Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of tender, fall-apart chicken swimming in a tangy, vibrant green salsa verde. This Slow Cooker Chicken in Chili Verde isn't just a meal—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a Mexican-inspired feast that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, you'll create a dish so delicious, it'll become an instant favorite in your recipe collection.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs
- 1 jar (16 oz) salsa verde
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken thighs by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and cumin on both sides.
- Peel and finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves, releasing their aromatic oils.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating an even layer.
- Sprinkle the chopped onions and minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
- Pour the entire jar of salsa verde over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated and covered.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors of the salsa verde.
- After 6 hours, carefully remove the chicken thighs using tongs. The meat should be so tender that it easily falls apart.
- Shred the chicken using two forks, discarding any visible fat or bones.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix with the verde sauce to ensure even coating.
- Serve hot with warm tortillas, rice, or as a filling for tacos or burritos.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they remain juicy and tender during the long, slow cooking process. Their higher fat content prevents the meat from drying out.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with the salt, pepper, and cumin. These spices are crucial for building deep, rich flavor in your dish.
- Layer Ingredients Strategically: Place chicken at the bottom, then add onions and garlic for even flavor distribution and to prevent burning.
- Use Quality Salsa Verde: The sauce is the star, so choose a high-quality jarred salsa verde or consider making your own for an even more authentic taste.
- Shredding Technique: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to make shredding easier. Two forks work best for creating perfect, tender shreds.
- Serving Suggestions: This versatile dish can be served in tacos, burritos, over rice, or even as a topping for nachos. Get creative!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 140mg
