Slow Cooker Green Chile Chicken

Wholesome version of chicken chile made in a slow cooker! Slow cooker green chile chicken is hearty with tomatillos and a hint of spice. Serve over brown rice and garnish with chopped cilantro, pico de gallo, avocado, and cheese, or wrap in a tortilla!

Prep: 30 mins Cook: 8 hrs 40 mins Additional 15 mins Total: 9 hrs 25 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed

• 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken thighs

• 4 cups water

• 1 onion, quartered

• 2 cloves garlic, peeled

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

Green Chile Sauce:

• cooking spray

• 1 pound fresh tomatillos, husks removed, halved

• ½ jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

• 1 tablespoon canola oil

• 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies

• 2 tablespoons white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1 cup great Northern beans, rinsed and drained

Directions

Step 1 - Remove stems from cilantro and tie together; save leaves for sauce.

Step 2 - Place cilantro stems, chicken thighs, water, onion, and garlic into a slow cooker. Season with 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt.

Step 3 - Cook on Low until chicken is no longer pink in the centers and juices run clear, 8 to 10 hours. Transfer chicken to a plate and shred using 2 forks. Set aside. Reserve 1 to 1 1/2 cups cooking liquid. Let onion and garlic cool slightly, about 5 minutes. Dice and set aside.

Step 4 - Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.

Step 5 - Place tomatillos cut-side down and jalapeno onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with canola oil.

Step 6 - Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 7 - Remove from the oven and wrap jalapeno pepper in aluminum foil to let 'sweat' for about 10 minutes. Remove skin from jalapeno.

Step 8 - Transfer tomatillos, jalapeno, reserved cilantro leaves, green chiles, vinegar, cumin, chili powder, honey, pepper, and salt to a food processor or blender. Mix sauce until well combined.

Step 9 - Pour tomatillo sauce into a large pot and add shredded chicken, diced onion and garlic, and beans. Add reserved cooking liquid. Let simmer over medium-low heat for 15 minutes. Serve.