Slow Cooker Chicken Ropa Vieja
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs
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Total Time
4 hrs 15 mins
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Servings
6 (3/4 cup each)
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Calories
22262 kcal
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Cuisine
American, International, gluten-free
Slow Cooker Chicken Ropa Vieja
Description
Slow Cooker Chicken Ropa Vieja brings together boneless skinless chicken pieces cooked slowly with a mix of classic spices and aromatic vegetables. Garlic, oregano, cumin, and a touch of red pepper flakes build the base flavor. The inclusion of sliced yellow onion and vibrant green and red bell peppers adds sweetness and texture. A combination of diced tomatoes and tomato paste creates a hearty tomato sauce that thickens as the chicken cooks.
The slow cooker infuses the chicken with spice and tomato flavors while breaking the meat down to a tender shreddable texture. Once cooked, breaking the chicken into shreds helps distribute the sauce and vegetables evenly. If desired, the sauce can be further reduced by simmering without the lid to intensify the consistency and taste.
This chicken ropa vieja is versatile for serving; it can accompany simple sides like rice or be used as a filling for tacos or burritos. The layered bell peppers provide pleasant color and crunch contrasting the soft chicken. The spicy and herb-infused tomato sauce enriches every bite, highlighting the slow-cooked depth of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1.5 chicken pieces $3.41, boneless skinless, up to 2 lbs
- 4 cloves garlic $0.32
- 1/2 Tbsp oregano $0.15
- 1 tsp cumin $0.10
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes $0.02
- black pepper $0.05, freshly cracked
- 1 yellow onion $0.37, medium
- 1 green bell pepper $0.69, medium
- 1 red bell pepper $1.79, medium
- 1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes $0.75
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste $0.22
- salt $0.02, to taste (1/2 to 1 tsp
Instructions
- Trim the chicken pieces of excess fat, if desired. Place the chicken pieces in the bottom of the slow cooker (4qt. or larger). Mince the garlic and add it to the slow cooker. Sprinkle the oregano, cumin, red pepper flakes, and some freshly cracked pepper over the chicken.
- Slice the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper into strips. Place the onion and bell peppers on top of the chicken in the slow cooker. Add the can of diced tomatoes (with juices) and tomato paste to the slow cooker. The tomato paste can be added in dollops and will be stirred in after cooking.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for four hours. After four hours, remove the lid and use tongs to stir the contents. Break the chicken into shreds as you stir the slow cooker. If the juices in the slow cooker are too thin, allow the pot to continue simmering on high without the lid for about 15 minutes to reduce the liquid. Taste and season with salt as needed (I added 1/2 tsp).
- Serve the ropa in a bowl, over rice, or in a warm tortilla.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6(3/4 cup each)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 22262 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1Serving | |
| Calories | 222.62kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 8.98g | 3% |
| Protein | 35.52g | 71% |
| Fat | 4.3g | 7% |
| Sodium | 589.85mg | 25% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.