Easy Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe

July 26, 2025

This Easy Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken is perfect for busy days. Just toss chicken, salsa verde, and spices in the slow cooker, and let it do the work!

Once it’s ready, you’ll have tender chicken that’s bursting with flavor. I love to serve it in tacos or over rice—quick meals that are big on taste!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you prefer dark meat, you can use chicken thighs—they’ll be even juicier! Frozen chicken also works, just add an hour to your cooking time.

Salsa Verde: A good-quality jarred salsa verde makes this dish super easy. If you can’t find it, homemade salsa is a great option, using tomatillos, jalapeños, and lime juice. You can adjust the spice level to your liking!

Spices: Ground cumin and garlic powder are key for flavor. If you’re out of garlic powder, fresh minced garlic is a great substitute. For those avoiding spice, skip the chili powder or use a mild paprika instead.

Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a lovely brightness to the dish. If you’re not a fan, try fresh parsley or a squeeze of lime instead. It’s all about balancing flavors!

How Do I Shred the Chicken Perfectly?

Shredding chicken can be tricky if you’re not sure how to do it right. After cooking, the chicken should be super tender if you’ve let it cook properly. Here’s a simple way to shred it:

  • Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and place them on a cutting board.
  • Use two forks—one in each hand—to pull the chicken apart. Start at one end and work your way through.
  • If it’s still a bit tough, let it cool for a few minutes, then try again.

This way, you’ll get perfectly shredded chicken every time, ready to soak in that delicious salsa verde sauce!

Easy Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe

Easy Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 jar (about 16 oz) salsa verde
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1-2 fresh jalapeño slices (for garnish, optional)
  • Cooked white rice, for serving

How Much Time Will You Need?

This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then cooks in the crockpot for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just set it and forget it, and soon you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Be sure they are laid out evenly for even cooking!

2. Add the Salsa Verde:

Next, pour the jar of salsa verde over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is covered well so it can soak up all that flavor.

3. Season It Up:

Sprinkle the ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder (if you like it spicy), and a little salt and pepper over the top. This will give your dish tons of delicious flavor.

4. Let it Cook:

Now, cover your crockpot with its lid. Cook it on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fully cooked and super tender!

5. Shred the Chicken:

Once cooked, carefully take out the chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should break apart easily!

6. Combine and Heat:

Now, return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Stir it into the salsa verde sauce, mixing it all up. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes to absorb even more flavor.

7. Serve It Up:

When ready to serve, spoon the salsa verde chicken over a bowl of cooked white rice. This gives it a lovely base and makes it extra filling.

8. Add Some Garnish:

Finish off with chopped fresh cilantro and jalapeño slices on top for a nice touch. Enjoy your tasty home-cooked meal!

Easy Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe

FAQ About Easy Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken

Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just be sure to extend the cooking time by about 1 hour for low or 30 minutes for high heat to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can cook the salsa verde chicken ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it!

What Are Some Good Sides to Serve With This Dish?

This salsa verde chicken pairs wonderfully with white rice, but you can also serve it in tacos, on nachos, or over a salad. For a healthier option, try it with roasted vegetables or a side of beans!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop or microwave.

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Julia

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