Name: Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486169H12M33S
Total time: PT-486169H12M33S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tablespoon lime zest; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup chicken broth; Optional toppings: avocado slices, additional cilantro, lime wedges

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and takes only a few minutes of hands-on time. Once you set it in the slow cooker, you can let it do all the work. The chicken becomes so tender that it practically shreds itself, and the cilantro-lime flavor profile is refreshing and delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for the week, or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to impress.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tablespoon lime zest
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup chicken broth
Optional toppings: avocado slices, additional cilantro, lime wedges

directions

Prep the Slow Cooker:
Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
Combine Marinade Ingredients:
In a bowl, mix the lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Prepare the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the marinade mixture over the chicken, making sure they are well coated.
Add Chicken Broth:
Pour the chicken broth over the top of the chicken to ensure it stays moist while cooking.
Cover and Cook:
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and easily shreddable.
Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the remaining sauce.
Taste and Adjust:
Taste the chicken and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt or lime juice to suit your preference.
Serve or Store:
Serve the chicken warm with your favorite sides or toppings. If storing, allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 servings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low / 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6-8 hours

Variations

Add Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, add some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.
Use Chicken Thighs: Swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture.
More Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, onions, or corn for added texture and flavor.
Make it Creamy: Add a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream to the shredded chicken for a creamy version.
Make it Low-Carb: Serve the chicken on top of a bed of greens or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

storage/reheating

Store leftover cilantro lime chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it until heated through. For longer storage, this chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to cook the chicken on the “high” setting for 4 hours rather than the low setting to ensure it cooks thoroughly.

Can I add more lime flavor?

Absolutely! You can add more lime juice or zest for a tangier, more pronounced lime flavor.

How can I serve Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken?

This chicken is versatile! Serve it in tacos, over rice, in salads, or as a filling for wraps. You can also pair it with sides like guacamole, salsa, or roasted vegetables.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can use bone-in chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as bone-in chicken may take longer to cook.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, add sliced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade to bring some heat to the dish.

How do I make sure the chicken doesn’t dry out?

The chicken will stay moist as long as you cook it with enough liquid (broth) in the slow cooker. Shredding the chicken once it’s cooked also helps it stay juicy by mixing it back in with the flavorful sauce.

Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! Cook the chicken on the “poultry” setting for 12 minutes. Shred it and mix with the sauce as directed.

Can I serve this on a salad?

Yes, this cilantro lime chicken works wonderfully as a topping for salads, especially with a fresh, tangy dressing.

What are some good side dishes for this chicken?

Serve with rice, quinoa, sautéed vegetables, or a side of tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its zesty lime flavor, tender chicken, and aromatic cilantro, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile, so you can serve it in a variety of ways or use it as a filling for tacos, salads, or bowls. Try it today and enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of slow-cooked chicken!

Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

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Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken is a tender, flavorful dish made with zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and juicy chicken. It’s perfect for tacos, salads, or burrito bowls, offering minimal effort for maximum flavor.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low / 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6-8 hours
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Prep the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil.
Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a bowl, mix lime juice, lime zest, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
Add Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the top of the chicken to keep it moist during cooking.
Cover and Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and easily shreddable.
Shred the Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the remaining sauce.
Taste and Adjust: Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or lime juice if necessary.
Serve or Store: Serve warm with your favorite sides or toppings. If storing, cool the chicken completely before refrigerating in an airtight container.