Looking for a simple and healthy chicken dinner? This Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort, making weeknights a breeze. You’ll love how easily this dish comes together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: You can substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Salsa Verde: Choose your favorite mild or medium variety.
- Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth works too.
- Onion: Yellow or white onion is fine.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (16-ounce) jar salsa verde
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on high) or 6-8 hours (on low)
- Servings: 4-6
- Tools Needed: Slow cooker
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and black pepper on both sides. This simple step adds foundational flavor to your healthy chicken dinner.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts over the onion and garlic. Sprinkle the ground cumin and chili powder evenly over the chicken.
3. Add Liquids
Pour the salsa verde over the chicken. Then, add the chicken broth to the slow cooker. Ensure the chicken is mostly submerged in the liquid for optimal tenderness.
4. Cook Until Tender
Cover your slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken is ready when it shreds easily with a fork. This slow cooking method creates incredibly juicy and tender results.
5. Shred the Chicken
Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in a bowl or on a cutting board. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the salsa verde sauce.
6. Serve Your Healthy Chicken Dinner
Stir everything together thoroughly. Serve your delicious Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken warm with your favorite accompaniments. This makes an excellent healthy chicken dinner.
Variation Ideas
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the spices.
- Creamy Texture: Stir in a few tablespoons of dairy-free cream cheese or plain Greek yogurt at the end.
- Add Beans: Include a can of rinsed black beans or pinto beans during the last hour of cooking.
- Veggie Boost: Add a cup of corn (fresh or frozen) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce seems too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to add an extra hour or two to the cooking time.
- What should I serve this with? This chicken is great in tacos, burritos, over rice, with cauliflower rice, in salads, or as a healthy chicken dinner bowl.
- Is this recipe spicy? The spiciness depends on your salsa verde. Choose a mild one if you prefer less heat.
- Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Yes, cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes with a natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release.
- How can I make the sauce thicker? After shredding the chicken, remove the lid and cook on high for an extra 30-60 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- Is this a good meal prep option? Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prepping healthy chicken dinner options for the week.