Slow Cooker Chicken with Zucchini, Corn, and Mild Lime-Cilantro Pumpkin Seed Sauce

Name: Slow Cooker Chicken with Zucchini, Corn, and Mild Lime-Cilantro Pumpkin Seed Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 260 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Fusión latino-americana
Ingredients: 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs; 2 cups zucchini; 1.5 cups corn kernels; 1 cup yellow onion; 4 cloves garlic; 9 oz tomatillos; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro; 2 tbsp mild green chile; 3 tbsp lime juice; 1 tsp lime zest; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

An original slow-cooked chicken stew with tender zucchini, sweet corn, and a velvety sauce made with pumpkin seeds, lime, cilantro, and a mild touch of green chile. Flavorful, bright, and comforting, it makes a complete slow cooker meal.

20 minPrep

240 minCook

260 minTotal

4Servings

Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings

700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut en trozos large)
300 g zucchini (en medias lunas gruesas)
200 g corn kernels (fresh or congelados)
150 g yellow onion (chopped)
12 g garlic (chopped)
250 g tomatillos (without peel and troceados)
240 ml chicken broth (low sodium if preferred)
45 g pumpkin seeds (tostadas, more extra for servir)
20 g fresh cilantro (leaves and stalks tiernos, more extra for servir)
30 g mild green chile (chopped; puede ser chile Anaheim or similar)
45 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
2 g lime zest (solo the parte verde)
2 g ground cumin
1 g dried oregano
15 ml olive oil
6 g salt (or to taste)
1 g black pepper (freshly ground)

Nutrition facts

per serving

378 kcal

Calories

34 g

Protein

15 g

Carbs

20 g

Fat

3.5 g

Fiber

11.5 g

Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

Tree Nuts

Instructions

1
1. In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the pumpkin seeds for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from the heat and let them cool slightly.
2
2. In a blender, combine the tomatillos, chicken broth, toasted pumpkin seeds, cilantro, mild green chile, lime juice, lime zest, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
3
3. Place the chopped onion and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the chicken and pour the tomatillo-lime-pumpkin seed sauce over the top. Drizzle with the olive oil.
4
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours at a low slow cooker setting, about 190 to 200 °F / 88 to 93 °C, until the chicken is tender.
5
5. Uncover, add the zucchini and corn kernels, stir gently, and cover again. Cook for 35 to 45 minutes more on LOW, about 190 to 200 °F / 88 to 93 °C, until the zucchini is tender but not falling apart and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 °F / 74 °C.
6
6. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. For a slightly thicker sauce, let it rest for 5 minutes with the lid partly open before serving.
7
7. Serve hot, portioning the chicken, zucchini, and corn with plenty of sauce. Finish with extra fresh cilantro and additional pumpkin seeds on top.

Chef tips

For deeper flavor, you can brown the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side before adding it to the slow cooker. Add the zucchini near the end so it keeps its texture better.

Substitutions

You can swap the thighs for chicken breast, reducing the cooking time slightly if needed. If tomatillos are unavailable, use firm green tomatoes plus 1 extra teaspoon of lime juice. Corn can be replaced with diced green bell pepper for a lower-carb version.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

Illustrative image
Ninja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
View on Amazon
Illustrative image
TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
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Illustrative image
T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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