Description
Mexican Salsa Verde Chicken delivers a zesty blend of tender chicken smothered in tangy green sauce. Juicy protein mingles with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a quick weeknight dinner packed with authentic southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 6 chicken breasts
Produce:
- 1 onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Sliced jalapeno (for garnish)
Sauces and Spices:
- 2 cups salsa verde
- 14.5 ounces (411 grams) canned tomatoes
- 12 tablespoons ground cumin
- 12 tablespoons chili powder
- Black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by coating the interior with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy food release and cleanup.
- Generously season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then carefully arrange them in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Distribute finely chopped onions and freshly minced garlic evenly across the chicken, creating a fragrant base layer.
- Pour diced tomatoes and salsa verde over the chicken, then sprinkle cumin and chili powder to infuse deep, robust flavors throughout the dish.
- Cover and cook on High for 3.5 to 4 hours or Low for 5 to 6 hours, ensuring the chicken reaches a tender, fully cooked state with an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, gently mixing it into the sauce and tasting to fine-tune the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
- Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and thinly sliced jalapenos for an extra burst of color and heat. Serve immediately in tacos, over rice, or atop a crisp salad.
Notes
- Prevent Sticking: Line the crock pot with a slow cooker liner for even easier cleanup and zero sticking.
- Enhance Flavor: Toast cumin and chili powder in a dry skillet before adding to boost their aromatic qualities and deepen the taste profile.
- Customize Heat: Control spiciness by selecting mild, medium, or hot salsa verde based on personal preference or dietary needs.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep and quick weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg