Slow Cooker Chicken Verde with Peppers
Try this Slow Cooker Chicken Verde with Peppers recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Slow Cooker Chicken Verde with Peppers recipe, or contribute your own.
- Carbohydrate 2.79121333333333 g
- Cholesterol 156.867361291667 mg
- Fat 7.45072798625 g
- Fiber 0.541243762811025 g
- Protein 37.52489716875 g
- Saturated Fat 1.90544477083333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (216g)
- Sodium 599.81909925 mg
- Sugar 2.24996957052231 g
- Trans Fat 1.39151962541667 g
- Calories 237 calories
Step-by-step
- Cut the ends off of the onion and then slice into five thick slices. Place in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Place the chicken thighs on top of the onion.
- In a small bowl, combine the seasonings and evenly distribute the seasoning mix across the top of the chicken.
- Then, evenly spoon the salsa verde over the top of the seasoned chicken.
- Slice the red bell pepper into thick slices; discard the seeds and stem. You can either place the sliced pepper over the salsa and cook with the chicken for very soft pepper slices or add the sliced peppers during the last hour of cook time to enjoy them al dente.
- Cover and cook on high 5-6 hours or on low 7-8 hours.
- When chicken is done, use a slotted spoon to move the peppers to the side and carefully remove just the chicken and place it on a large platter.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken.
- Remove the pepper and onion slices and place on a serving plate.
- Serve the chicken and veggies with warmed GF tortillas, or use large Bibb lettuce leaves to make lettuce wraps.
- Top with your favorite fajita toppings, such as diced tomatoes, guacamole, fresh cilantro, shredded grassfed cheese, etc.
- Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Chicken Verde: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the ever-present mountain of laundry, the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That's where my slow cooker becomes my absolute best friend. It's a lifesaver, transforming simple ingredients into flavorful, satisfying meals with minimal effort.
This Slow Cooker Chicken Verde recipe is a perfect example. It's a vibrant, flavorful dish that's packed with protein and vegetables, and it requires virtually no hands-on time. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender and the peppers to soften to perfection. I love the versatility of this recipe; you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking, and the toppings are endless. I often experiment with different types of cheese, add a squeeze of lime juice for extra zing, or even throw in some black beans for extra heartiness.
One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is its ease of preparation. Simply toss the chicken thighs, onion, and bell pepper into the slow cooker, add the salsa verde and seasoning blend, and let it simmer. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken that practically falls apart. I usually shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker before serving, making the clean-up process incredibly straightforward. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, especially when I’m short on time and energy. I can easily prep it in the morning before heading to work, and come home to a wonderful aroma and a meal that's ready to serve.
Beyond its convenience, this Slow Cooker Chicken Verde is exceptionally healthy. The chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, while the bell peppers provide a good dose of vitamins and antioxidants. The salsa verde adds a layer of flavor while keeping the dish relatively low in fat. For those watching their sodium intake, you can easily reduce the amount of salt used in the seasoning blend. I've even started experimenting with using homemade salsa verde, which allows me to control the ingredients and reduce the sodium content even further.
This recipe has quickly become a staple in my household. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to informal gatherings with friends. The leftovers are also fantastic – perfect for lunch the next day, or even turned into delicious chicken tacos or enchiladas. I never tire of the vibrant flavors and the ease with which this dish comes together. It's a true testament to the power of a slow cooker, transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece with minimal effort.
Serving Suggestions:
While I love serving this chicken verde with warmed tortillas, the options are limitless. The shredded chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Lettuce Wraps: Use large Bibb lettuce leaves for a lighter, healthier option.
- Tacos: Soft or hard corn or flour tortillas.
- Bowls: Serve over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- Quesadillas: Layer the chicken with cheese and your favorite toppings in a tortilla, then grill until golden brown.
- Salads: Add the shredded chicken to your favorite salad for extra protein and flavor.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the salsa verde for extra heat.
- Add other vegetables: Onions, zucchini, or corn can be added to the slow cooker along with the peppers.
- Use different types of chicken: Chicken breasts will cook faster in the slow cooker, so reduce the cooking time accordingly.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. Cook the chicken a day or two in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat when ready to serve.
This Slow Cooker Chicken Verde is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the importance of finding easy, healthy, and delicious meals that fit into a busy lifestyle. It's a dish that celebrates the simple pleasures of good food and good company, making it a true winner in my book. Give it a try – I'm confident it will become a family favorite, too!
