Easy Tender Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe for Perfect Weeknight Dinners
A simple, flavorful crockpot recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in tangy salsa verde, perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (around 2 pounds / 900 grams)
- 1 jar (about 16 oz / 450 grams) salsa verde (medium heat recommended)
- 1 medium white or yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. Measure out your spices and have the salsa verde ready.
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer if possible.
- Sprinkle the chopped onion and minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
- Pour the entire jar of salsa verde over the chicken, then add ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth.
- Sprinkle the cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper over everything. Stir gently to mix spices lightly.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Use two forks or tongs to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Stir to blend the shredded chicken with the salsa verde sauce.
- Squeeze the juice of one lime over the chicken and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top.
- Serve over rice, in tacos, or alongside roasted vegetables.
Notes
If sauce is too thin, remove lid during last 30 minutes to reduce. Add extra ¼ cup chicken broth at start for saucier texture. Toast cumin and chili powder briefly in dry skillet to enhance flavor. Let chicken sit in sauce 15 minutes after shredding for better flavor. Avoid lifting lid frequently to maintain cooking temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 chic
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Protein: 35
Keywords: crockpot chicken, salsa verde chicken, slow cooker recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, tender chicken, Mexican chicken, healthy chicken recipe