Zingy Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe for Fresh Weeknights

Weeknight dinners demand bold flavors and quick solutions, and this salsa verde chicken delight recipe delivers exactly what home cooks need.

Tender chicken bathed in vibrant green sauce creates a mouthwatering meal that sparks excitement at the dinner table.

Zesty and comforting, the dish combines simple ingredients with maximum taste impact.

Jalapeños and fresh herbs mingle with succulent chicken, promising a meal that’s both satisfying and effortless.

Each bite bursts with tangy Mexican-inspired seasonings that awaken your palate.

Serve this irresistible chicken over rice or alongside warm tortillas for a complete feast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this delicious recipe and transform an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Salsa Verde Chicken

• Olive Oil: Provides a non-stick surface and helps distribute heat evenly in the slow cooker.

• Tomatillos: Tangy green fruits that create the signature verde sauce base, choose firm and bright green ones with tight husks.
• Jalapenos: Adds spicy kick, select vibrant green peppers with smooth skin for maximum heat.
• Onion: Builds foundational flavor, pick firm onions without soft spots or bruising.
• Poblano Pepper: Introduces mild, smoky depth, look for glossy peppers without wrinkles.
• Garlic: Enhances overall savory profile, choose plump cloves without sprouting.
• Kosher Salt: Balances and amplifies other ingredients' flavors.

• Chicken Fillets: Tender protein base of the dish, opt for fresh, uniform-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
• Cilantro: Brings fresh, bright herbaceous notes, select crisp leaves with vibrant green color.
• Lime Juice: Adds zesty brightness and helps tenderize chicken, choose ripe limes that feel heavy for their size.

Tools to Make Salsa Verde Chicken

• Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking chicken and vegetables together with minimal effort.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping tomatillos, jalapenos, onions, and poblano pepper.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for quartering vegetables and precise cutting.
• Immersion Blender: Optional tool for creating a smooth salsa texture.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of salt and other seasonings.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and mixing chicken with salsa.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Cooking Salsa Verde Chicken Step-by-Step

• Slow Cooker Preparation

Create a smooth olive oil base inside your slow cooker for a non-stick cooking surface.

• Vegetable Foundation

Carefully chop tomatillos, jalapenos, onions, poblano pepper, and garlic. Scatter these colorful ingredients across the cooker’s bottom, sprinkling salt to enhance natural flavors.

• Chicken Magic

Gently place chicken fillets on top of the vibrant vegetable layer. Cover and let the slow cooker work its magic for 3-4 hours, transforming ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.

• Texture and Flavor Transformation

Remove chicken and decide your salsa style – smooth or rustic. Shred the tender chicken meat, returning it to the cooking pot. Splash in fresh lime juice and sprinkle chopped cilantro for a zesty finish.

• Serving Celebration

Mix everything thoroughly, allowing the herbs and citrus to mingle with the rich, savory chicken and salsa. The result is a vibrant, tender dish bursting with southwestern charm.

Tips to Boost Salsa Verde Chicken Flavor

• Spice Control: Adjust the heat level by removing jalapeno seeds or adding more for extra kick. Mild-loving folks can swap jalapenos with milder green chiles for a gentler flavor profile.
• Vegetable Swap: Feel free to experiment with roasted green chiles or different pepper varieties to create unique salsa verde foundations. Swap tomatillos with green tomatoes for a slight twist in taste.
• Serving Suggestions: Transform this chicken into versatile meal options like tacos, burrito bowls, enchiladas, or loaded nachos. Serve over rice, quinoa, or fresh greens for a complete protein-packed meal.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the salsa verde chicken in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop and deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
• Protein Alternatives: Replace chicken with pork shoulder or beef chuck roast for equally delectable slow cooker results. Vegetarian friends can substitute with jackfruit or firm tofu for a plant-based version.

Serving Salsa Verde Chicken the Right Way

• Fiesta Plate Companions: Serve the salsa verde chicken over warm, fluffy Mexican rice for a complete meal that bursts with flavor.
• Taco Night Transformer: Stuff the shredded chicken into soft corn tortillas, top with fresh diced onions, extra cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for an instant taco feast.
• Nacho Mountain Magic: Spread the chicken over crispy tortilla chips, sprinkle with melted cheese, and garnish with sliced jalapeños for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that'll disappear quickly.
• Zesty Salad Topper: Transform your greens by adding this protein-packed salsa verde chicken on top of a crisp mixed salad, drizzling extra lime juice for a refreshing lunch option.

How to Store Salsa Verde Chicken

• Smart Meal Prep: Batch cook this salsa verde chicken on weekends to create multiple meals throughout the week. Divide into portion-sized containers for quick lunches or dinner solutions.
• Refrigerator Strategy: Store the chicken in airtight containers and enjoy within 3-4 days. The zesty flavors will actually intensify overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Pack in freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Versatile Serving Suggestions: Transform leftovers into tacos, burrito bowls, enchiladas, or top crispy salads. The tender, flavor-packed chicken works seamlessly in multiple meal variations.

Tangy Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired salsa verde chicken delight merges zesty green sauce with tender poultry in a quick, satisfying meal. Home cooks can easily prepare this flavorful dish with simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken fillets
• 1 pound tomatillos
• 1 large poblano pepper (seeded and cut into 2-inch pieces)
• 1 yellow onion (peeled and quartered)
• 2 large garlic cloves (roughly chopped)
• 1 (4 oz) can diced jalapenos or green chiles
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ cup cilantro (chopped)
• 1 lime (juice)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• Cooked rice
• Diced avocado
• Additional chopped cilantro
• Sliced green onions
• Tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Coat slow cooker with olive oil to prevent sticking and facilitate easy serving.
2. Vegetable Layering: Remove tomatillo husks, wash produce, quarter tomatillos, jalapenos, and onions. Dice poblano pepper, mince garlic, and distribute evenly across slow cooker base with a light sprinkle of kosher salt.
3. Protein Placement: Position chicken fillets over vegetable foundation, ensuring uniform coverage for consistent cooking and flavor absorption.
4. Slow Cooking: Secure lid and set slow cooker to low temperature. Allow ingredients to simmer and harmonize for 3-4 hours until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
5. Meat Transformation: Carefully extract chicken and shred using two forks into delicate, succulent pieces. Optional: Blend vegetable mixture into smooth or rustic salsa using immersion blender.
6. Final Integration: Reintroduce shredded chicken to cooking liquid, incorporating fresh cilantro and lime juice. Thoroughly mix to ensure complete flavor coating.
7. Presentation: Serve immediately, garnishing with additional cilantro. Enjoy the robust, multilayered taste profile of this slow-cooked culinary creation.

Notes

• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Coat slow cooker with olive oil to ensure easy removal and hassle-free cleanup, creating a smooth cooking surface.
• Prep Produce Perfectly: Wash tomatillos, jalapenos, and onions thoroughly to remove dirt and potential pesticides, enhancing the dish’s overall cleanliness and flavor profile.
• Check Chicken Carefully: Always verify internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee food safety and prevent potential foodborne illnesses during cooking.
• Customize Salsa Consistency: Use an immersion blender to adjust salsa texture from chunky to smooth, allowing personal preference and adding creative flair to the final dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg