Salsa Verde Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Succulent chicken thighs, lovingly marinated in a zesty, tangy salsa verde, are the stars of this culinary show.

oday, we’re diving into the world of mouthwatering Salsa Verde Chicken—a flavor-packed, time-saving freezer meal that will be your savior on those extra hectic days.

Imagine a dish that embodies the vibrant essence of Mexican cuisine. Mouthwatering chicken thighs, lovingly marinated in a zesty, tangy salsa verde, are the stars of this recipe. The salsa, a delightful blend of tomatillos, green chilies, onions, and cilantro, delivers a fiesta of flavors that dance on your taste buds with each bite. It’s a symphony of spicy and savory, with a touch of citrusy brightness—a medley that captures the essence of homemade comfort food.

Now, let’s talk convenience! In the world of parenting and busy schedules, finding the time to whip up a delicious meal every night can feel like an Olympic feat. But that’s where our Salsa Verde Chicken freezer meal comes to the rescue. Prepare it ahead of time, pop it in your freezer, and you’ve got a gourmet dinner waiting in the wings, ready to emerge as the hero of your dinnertime story.

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a solution to the age-old question, “What’s for dinner tonight?” It’s a way to show love and support to your fellow parents and friends by sharing the gift of a homemade meal that’s as satisfying as it is convenient. This magical recipe will be loved and adored by all. 

 So, join me in the kitchen as we explore this culinary gem, perfect for making ahead and sharing with friends who could use a helping hand.

Why you’ll love this Salsa Verde Chicken for Weeknight Dinners

  • Time Saving Recipe
  • Family Friendly
  • Make Ahead Magic
  • Flavorful Fiesta
  • Healthier Choice
  • Budget-Friendly
Salsa Verde Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe
Hannah Stewart
Succulent chicken thighs, lovingly marinated in a zesty, tangy salsa verde, are the stars of this culinary show.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 257 kcal
Equipment
  • 1 Slow Cooker
  • 1 gallon freezer bag
Ingredients
 
 
  • 2 lb chicken breasts
  • 16 oz tomatillo salsa verde heat choice of preference
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (juice of one lime)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
For serving
  • tortillas rice, or chips
  • taco toppings of your choice
Instructions
 
Freezer Prep Directions:
  • Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
  • Add all ingredients to the labeled gallon freezer bag.
  • Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker Directions:
  • Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
  • Dump contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker. 
  • Cook on low 4-6 hours.
  • Shred the chicken directly in the pot with two forks and stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
  • Serve in tortillas, over rice, or on top of chips!
  • Optional: Garnish with your favorite taco toppings!
Instant Pot Directions
  1. Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, add 1/2 cup water.
  2. Set to High Pressure for 20 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release. 
  3. Shred the chicken directly in the pot with two forks and stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
  4. Serve in tortillas, over rice, or on top of chips!
  5. Optional: Garnish with your favorite taco toppings!
Dietary Adjustments
Make it Gluten-Free:
  • Ensure your salsa is gluten-free.
 
 
Make it Dairy-Free:
  • This recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Notes

  • May top with favorite taco toppings! (cheese, guacomole, salsa, etc…)
  • Make it pretty: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge.
     

Nutrition

Calories: 257kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 18.9gFat: 3.9gSaturated Fat: 1.1gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 7162mgPotassium: 456mgFiber: 2.7gSugar: 20.3gCalcium: 37mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken, freezer meals, Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice, Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole, Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos
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Equipment needed to make Delicious Salsa Verde Chicken

  • 1 Slow Cooker
  • 1 gallon freezer bag

Ingredients for your Chicken Salsa Verde

  • 2 lb chicken breasts
  • 16 oz tomatillo salsa verde heat choice of preference
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (Juice of one lime)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

How to Make a Salsa Verde Chicken

Prep/freezer directions:

  1. Label Freezer bag with recipe name, cooking from frozen directions and expiration date (today’s date plus three months).
  2. Add all ingredients to a labeled gallon freezer bag.
  3. Store in the freezer for up to three months.

Cooking directions:

  1. Thaw overnight in the fridge or in the morning in some warm water (meal may not be 100% thawed but that is ok).
  2. Add freezer bag contents into the slow cooker.
  3. Cook on low for 4 hours, 4-5 hours if frozen.
  4. Shred chicken breasts and stir into sauce in a slow cooker.
  5. Serve in tortillas, over rice, cauliflower rice or on top of chips!
  6. Optional: Garnish with your favorite taco toppings!

What to pair with your Make-Ahead Chicken Salsa Verde

Sides:

Desserts:

Mocktails:

Popular Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions:

  • Protein Substitute (Chicken Breasts): Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They tend to be more forgiving and stay moist during reheating, making them a great alternative.
  • Salsa Verde Heat Level (Tomatillo Salsa Verde): Adjust the heat level of the tomatillo salsa verde to your preference by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa. This allows you to control the spiciness of the dish.
  • Fresh Garlic Substitute (Garlic Powder): If you prefer the taste of fresh garlic, substitute the garlic powder with 2-3 cloves of minced fresh garlic. This will provide a more pronounced garlic flavor.

Additions:

  • Corn and Black Bean Salsa: Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans and a cup of corn kernels to the Salsa Verde Chicken mixture. This not only adds texture but also enhances the overall flavor.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Incorporate a handful of chopped fresh cilantro leaves before freezing. Cilantro adds a burst of fresh, herbal flavor to the dish.
  • Sliced Jalapeños: For an extra kick of heat and a touch of crunch, add some sliced jalapeños to the Salsa Verde Chicken mixture before freezing. Adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.

These substitutions and additions will help you customize your Salsa Verde Chicken to your taste preferences while ensuring that the dish remains freezer-friendly. Enjoy your flavorful and convenient freezer meal!

How to Reheat and Store Salsa Verde Chicken after cooking?

If you are planning to store your Salsa Verde Chicken leftovers, allow the Salsa Verde Chicken to cool down to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing. If you plan to consume the leftovers within a few days, it would be best to store them in an airtight sealed container to prevent moisture loss and absorption of odors from other foods.

If you do not plan to consume the leftovers within a few days, freezing is the best option to prolong your shelf life with your leftovers. If freezing, make sure to use freezer safe containers or vacuum-sealed bags. It’s a great idea to divide the salsa verde chicken into smaller portions for easier reheating.

Clearly label the container or bag with the date when the Salsa Verde Chicken was prepared to keep track of its freshness. Avoid stacking items on top of the Salsa Verde Chicken to prevent them from being crushed.

How long will Salsa Verde Chicken last in the fridge?

When you properly allow your leftovers to cool down, and you have placed your leftovers in the proper containers and bags, your leftover Salsa Verde Chicken will remain fresh for 4-5 days.

Can I freeze step-by-step Salsa Verde Chicken after cooking?

Of course, Freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of your leftovers and enjoy them at a later date. There are a few things you should do to properly set up your leftovers for quality and freshness.

Allow the Salsa Verde Chicken to cool down to room temperature after cooking. To make reheating and thawing easier, consider dividing out your leftovers into single serve portions, this helps with portion control and makes it easier to thaw and reheat smaller quantities. Use airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for storing the salsa Verde Chicken.

Ensure your leftovers are tightly sealed. Label each container or bag with the date when the Salsa Verde Chicken was prepared. Place the labeled and sealed containers or bags in the coldest part of your freezer. Try to avoid stacking heavy items on top to prevent crushing the Salsa Verde Chicken.

How to reheat Quick and Easy Salsa Verde Chicken?

When you are ready to reheat, make sure to thaw out your frozen Salsa Chicken Recipe. It is best to thaw out in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat the Salsa Verde Chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees before serving. You can use a microwave or stovetop for reheating, depending on your preference. By following these steps you can safely freeze and enjoy your Salsa Verde Chicken leftovers at a later date, ensuring it remains flavorful and free from freezer related issues that may exist.

Delicious Salsa Verde Chicken Dish FAQs

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Comments

  1. Add the chicken to the slow cooker in one single layer. Sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin evenly over the chicken. Pour the jar of salsa on top of the chicken, making sure it s all covered. Cook on low for 4-5 hours. With 30-60 minute f2 s left of cooking time, remove the lid and using two forks, shred the chicken. It will seem like there s a lot of liquid, but once all the chicken is shredded it will absorb most of the liquid. Continue to cook and keep warm until ready to serve. Add to tacos, salads, or serve on top of rice!

    • Great tips!

  2. My son was s going to love this recipe! I can’t wait to make it for him.????

    • Yay! Hope he loves it! 🙂

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Hi! I'm Hannah

Thanks for stopping by, to learn more about freezer cooking and how to make healthy home-cooking easy.

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