Salsa Verde Chicken – a quick and delicious meal that is so easy to meal prep!! (Whole30-Friendly, Paleo-Friendly, Dairy-Free)
This Salsa Verde Chicken can be made in the slow cooker OR Instant Pot!! Either way its amazing!
You guys know I am all about the simple and delicious meals … well this one is no exception. There are about 6 ingredients (plus salt and pepper) and the result is AMAZING! Perfect for a crowd, meal prep, anything. The flavor level and quality is going to be directly related to the kind of salsa verde you use. I actually have an awesome Salsa Verde Recipe on the blog already (an oldie but a goodie), but feel free to go grab something from the store. There are lots of amazing options the most of which I have found are actually Whole30/Paleo.
This Recipe is
- Easy: truly a set it and forget it kind of recipe, which we all love -right?
- Versatile: serve it in a rice bowl for a yummy paleo dinner or use it in some healthy enchiladas!
- Delicious: there is so much flavor packed in here!
What do I Need
- Avocado Oil: or you could use olive oil too\.
- Minced Shallot: this will add a little extra flavor! Regular onion would work too, but I prefer the taste of shallot for this recipe.
- Minced Garlic: because who doesn’t want garlic
- Salt and Pepper: for a little extra flavor
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: just simple chicken breasts
- Salsa Verde: (feel free to make your own or purchase it)
How to Serve it
Here are my favorite ways to serve it:
- Rice Bowls (use cauliflower rice if Whole30/Paleo)
- Tacos
- Enchiladas
Is it spicy?
That really depends on the salsa verde you use!!! Most of the salsa verde recipes I have tried really aren’t too spicy, but just taste them before you use! Here is a fun article from The Kitchn highlighting a couple store-bought salsa brands if you want to get inspired!
Other recipes you might like:
- Slow Cooker Jerk Chicken (Whole30/Paleo)
- Slow Cooker Applesauce
- Smoked Pork Shoulder (Slow Cooker Instructions)
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Love,
E
Salsa Verde Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker, Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Salsa Verde Chicken – a quick and delicious meal that is so easy to meal prep!! (Whole30, Paleo, Dairy-Free)
Ingredients
- 1–2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons minced shallot
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- salt and pepper
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 14–16oz salsa verde (feel free to make your own or purchase it)
Instructions
Slow Cooker
- Bring saute pan to medium high heat on stove and add oil to coat the pan.
- Add garlic and shallots. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and then stir while allowing them to cook, about 2 minutes.
- Scrape shallot and garlic into crock pot. Add chicken breasts and pour salsa verde on top.
- Cook on High for 3-4 hours or on Low for 6-8 hours.
- Remove chicken and shred with fork.
- Return to slow cooker.
Instant Pot
- Set to Saute Function.
- Once hot, add oil and allow to coat the pan.
- Add shallots and garlic and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Stir and allow to cook, about 1-2 minutes.
- Turn off Saute Function.
- Add chicken and then pour the salsa verde over top.
- Move the chicken around so each piece is fully coated.
- Ensure Instant Pot is set to Sealing and then cook on High Pressure for 20 minutes.
- Naturally release pressure for 10 minutes and then carefully manually release.
- Remove chicken from the Instant Pot and set onto a plate. Use a fork to shred the chicken and then return it to the pot.
- Mix the shredded chicken back into the salsa verde mixture.
- Feel free to add fresh cilantro or lime juice, as desired, to intensify flavor.
- Serve immediately or store in refrigerator in airtight container for 3-5 days.
Notes
- IP: Always follow your Instant Pot directions for use.
- Serving suggestions: make a salsa verde chicken rice bowl (or use cauliflower rice with avocado, limes, fresh cilantro and dairy free sour cream). You can make salsa verde chicken tacos or use the chicken to make salsa verde enchiladas!
- For Whole30/Paleo – just double check your ingredients on store-bought salsa verde. I have actually had really good luck finding it though! Otherwise I have this recipe too! For serving suggestions, make a cauliflower rice bowl!
Keywords: salsa verde chicken, salsa verde chicken recipe
Katie says
We made this for dinner last night and used the chicken for tacos with avocado, onion, and lime! Super easy and juicy, and lots of leftovers! This will definitely become a go-to for us.
★★★★★
Erin says
So glad you enjoyed it, Katie! And thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review + feedback – I really appreciate it!
Erica says
I used chicken breasts one time and it came out a bit dry, so this time I used chicken thighs and it was amazing! Same cook time. The thighs got a bit caramelized too on the bottom. Maybe I need to add more salsa on the bottom of the pan and then add the chicken on top. But delicious and easy for meal prep!
★★★★★
Erin says
So glad you enjoyed it, Erica! And yes, if your slow cooker runs hot adding the salsa on the bottom can help! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review + feedback – I really appreciate it!
Jen says
I made this for dinner last night. It was very easy and quick to put together. The chicken is tender and perfect for tacos or in a bowl or salad.
The salsa verde I chose was very mild, but the addition of red onion and cilantro really enhanced the flavor. Leftovers for lunch were even better.
I will definitely make it again.
★★★★★
Erin says
So happy to hear that, Jen! And thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review and feedback – I appreciate it!
Carly says
This is just so tasty!! I’ve made it twice now. Adding the extra lime and cilantro to the chicken after cooking is a game changer. Made it into burrito bowls and made a little homemade guac=YUM! Guac stepped it up a notch! Love your recipes!! Love from another Minnesota gal š
★★★★★
Erin says
Aw thank you so much, Carly! That makes my day to hear š And so happy you love this recipe – it is a favorite of mine as well!
Meagan says
Made this recipe for the first time last night for some meal prep and wow, it’s amazing! I used it in a rice bowl tonight, but I think tomorrow will be tacos or a taco salad. That’s the best part about it-it’s versatile, which makes it easy to use for meal prep! This will likely become a staple for me because it’s also crazy easy to make!
★★★★★
Erin says
Thank you so much, Meagan!! I appreciate the feedback š
Lisa Mer says
I have this recipe on repeat! So good!
★★★★★
Erin says
That makes me so happy to hear, Lisa! Thank you!!
Courtney says
One of my favorites!
★★★★★
Erin says
Thanks, Courtney! This is a family favorite in our house too š Thank you so much for taking the time leave your feedback – it is so appreciated!
Kath says
Is it possible to make this with chicken thigh instead of chicken breast?
Erin says
Hi Kath! Oh my gosh YES! You could definitely sub out the chicken breast for chicken thighs!
Jessica says
Thank you for the inspiration. Dinner was fantastic! I love healthy Instant Pot recipes. Thank you!
★★★★★
Erin says
Thanks, Jessica! I am so happy to hear that! Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback – I really appreciate it!
Alexandria @ The Foreign Fork says
I just got an instant pot, so I’m always on the lookout for a great instant pot recipe. This looks so yummy and definitely like something I can tackle without much experience. Thanks for sharing!
Erin says
Yay!! Yes, this recipe is totally perfect for a novice Instant Pot owner! Can’t wait for you to try it! š