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Salsa Verde Chicken

Salsa Verde Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Salsa Verde Chicken is an easy weeknight dinner that bursts with flavor. Tender, juicy chicken combined with zesty salsa verde makes for a dish that everyone will love. Perfect for tacos or serving over rice, it's a meal you'll want to enjoy tonight!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts about 8 oz each
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 3/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 clove garlic minced (about 1 tsp)
  • 1 can mild green chilis drained (4 oz)
  • 1/2 cup chopped seeded Anaheim pepper
  • 1 jar salsa verde recommend Pace brand
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
  • 12 tortillas corn 6-inch
  • to taste Olive oil or vegetable oil for cooking tortillas, optional
  • 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
  • 1 1/4 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 large avocado sliced
  • to taste Sour cream optional
  • to taste chopped red onion optional
  • to taste lime wedges optional

Equipment

  • Chef's Knife
  • Instant Pot
  • Slow Cooker
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. Lay chicken into slow cooker. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper, cumin, and garlic.
  2. Pour in salsa verde and sprinkle in canned green chilis and Anaheim chilis. Cover and cook on low heat 4 to 5 hours or high heat 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  3. Remove chicken from slow cooker and let rest on cutting board for 5 minutes then shred.
  4. Return to slow cooker, toss and let rest on warm heat 10 minutes or up to 30 minutes if time allows. Toss in cilantro.
  5. Add 1/2 cup salsa to Instant Pot, add chicken and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper, and cumin, and garlic. Then pour in remaining salsa, canned green chilis, and Anaheim chilis over chicken to cover.
  6. Close lid, turn vent to 'sealing' and set Instant Pot to 'poultry' or 'manual' setting then set to 13 minutes.
  7. Once cycle is complete use quick release method according to manufacturers instructions.
  8. Remove chicken and let cool several minutes on cutting board then shred into pieces and return chicken to juices in Instant Pot, let rest on warm setting 10 minutes if time allows. Sprinkle in cilantro, and toss chicken to coat.
  9. Heat tortillas in a skillet (as many as can fit in a single layer) in a little olive oil (or brush tortillas with oil then heat) over medium-high heat until golden brown spots appear then flip and cook opposite side. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
  10. Lift chicken pieces with tongs from slow cooker or Instant Pot and allow excess liquid to run off, then place in tortillas in a row in the center then top with toppings (lettuce, cheese, avocado, etc.).
  11. Serve immediately after assembling with lime wedges for spritzing if desired.

Notes

  • Pace Salsa Verde: I tested four different bottled salsas side by side, and Pace won easily for its well-balanced flavor.
  • Nutrition Estimate: This estimate is based on 2 tacos per person and does not include optional ingredients.
  • Chicken Thighs: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer a richer flavor.
  • Spice Level: For extra spice, add in a few seeded chopped jalapeƱos.
  • Creamy Version: Stir in some softened cream cheese at the end for a creamy salsa verde chicken taco.
  • Crispy Tacos: Serve in crispy corn taco shells for added crunch.