Name: Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 5 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 5 chicken thighs; 1 tbsp chicken base; ½ tsp kosher salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp cumin; 1 Jalapeno; 14 oz salsa verde; 1 lime

This Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe is an easy and delicious meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of chicken thighs simmered in tangy salsa verde and fresh lime juice creates a flavorful dish that's sure to be a hit. The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with tender, juicy chicken that's full of flavor.

Photos of Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe

Salsa Verde might not be a common ingredient found in your pantry. It's a type of green sauce originated from Mexico, usually made from tomatillos. When shopping for this recipe, look for it in the international foods aisle at your supermarket. Another ingredient is the chicken base, it's a concentrated form of chicken stock and can be found in the soup aisle.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken

Chicken thighs: This is the main ingredient, it is preferred because it stays moist and tender during slow cooking.

Chicken base: This enhances the chicken flavor in the dish.

Kosher salt: It is used to season the chicken.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat to the dish.

Cumin: Gives an earthy flavor.

Jalapeno: Adds spiciness, adjust according to your preference.

Salsa Verde: This gives the dish its distinctive tangy and green flavor.

Lime: Adds freshness and acidity to balance out the flavors.

One reader, Crystal Riordan says:

This slow cooker salsa verde chicken recipe is a game-changer! The chicken turns out so tender and flavorful, and the salsa verde adds a zesty kick. It's incredibly easy to make, and the aroma while it's cooking is mouthwatering. I highly recommend trying this recipe - it's a winner!

Crystal Riordan

Techniques Required for Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe

How to season the chicken: Rub the chicken thighs with chicken base, salt, pepper, and cumin to ensure even flavor distribution.

How to layer the ingredients in the slow cooker: Divide 1 cup of salsa verde and jalapeno slices over the seasoned chicken thighs to infuse them with flavor as they cook.

How to add the remaining salsa and lime juice: Incorporate the remaining salsa and lime juice during the last hour of cooking to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How To Make Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken

For this salsa verde chicken dish, we are using a slow cooker to enhance the tenderness of the poultry and the distinct spiciness brought by jalapenos.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 8 hours

Total: 8 hours 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

5chicken thighs
1tbspchicken base
½tspkosher salt
¼tspblack pepper
1tspcumin
1jalapenosliced thinly
14ozsalsa verde
1limejuiced

Instructions

Rub the chicken base, salt, pepper, and cumin over the chicken thighs and add them to the slow cooker.
Divide 1 cup of salsa verde and the jalapeno slices over the pieces of chicken and cook on Low for 7 hours.
Add in the remaining salsa and lime juice and cook for 1 last hour before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 475.14kcal
Fat: 33.45g
Saturated Fat: 8.91g
Trans Fat: 0.17g
Monounsaturated Fat: 13.46g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.72g
Carbohydrates: 8.66g
Fiber: 2.07g
Sugar: 3.97g
Protein: 33.13g
Cholesterol: 189.92mg
Sodium: 1179.29mg
Calcium: 31.40mg
Potassium: 629.36mg
Iron: 2.23mg
Vitamin A: 55.21µg
Vitamin C: 17.52mg

Essential Technique Tip for Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe

When preparing the chicken thighs, it's important to rub the chicken base, salt, pepper, and cumin thoroughly into the meat. This will ensure the flavors penetrate deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Also, when adding the salsa verde and jalapeno slices, try to distribute them evenly over the chicken. This will allow every piece to be equally coated and infused with the tangy and spicy flavors. Lastly, adding the lime juice towards the end of the cooking process will help to preserve its fresh and zesty flavor.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Salsa Verde Chicken in a Slow Cooker

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-made salsa verde: Opt for store-bought salsa verde to save time on preparing the sauce from scratch.

Slow cooker liners: Consider using slow cooker liners for easy cleanup and less time spent scrubbing the pot.

Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze the extra portions for future quick and convenient meals.

Invest in a good knife: A sharp, quality knife can make prep work quicker and more efficient.

Organize your workspace: Keep all ingredients and utensils within reach to streamline the cooking process.

Multi-task: While the chicken is cooking, use the time to prepare side dishes or work on other tasks to maximize efficiency.

Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe

chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are a leaner option and will work well in this recipe. However, they may cook faster than thighs, so be mindful of the cooking time.
chicken base - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be used as a substitute for chicken base. It will provide a similar depth of flavor to the dish.
jalapeno - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers have a similar heat level and flavor profile to jalapenos, making them a suitable substitute in this recipe.
salsa verde - Substitute with tomatillo salsa: Tomatillo salsa has a tangy and slightly citrusy flavor similar to salsa verde, making it a good substitute in this recipe.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon can be used as a substitute for lime to provide a similar citrusy brightness to the dish.

Best Way to Present Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken

Elevate the plating: Arrange the slow-cooked salsa verde chicken in a circular motion on the plate, ensuring each piece is placed with precision and care.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped cilantro and a few microgreens over the chicken to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Create a sauce swirl: Use a spoon to drizzle a small amount of extra salsa verde around the edge of the plate, creating an elegant and artistic swirl.
Add a citrus twist: Grate a touch of lime zest over the chicken for a bright and zesty finish, adding a hint of freshness to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a small side of crispy tortilla strips or a delicate avocado rose to provide a contrast in texture and enhance the overall dining experience.
Focus on balance: Ensure that the presentation reflects the harmony of flavors in the dish, creating a visually appealing and appetizing plate for the judges.

Essential Tools for Making Salsa Verde Chicken in a Slow Cooker

Slow cooker: A slow cooker is a countertop cooking appliance used for simmering at low temperatures. It's perfect for slow-cooking dishes like the salsa verde chicken recipe, allowing flavors to meld and develop over time.
Knife: A sharp knife is essential for prepping ingredients, such as slicing the jalapeno and trimming the chicken thighs.
Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for chopping and prepping ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to accurately measure and add the chicken base, salt, pepper, and cumin to the recipe.
Citrus juicer: A citrus juicer is handy for extracting the juice from the lime, adding a burst of fresh citrus flavor to the dish.
Tongs: Tongs are useful for transferring the chicken thighs and arranging them in the slow cooker without losing any of the flavorful seasonings.
Spatula: A spatula can be used to evenly spread the salsa verde over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
Can opener: If using canned salsa verde, a can opener is necessary to open the jar before adding it to the slow cooker.
Measuring cup: A measuring cup is essential for portioning out the salsa verde before adding it to the slow cooker.
Ladle: A ladle can be used to spoon the salsa verde over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.

How To Store and Freeze Leftover Salsa Verde Chicken

Allow the slow cooker salsa verde chicken to cool completely before storing or freezing.
Transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
If storing in the refrigerator, consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
When freezing, label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
Frozen salsa verde chicken can be stored for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.
To reheat, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator and warm it in a saucepan or microwave until heated through.
If the sauce appears too thick after freezing and reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
For best results, avoid repeatedly freezing and thawing the chicken, as this may affect its texture and overall quality.

How To Reheat Leftover Salsa Verde Chicken

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover salsa verde chicken to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method helps to retain the moisture in the chicken and prevents it from drying out.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the leftover chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be sure to check the temperature and stir the chicken halfway through to ensure even heating.
If you have a lot of leftover salsa verde, you can reheat the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and salsa verde, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and the salsa is bubbling. This method allows you to crisp up the chicken slightly and infuse it with extra flavor from the salsa.
For a delightful twist, shred the leftover salsa verde chicken and use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. Simply reheat the shredded chicken in a skillet with a little bit of the salsa verde until it's warm and tender. This is a great way to repurpose leftovers and create a new, exciting meal.
If you have a sous vide machine, you can use it to reheat the chicken without losing any of its original texture or flavor. Place the leftover chicken in a vacuum-sealed bag with a small amount of the salsa verde. Set your sous vide machine to 165°F (74°C) and submerge the bag in the water bath for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. This method ensures that the chicken remains juicy and tender, just like when it was first cooked.

Random Fact About Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken

The salsa verde used in this recipe is a type of green salsa made from tomatillos, jalapenos, and other ingredients. It adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste of the chicken. Salsa verde is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes, such as enchiladas, tacos, and even as a dip for chips. It is a popular condiment in Mexican cuisine and provides a unique twist to traditional chicken dishes.

Is Making Salsa Verde Chicken in a Slow Cooker Economical for Home Cooking?

The cost-effectiveness of this slow cooker salsa verde chicken recipe is quite high. The ingredients are relatively affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. With chicken thighs being a budget-friendly protein and salsa verde adding flavor without breaking the bank, this dish is a great option for a household. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Is Salsa Verde Chicken Healthy or Unhealthy?

This slow cooker salsa verde chicken recipe has some healthy elements, but there's room for improvement. Let's break it down:

Positives:

Chicken thighs are a good source of protein
Salsa verde typically contains tomatillos, which are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
Jalapenos add a kick of flavor and contain capsaicin, which has potential health benefits
Lime juice provides vitamin C and adds brightness to the dish

Negatives:

The recipe doesn't include any vegetables, which are essential for a balanced meal
Depending on the brand, salsa verde may be high in sodium
The recipe doesn't specify whether to use skinless chicken thighs, and leaving the skin on can add extra fat

To make this recipe healthier, I would suggest the following tweaks:

Use skinless chicken thighs to reduce the overall fat content
Add some diced vegetables to the slow cooker, such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, to increase the nutrient density of the dish
Choose a low-sodium salsa verde or make your own to control the salt content
Serve the chicken with a side of brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and complex carbohydrates
Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for a creamy, protein-rich topping

Editor's Thoughts on This Delicious Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe

The slow cooker salsa verde chicken recipe is a delightful combination of flavors. The use of salsa verde and jalapeno adds a zesty kick, while the slow cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and infused with the delicious spices. The addition of lime juice at the end brightens the dish and adds a refreshing citrusy note. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying chicken dish with minimal effort.

Enhance Your Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic and chives

Roasted Vegetables: Colorful medley of roasted vegetables with a balsamic glaze

Cornbread: Moist and buttery cornbread muffins with a hint of honey

Alternative Recipes Similar to Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken

Spicy Shrimp Tacos: These tacos are bursting with flavor and are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Mango Avocado Salsa: This refreshing salsa is the perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken or fish, and adds a pop of color to any dish.

Butternut Squash Soup: Warm up with a bowl of this creamy and comforting soup, perfect for a cozy night in during the colder months.

Berry Crisp: Indulge in this sweet and fruity dessert, topped with a crunchy oat crumble and served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Suggested Appetizers and Desserts to Serve with Salsa Verde Chicken

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing large mushroom caps with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a crowd-pleasing starter.

Caprese Skewers: Impress your guests with these colorful and refreshing skewers featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a burst of flavor and a stunning presentation.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a decadent, rich chocolate lava cake that oozes with warm, gooey chocolate when you cut into it. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

Tiramisu: Create a classic Italian tiramisu with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone cheese. Dust the top with cocoa powder for a beautiful finishing touch.

Why trust this Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe:

This slow cooker salsa verde chicken recipe is a guaranteed winner for your next meal. The combination of tender chicken thighs, flavorful salsa verde, and zesty lime juice creates a mouthwatering dish that's bursting with authentic Mexican flavors. The use of cumin and jalapeno adds a delightful kick, while the slow cooking process ensures that the chicken is juicy and infused with all the delicious flavors. Trust this recipe to deliver a hassle-free, delicious meal that will impress your family and friends.

Share your thoughts on this delicious Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

How spicy is this salsa verde chicken recipe?

The level of spiciness in the salsa verde chicken can vary depending on the heat of the jalapeno and the salsa verde used. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno before adding it to the slow cooker.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs in this recipe. Keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent them from becoming dry.

Is it necessary to use a slow cooker for this recipe?

While using a slow cooker is convenient for this recipe, you can also prepare the salsa verde chicken in a Dutch oven or a regular pot on the stovetop. Simply simmer the ingredients over low heat until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance and reheat it later?

Absolutely! This salsa verde chicken recipe reheats well, making it a great option for meal prepping. Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to serve.

What are some serving suggestions for this dish?

This flavorful salsa verde chicken pairs well with rice, quinoa, or tortillas. You can also serve it with a side of black beans, grilled vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.