Juicy Salsa Verde Chicken for Meal Prep
A simple, flavorful slow-cooker chicken dish that is perfect for meal prep. Tender chicken breasts are simmered in tangy salsa verde with aromatic spices, resulting in a juicy, low-carb meal that holds up beautifully in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (LOW)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 15 to 16 ounces salsa verde (preferably Herdez or La Costeña)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If thick, pound lightly to even thickness.
- Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker in a single layer.
- Pour the salsa verde over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the minced onion, minced garlic, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper over the chicken and sauce. Stir gently to distribute spices.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily.
- Remove chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes, then shred with two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat thoroughly in the sauce.
- Stir in the fresh lime juice and half of the cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately or store in airtight containers for meal prep.
Notes
If the sauce is too runny, cook uncovered on HIGH for an extra 30 minutes to reduce. If the chicken looks dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water before serving. For a spicy version, add diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes. For a cheesy version, stir in shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese after shredding. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, but always check salsa labels.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 of
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 45
Keywords: salsa verde chicken, slow cooker chicken, meal prep, healthy dinner, low carb, gluten free, easy weeknight dinner, chicken breast recipes
Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/juicy-salsa-verde-chicken-for-meal-prep/