Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
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.
- 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
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
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.
Notes
For more heat, add sliced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the slow cooker.
Substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for more moisture and flavor.
Add diced bell peppers, onions, or corn for extra veggies.
For a creamy version, stir in sour cream or heavy cream to the shredded chicken.
Serve this chicken on top of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
