Oh, am I excited to share my Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken recipe with you! This dish has earned a permanent spot in my weekly meal rotation ever since my sister introduced me to it at one of our family get-togethers. The-minute I took my first bite, I was hooked! It’s vibrant, bursting with flavor, and – I promise – so incredibly easy to make that it feels like cheating. Just throw everything into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you carry on with your day.
What makes this recipe even more special for me is that it bubbles away slowly all day, filling my home with mouthwatering smells that can drive you a little bit crazy (in the best way). Honestly, it creates an atmosphere that feels like a cozy gathering, even if I’m just enjoying it solo. So, whether you’re planning a family feast or simply looking for a simple weeknight meal, this dish is my go-to!
What’s in Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken?
Let’s break down these delicious ingredients together, so you know exactly what you’re getting into!
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These are my favorite because they’re tender and juicy, plus they don’t dry out like chicken breasts can in the slow cooker. You can easily swap these for chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand, though!
Salsa Verde: This zesty green sauce is the star of the show! I usually grab a good quality store-bought salsa verde, but if you’re feeling inspired, homemade is fantastic too! It brings a lovely brightness and enhances that slow-cooked goodness.
Black Beans: These little nutritional powerhouses add fiber, protein, and texture. I prefer to use low-sodium canned black beans for a healthier option and convenience, since we want our meal to be as effortless as possible.
Corn: Whether you use frozen or canned corn, this ingredient gives a sweet pop and complements the salsa verde like a charm. Fresh corn off the cob is incredible when it’s in season!
Medium Onion: Diced onions add depth and a hint of sweetness, making everything so flavorful!
Garlic: Goodness, the power of garlic! Three cloves might seem like a lot, but that aromatic flavor takes the dish to the next level. Plus, it wards off vampires. Just kidding… sort of.
Cumin & Chili Powder: These warm and smoky spices add that fabulous flavor and make my taste buds sing!
Salt and Pepper: Always essential! I like to season it just right, but you can adjust to your preference.
Fresh Cilantro & Green Onions: These beautiful garnishes add a fresh crunch! They’re not just for looks; they elevate the dish and tie everything together.
Lime Wedges: I never skip these! A squeeze of lime right before serving adds a brightness that just completes the flavor profile.
Is Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Good for You?
Absolutely! This dish brings tons of great health benefits to the table.
Chicken Thighs: They’re high in protein and essential vitamins while being relatively low in fat (especially skinless!).
Salsa Verde: Depending on the brand, this zesty sauce is usually low in calories. Plus, it can pack a punch of antioxidants!
Black Beans: These guys are dietary champions! They’re full of fiber, which can help keep you feeling fuller longer, and they pack a protein punch too!
Corn: A delicious source of carbohydrates that can provide you with energy while being a good source of fiber.
With those ingredients combined, this dish is not only delicious but also gives your body a nice nutritious boost. Just keep an eye on any sodium content, especially with canned ingredients, and you’re golden!
Ingredients
Serves 6
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
– Lime wedges (for serving)
How to Make Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken?
Let’s dive into the simple instructions to bring this deliciousness to your table!
1. First things first, place the chicken thighs into your slow cooker. Make sure they’re spread out evenly!
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the salsa verde, black beans, corn, diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir it all together to let those flavors mingle (smell that? pure bliss!).
3. Pour the scrumptious salsa verde mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, taking care to cover all the chicken well.
4. Cover it up and set your slow cooker to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer, the better, in my opinion—trust me, the tender chicken will be worth the wait!
5. Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, grab two forks and shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with that tasty sauce.
6. Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if you feel it needs a little something extra.
7. Serve the chicken hot in bowls, topped with fresh cilantro and green onions. Don’t forget to squeeze a wedge of lime over the top for a fabulous pop of flavor!
Serving Suggestions & Flavor Variations
Alright, now we’re getting fancy! Here are a few fun ideas to enjoy your Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken:
– Serve it with warm tortillas for an easy taco night.
– Over rice for a hearty and filling meal.
– Top with avocado or guacamole for that creamy richness.
– Add some shredded cheese on top for extra indulgence. Cheese makes everything better, right?
– You can even throw in some diced bell peppers or jalapeños for an extra kick if you want.
I can’t wait for you to try this Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken! It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for meal prepping or serving at gatherings. After you make it, I would just love to hear how it turned out for you! Happy cooking, friend!
