Crockpot Creamy Chicken Salsa Verde

Crockpot Creamy Chicken Salsa Verde (High Protein / Keto-Friendly Option)

Yields: 4-6 servings Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 3-4 hours on high, or 5-6 hours on low

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium-sized breasts)
• 1 (16-ounce) jar salsa verde (choose your preferred spice level – mild, medium, or hot)
• Choose one based on your dietary goals:
  • For Higher Protein: 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
  • For Higher Fat / Creamier Texture: 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
• Optional: Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Optional: Salt and pepper to taste, if needed (salsa verde and cheese add a lot of flavor)

Equipment:

• Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
• Meat thermometer (recommended)
• Two forks for shredding

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the entire jar of salsa verde over the chicken.
2. Add Dairy: Add your chosen dairy — either the cottage cheese (no need to stir yet) or the cubed cream cheese — directly into the slow cooker with the chicken and salsa.
3. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or on LOW for 5-6 hours.
   • Recommended Check: At the 3-hour mark on high, or 5-hour mark on low, check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Shred & Stir: Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir well to incorporate the shredded chicken with the salsa verde and the melted cottage cheese or cream cheese, creating a creamy sauce.
5. Final Simmer (Optional but Recommended): If the sauce seems too thin or if you want the flavors to meld further, you can continue to cook on LOW for an additional 30-60 minutes after shredding. This will also help the sauce thicken slightly.
6. Serve: Ladle the creamy chicken salsa verde into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification

This recipe is a stellar choice for a weight loss and meal planning due to its simplicity, high protein content, and adaptability.

• High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein. Chicken breast is a lean protein source, and the addition of cottage cheese significantly boosts the protein content. Even with cream cheese, it remains a high-protein meal.
• Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is low-carb. Chicken, salsa verde (generally low-carb, but check labels for added sugars), cottage cheese, and cream cheese are all low in carbohydrates.
• Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, particularly with the cream cheese option.
  • Chicken Breast: Naturally keto.
  • Salsa Verde: Most salsa verde brands are keto-friendly, but always check the ingredient list and nutritional label for hidden sugars or high-carb thickeners.
  • Cottage Cheese: While some dairy products are limited on strict keto, full-fat cottage cheese in this quantity is generally acceptable for most keto dieters. The cream cheese option is even more unequivocally keto-friendly due to its higher fat and lower lactose content.
  • Cream Cheese: Excellent for keto, adding fat and creaminess.