This Easy Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken is a breeze to make! Simply toss chicken breasts in a zesty salsa verde, let it cook low and slow, and you’ll have juicy, flavorful chicken ready for tacos or bowls!
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a meal that makes itself? I like to serve it with warm tortillas and all the toppings—it’s a taco night that practically cooks itself. 🥳
What I love most is how easy it is! Just set it and forget it. You’ll have a delicious dinner waiting for you after a long day. Perfect for family or friends! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this dish, as they stay tender during cooking. If you’re looking for a light option, you can also use chicken thighs for added flavor and moisture.
Salsa Verde: The star of the show! You can find jarred salsa verde at most grocery stores. If you want to make your own, blending tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice gives great results. For a milder taste, opt for a green enchilada sauce instead.
Spices: Cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder add depth to the dish. If you don’t have these on hand, feel free to use taco seasoning as a substitute. It brings a nice flavor, too!
Olive Oil: This step is optional, but browning the chicken can enhance the flavor. If you’re short on time or want to keep it simple, skip this step. You can also use avocado oil or any neutral oil.
How Do I Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken can be a hassle, but here’s a simple way to do it! After cooking, use two forks like this:
- Take one fork and hold a piece of chicken steady.
- With the second fork, pull apart the chicken in the opposite direction. This way, it easily falls apart into tender shreds.
Shredding in the crockpot allows the chicken to soak up the salsa verde even more. Plus, you’ll save a dish to wash!
Easy Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (16 oz) jar of salsa verde
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning chicken)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken takes about 10 minutes of prep time. You’ll want to let it cook for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Then it’s ready to become the star of your dinner! So, total time can range from a short 3-4 hours if you’re in a hurry, to a leisurely all-day simmer if you’re meal prepping.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Optional Browning:
If you have a few extra minutes, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side. This adds extra flavor but is totally optional!
2. Load the Crockpot:
Place the chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker. There’s no need for any special arrangement, just fit them in there!
3. Add Salsa Verde:
Pour the entire jar of salsa verde over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This will provide all the flavor and moisture needed!
4. Season it Up:
Sprinkle the ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over everything in the crockpot. Give it a little stir to make sure the spices are evenly distributed.
5. Cook Low and Slow:
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender and can be easily shredded. Walk away and enjoy your day!
6. Shred and Mix:
When the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Mix it well with the salsa verde to soak up all the tasty flavors!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Serve the warm shredded chicken in your favorite way—tacos, burrito bowls, or over rice. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for that perfect pop of flavor!
8. Enjoy!
Your easy and flavorful Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken is ready to be enjoyed! Happy eating!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just remember to increase the cooking time by about an hour on low and 30 minutes on high to ensure they reach a safe temperature and cook through thoroughly.
What Can I Use Instead of Salsa Verde?
If you don’t have salsa verde, you can substitute it with green enchilada sauce or even homemade salsa made with tomatillos. Just keep in mind that flavors may vary slightly, but your chicken will still turn out delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Salsa Verde Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What Are Some Serving Suggestions?
This chicken is incredibly versatile! Serve it in tacos, burrito bowls, or over rice. You can also top it with avocado, cheese, sour cream, or your favorite salsa for extra flavor and texture!
