This tasty Slow Cooker Green Chile Chicken is a winner! Just toss chicken, green chiles, and a few simple spices into your slow cooker and let it work its magic all day.
The smell will have your neighbors wondering what’s cooking! I love serving it in tacos or over rice for a quick meal. Easy adjustments mean you can spice it up or tone it down as you please!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean texture. If you’re looking for a change, boneless thighs add more flavor and stay juicy. For a vegetarian twist, consider chickpeas or tofu!
Green Chiles: Diced green chiles are what give this dish its signature kick. Choose mild if you’re sensitive to heat or hot for an extra punch. If you’re in a pinch, use jalapeños or even salsa verde as a substitute!
Onion: Chopped onion adds depth to the flavor. Yellow onions are a great choice, but white or red onions work well too. If you’re avoiding onions, try using leeks or shallots for a milder flavor.
Cumin and Oregano: These spices bring warmth to the dish. You can swap cumin with coriander or chili powder for a different taste. Oregano can be replaced with taco seasoning if you want a bolder flavor.
Lime Juice: The fresh squeeze of lime at the end brightens everything up. If limes aren’t available, lemon juice serves as a suitable substitute for a little zing.
How Do You Shred Chicken Perfectly?
Shredding chicken can seem tricky, but it’s easier than you think! After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before handling it. Here’s how to do it simply:
- Take the cooked chicken out of the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board.
- Using two forks, hold down one piece of chicken with one fork, while you pull at the chicken with the other fork to shred it.
- For a quicker method, if you have a stand mixer, toss the cooked chicken in with the paddle attachment and mix on low until shredded!
Remember, don’t worry about making it perfect. A rustic shred adds to the charm of the dish!
Slow Cooker Green Chile Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cans (4 oz each) diced green chiles (mild or hot, based on preference)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then you’ll let your slow cooker do the work for about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It couldn’t be easier! Just prepare the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and wait for the delicious aroma to fill your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Slow Cooker:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This helps ensure they cook evenly.
2. Add the Ingredients:
Next, sprinkle the diced green chiles, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper over the chicken. These spices will infuse the chicken with tons of flavor!
3. Pour in the Broth:
Now, pour the chicken broth evenly over everything in the slow cooker. This will keep the chicken moist and help create a delicious sauce.
4. Time to Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Your chicken should be tender and fully cooked.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done, carefully take it out of the slow cooker using tongs and place it on a cutting board. Shred the chicken using two forks until it’s nice and fine. It’s okay if it’s not perfect!
6. Mix It All Together:
Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir it well to mix everything together with the juices.
7. Add Some Zing:
Before serving, squeeze the juice of one lime into the mixture. Stir it in, and taste it! Adjust the salt and seasonings if you think it needs it.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your Green Chile Chicken hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. It’s great over rice, in tacos, burritos, or even on top of a salad!
Enjoy this flavorful dish that’s sure to be a hit!
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Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it needs longer cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked through. If using frozen chicken, cook on high for about 4-5 hours or on low for about 8 hours.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
What If I Don’t Have Ground Cumin?
If you’re out of ground cumin, try using chili powder or coriander as a substitute. They won’t replicate the exact flavor, but they will still add a nice depth to your dish.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! To increase the heat, use hot diced green chiles instead of mild, or add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the mix. Adjust to your desired spice level!