Slow Cooker Green Chile Chicken
Fire-roasted green chiles and warm spices give this slow cooker chicken instant depth. Keep it lean with chicken breasts and skip the cream cheese, or go richer with thighs and a swirl of cream cheese at the end. Serve it over rice, stuff it in tacos or enchiladas, or pile it on nachos for an easy, flavor-packed dinner.
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 (7 ounce) can fire roasted green chiles
- 1½ cups green chile salsa
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder optional
- ½ teaspoon Salt and pepper
Optional but good
- 4 to 6 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Place the diced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker and top with the chicken.
- Add the green chiles, fire roasted salsa and the rest of the spices and seasonings. Do not add the cream cheese yet. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks. You can do this right in the slow cooker or transfer the chicken to a plate so you can see the pieces better.
- If you want to make a rich, creamy sauce, add the cream cheese and stir for 5 minutes or until melted. Stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice just before serving. Serve over rice or wrapped in tortilla shells.
Notes
Bone-in works too: You can use bone-in chicken if that’s what you have. Just remove the bones when shredding.
Cream cheese is optional: It adds richness but isn’t required. If you use it, expect about 120 extra calories and 6 grams of fat per serving.
Breasts vs. thighs: Chicken breasts keep it lean; thighs add more flavor and stay extra tender.
Storage tips: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze well. Just reheat gently to keep the texture soft.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 242kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 231mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g
