This Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Verde is a warm and comforting dish! With tender chicken, zesty green salsa, and tasty spices, it packs a flavorful punch that will warm your heart.
You just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic! Perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without all the fuss. I love serving it with some warm tortillas!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier result, but breasts work too. If you’d like a healthier option, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken, adding it in the last hour of cooking.
Salsa Verde: Green salsa is the star here! You can use store-bought or make your own by blending tomatillos, onion, garlic, and jalapeño. If tomatillos are not available, green enchilada sauce is a good backup.
Spices: Ground cumin and dried oregano give this dish great flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can skip it or add a touch of regular paprika for color. Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot green chilies.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime adds brightness to the dish. If you can’t find fresh limes, bottled lime juice will do, but fresh is always best!
How Do You Ensure the Chicken Stays Tender?
The secret to tender chicken lies in the cooking time. Use a slow cooker because it maintains a low temperature that allows the chicken to cook evenly and stay moist.
- Layer the onion and garlic first; this helps them soften before the chicken goes on top.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4. Never rush this; slow cooking is key!
- After cooking, remove the chicken and let it rest briefly before shredding to keep the juices intact.
The result should be tender, flavor-packed chicken that’s a joy to eat! Serve it warm, and enjoy it with your favorite sides.
Slow Cooker Chicken Chili Verde
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chili:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (16 oz) green salsa verde (or homemade tomatillo salsa)
- 1 to 2 cans (4-7 oz each) diced green chilies (mild or hot, based on preference)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This slow cooker chicken chili verde takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Then let it cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Once it’s ready, you’ll have a comforting and hearty meal to enjoy without much hassle!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by placing the diced onion and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. This layer will infuse the dish with delicious flavor as it cooks!
2. Add the Chicken:
Now, place the boneless, skinless chicken on top of the onions and garlic. This will ensure it stays juicy as it cooks.
3. Mix in the Good Stuff:
Pour the green salsa verde and diced green chilies over the chicken. Then, add the chicken broth. Sprinkle the ground cumin, oregano, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper over everything to give it a wonderful flavor boost.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
5. Shredding the Chicken:
Once the cooking is done, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix it well with the delicious sauce.
6. Finishing Touches:
Stir in the fresh lime juice to add a burst of brightness to the chili. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if you feel it needs a little extra!
7. Serve it Up:
Dish out the chili verde into bowls and top with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve it with a scoop of warm white rice, and don’t forget tortillas or slices of avocado on the side if you like!
Enjoy your comforting, flavorful meal! It’s perfect for cozy nights and easy gatherings with friends and family.
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Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to cook it on high for about 4-5 hours to ensure it reaches the appropriate temperature. Make sure the chicken is cooked through before shredding.
How Can I Spice It Up?
If you prefer a spicier chili, opt for hot diced green chilies or add a chopped jalapeño to the mix. You can also increase the amount of smoked paprika or add a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and you’ll have dinner ready when you get home!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
