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Easy Tender Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Shredded Chicken

slow cooker salsa verde shredded chicken - featured image
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A simple and flavorful slow cooker recipe that yields tender, juicy shredded chicken infused with tangy salsa verde. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 ½ cups jarred salsa verde (e.g., Herdez or La Costeña)
  • 3 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (optional but recommended)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat dry 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with paper towels.
  2. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Pour 1 ½ cups of jarred salsa verde evenly over the chicken.
  4. Scatter 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper on top.
  5. Cover and set the slow cooker to low. Cook for 6 to 8 hours.
  6. Remove the chicken breasts carefully with tongs and place on a cutting board or in a large bowl.
  7. Use two forks or shredding claws to shred the chicken into thin, tender pieces.
  8. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir into the salsa juices.
  9. Add 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro (about ¼ cup). Taste and adjust salt or spice as needed.
  10. Serve warm in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salads, or rice bowls.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry prevents watery texture and helps salsa cling better. Use chicken breasts for leaner meat or thighs for juicier results. Cook on low to keep chicken tender. Shred while warm for best texture. Stir shredded chicken back into salsa to keep moist. Adjust seasoning after cooking. If salsa is watery, remove chicken and reduce liquid on high for 15-20 minutes before shredding. Add jalapeños or cayenne for extra heat. Frozen chicken breasts can be used but add an extra hour of cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, salsa verde chicken, shredded chicken, easy chicken recipe, Mexican chicken, slow cooker meals, tender chicken, shredded salsa verde chicken

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/easy-tender-slow-cooker-salsa-verde-shredded-chicken-recipe-for-perfect-meals/