Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico? Look no further than this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde! With tender chicken thighs simmered to perfection in a vibrant sauce of tomatillos, jalapeños, and spices, this dish is a fiesta of flavors that will have your family begging for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires just 15 minutes of prep time and lets your slow cooker do the magic for six hours. Get ready to impress your guests and savor every bite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 2 cups tomatillos, husked and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatillos by removing their papery husks and washing them thoroughly. Chop the tomatillos into small pieces.
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Carefully dice the jalapeño, removing seeds if you prefer less heat.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano on both sides.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Add the chopped tomatillos, onion, garlic, and jalapeño over and around the chicken thighs.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the sauce to develop rich flavors.
- After 6 hours, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the verde sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. Recommended to serve with warm tortillas or over rice.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh tomatillos and high-quality chicken thighs for the best flavor. The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the final dish.
- Adjust the Heat: If you're sensitive to spice, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before chopping. You can also substitute it with a milder pepper or reduce the amount used.
- Layering is Key: When placing the chicken in the slow cooker, ensure it's in a single layer. This allows for even cooking and ensures the chicken absorbs all the delicious flavors from the sauce.
- Shred with Care: After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. This not only saves on dishes but allows the meat to soak up more of the verde sauce.
- Serve Creatively: While this dish is fantastic on its own, consider serving it with warm tortillas, over rice, or even in tacos for a fun twist. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro for that extra pop of flavor!
- Leftovers are Gold: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat and enjoy the next day for an even more flavorful meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 273kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
