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Recipe Tips
- Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you prefer a richer taste, try using bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless. The bones help intensify the flavor as the chicken cooks slowly. Just be sure to remove the bones before shredding the chicken for easy serving.
- Adjust the Spice Level: For a spicier kick, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add an extra one. If you prefer a milder dish, use fewer jalapeños or omit them entirely. You can also adjust the heat by using a different type of salsa or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can easily make a double batch and store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat and serve with fresh toppings for a quick and satisfying meal later in the week.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken
- Fluffy Rice: Serve this flavorful chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a hearty, comforting meal. The rice soaks up the delicious salsa verde sauce, balancing the dish with its mildness. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
- Corn Tortillas: For a more traditional Mexican meal, serve the chicken in warm corn tortillas. The soft, slightly chewy tortillas complement the tender chicken perfectly, while allowing the flavors of the salsa verde and toppings to shine through. Add diced avocado, queso fresco, and a few sprigs of cilantro for a tasty taco.
- Crispy Tortilla Chips: For a fun twist, serve the chicken with a side of crispy tortilla chips for dipping. The crunch from the chips contrasts nicely with the saucy chicken, adding texture to each bite. You can even create a salsa verde chicken nacho plate by layering the chips with cheese, chicken, and your favorite toppings.
FAQ
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs. However, chicken breasts tend to dry out more quickly, so be sure to monitor them closely as they cook. If you use chicken breasts, you might want to reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot? Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can cook this recipe in the Instant Pot. Use the same ingredients, but cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes and then shred the chicken. Be sure to follow your Instant Pot’s instructions for proper sealing and venting.
- How do I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and reheat thoroughly when ready to serve.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare everything in the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, simply start cooking it as directed. This makes it a perfect meal for busy days or when you want to have dinner ready when you get home.
Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Jarred salsa verde
- Chopped mild green chiles
- Fresh garlic finely chopped
- Jalapeño stemmed, seeded, and diced
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Ground cumin
- Scallions green and white parts, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, finely chopped
- Kosher salt to taste
- Fresh lime juice to taste
- Rice tortillas, pepitas, queso fresco, diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Begin by placing the chicken thighs, salsa verde, green chiles, chopped garlic, jalapeño, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin into a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker. Stir the ingredients together until they are evenly combined. Avoid adding salt at this stage, as jarred salsa often contains a high sodium content. Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and the flavors meld together. If you need to cook for a longer period, reduce the cook time to 4 hours and allow the slow cooker to switch to “warm” for the remainder of the time.
- Step 2
- Once the cooking time is complete, shred the chicken using two forks, then stir in the sliced scallions and chopped cilantro. Season the mixture with kosher salt and fresh lime juice according to your taste. The dish can be served over rice or in tortillas, accompanied by any of your favorite toppings such as diced avocado, queso fresco, pepitas, or crushed tortilla chip
