Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken

If you’re looking for a super easy, flavorful, and versatile meal, this Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken is exactly what you need! Tender, juicy chicken is slow-cooked in a zesty salsa verde sauce, making it perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, and more. It’s a dump-and-go recipe that’s packed with bright flavors and very little effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Cooking – Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work.
Bold, Fresh Flavors – Salsa verde gives the chicken a bright, tangy kick.
Super Versatile – Use it for tacos, salads, burrito bowls, nachos, and more.
Meal Prep Friendly – Great for making ahead and freezing.
Family Approved – Mild enough for kids, but easy to spice up for adults.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 cups salsa verde (jarred or homemade)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional for extra heat)

For Garnish and Serving:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges
• Cooked rice, tortillas, or salad greens
• Avocado slices, sour cream, shredded cheese (optional toppings)

Tools You’ll Need

• Slow cooker (Crockpot)
• Forks for shredding
• Serving spoon
• Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the crockpot.
Sprinkle garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, black pepper, and chili powder (if using) evenly over the chicken.

Step 2: Add the Salsa Verde
Pour the salsa verde over the seasoned chicken, making sure the chicken is well coated.

Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce to absorb all the flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Enjoy it in tacos, burritos, bowls, or over rice and salads!

Tips for the Best Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken
Use Thighs for Extra Juiciness – Chicken thighs stay tender and juicy even after hours of cooking.
Don’t Overcook – Check the chicken at the minimum cooking time to keep it tender and not dry.
Flavor Boost – Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for a burst of freshness.
Spice It Up – Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder if you like it spicier.
Homemade Salsa Verde – If you have time, homemade salsa verde makes this dish even more special.

Serving Suggestions
Serve Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken with:

• Warm tortillas for tacos
• Rice or cauliflower rice for a bowl
• Shredded lettuce for a light salad
• Tortilla chips for nachos
• Quesadillas or enchiladas filling

Top with:

• Diced avocado or guacamole
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Fresh chopped onions
• Extra shredded cheese

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of salsa verde if needed.
Microwave: Warm in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until hot.

Freezing:
Freeze the shredded chicken in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Yes! Add an extra hour to the cooking time if starting with frozen chicken breasts.
2. What if I don’t have salsa verde?
   You can substitute with regular tomato salsa, but it will have a different flavor. For true salsa verde taste, try to find a tomatillo-based salsa.
3. Can I make it spicier?
   Absolutely! Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder to crank up the heat.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Yes! Just make sure your salsa verde is gluten-free and serve with gluten-free sides like rice or corn tortillas.

Final Thoughts
Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken is a lifesaver recipe—easy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. With just a few minutes of prep and simple ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd.
Whip up a batch and transform your tacos, burrito bowls, and salads with this fresh, vibrant chicken!

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken turns out.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 260 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 580mg

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