Salsa Verde Chicken Crockpot Recipe
This Salsa Verde Chicken Crockpot Recipe is an easy, flavorful dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts slow-cooked in a zesty green salsa sauce with a medley of spices and fresh vegetables. Perfect for meal prep or a tasty family dinner, this recipe delivers vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors with minimal effort, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in the crockpot.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Vegetables
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Protein
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Liquids
- 1 cup (240 g) salsa verde
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- Prepare the Crockpot: Begin by slicing the red bell peppers and mincing the garlic. Place the sliced bell peppers and minced garlic evenly in the bottom of your crockpot to form a flavorful vegetable bed for the chicken.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chili powder, paprika, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture thoroughly over the 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure each piece is well coated with the seasoning.
- Assemble the Ingredients: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the bell peppers and garlic in the crockpot. Pour 1 cup of salsa verde and ½ cup of fresh lime juice evenly over the chicken to infuse it with tangy, spicy flavors during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should become tender and easily shred with a fork when done.
- Finish and Garnish: Before serving, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot by using two forks, mixing it with the cooked vegetables and sauce. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top as a bright, fresh garnish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salsa verde chicken warm, perfect for tacos, burritos, over rice, or alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor and slightly more fat content.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to help thicken the liquid.
- Adjust chili powder quantity to suit your preferred spice level.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings, but cook time may increase slightly.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freeze perfectly for up to 3 months.
Keywords: Salsa Verde Chicken, Crockpot Chicken, Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Mexican Dinner, Healthy Crockpot Meal