If you love bold, zesty flavors, this slow cooker salsa verde chicken will quickly become your go-to recipe. The combination of tender chicken, salsa verde, and seasonings creates a dish that’s packed with flavor, and the slow cooker does all the work.
The chicken simmers in the salsa, absorbing all those incredible flavors and turning perfectly tender. This recipe is great for taco night, burritos, salads, or just enjoying over a bed of rice.
The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. Just four main ingredients—chicken, salsa verde, seasonings, and lime juice—and you’ve got a meal that’s satisfying, flavor-packed, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you want a quick dinner after a long day or need a make-ahead meal for a busy week, this salsa verde chicken is sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken
This recipe combines tender chicken and a bold salsa verde that’s packed with flavor. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Perfectly Tender Chicken – The slow cooker ensures the chicken is incredibly moist and falls apart easily.
- Zesty Salsa Verde – The green chilies, tomatillos, and lime juice in the salsa verde bring a bright, tangy flavor to the chicken.
- Minimal Prep – Toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it cook while you relax or focus on other things.
- Versatile Meal – Serve it in tacos, burritos, over rice, or on a salad for a meal that works for any occasion.
Whether you’re craving something quick or planning a big meal for a group, this recipe will have you covered.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken
You don’t need many ingredients for this dish, but the flavor it creates is anything but simple:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Both work well, though chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor.
- Salsa Verde – This green salsa, made from tomatillos, green chilies, and lime, is the key to the delicious, zesty sauce.
- Garlic – Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.
- Lime Juice – Brings a tangy freshness to balance the richness of the chicken.
- Cumin and Chili Powder – These spices help round out the flavors and give the chicken that signature, smoky undertone.
These simple ingredients make this dish a crowd-pleaser with very little effort.
How to Make Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken
Making this salsa verde chicken is incredibly easy. Follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the Chicken – Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, garlic, cumin, and chili powder.
- Add the Salsa Verde – Pour the salsa verde over the chicken, making sure it’s well-covered.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken – Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Stir the chicken into the sauce for maximum flavor.
- Serve – Serve the salsa verde chicken in tacos, burritos, on a salad, or over a bed of rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and your favorite toppings.
This dish is as easy as it gets—set it and forget it, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken
This flavorful chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Rice | Serve over white rice or cilantro lime rice to balance the flavors. |
| Tortillas | Perfect for making tacos or burritos with the salsa verde chicken. |
| Mexican Street Corn | Elote adds a sweet, creamy contrast to the savory chicken. |
| Guacamole | Fresh guacamole complements the spice and tang of the salsa verde chicken. |
| Black Beans | Black beans are a great side for some added protein and fiber. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken
This salsa verde chicken is great for leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat:
How to Store Leftovers
- Let the chicken cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat the chicken in a saucepan over low heat, adding some chicken broth or salsa verde if needed.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- Slow Cooker: Reheat leftovers in the slow cooker on low for about 1 hour.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken
To ensure your chicken turns out perfectly tender and full of flavor, follow these tips:
- Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, but chicken breasts work just as well for a leaner option.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime just before serving for an extra punch of brightness.
- Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for added freshness and creaminess.
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more jalapeños or using a spicier salsa verde.
- Serve with a side of chips for dipping into the flavorful sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the slow cooker. Just make sure to cook it for an additional 30-60 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breasts.
2. Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes! Add more jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or use a spicier salsa verde for an extra kick.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this chicken stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the shredded chicken for up to 3 months.
4. How can I make this recipe without tortillas?
If you’re not in the mood for tortillas, you can serve this salsa verde chicken over rice, in a salad, or with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
5. How can I make this dish more flavorful?
For added flavor, stir in some cooked onions, bell peppers, or fresh cilantro at the end of cooking. A squeeze of lime adds brightness to balance the richness.
This Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken is not only delicious, but it’s also effortless to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a staple. Let the slow cooker do all the work, and enjoy a hearty meal that’s full of flavor and comfort!
Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the chicken and salsa
- Large Skillet For searing the chicken (optional)
- Wooden Spoon For stirring the ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups salsa verde green or red salsa
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 8 ounce cream cheese softened
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup carrots sliced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and cumin. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Pour the salsa verde, sour cream, cream cheese, garlic, carrots, and onion over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
- Serve the chicken in tortillas, over rice, or in a salad. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime, and sour cream.
Notes
- For added richness, top with **guacamole** or **cheese**.
- This recipe also works great for **meal prep**—store leftovers in the fridge for up to **3 days**.
- If you prefer, you can use **chicken thighs** for added moisture and flavor.
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