slow cooker cilantro lime chicken recipe

The Best slow cooker cilantro lime chicken recipe

I’ve been making this slow cooker cilantro lime chicken recipe for years, and it’s still a staple in our household. The first time I tried it, I was hooked by the combination of flavors – the tangy lime juice, the freshness of cilantro, and the richness of chicken all coming together in one delicious dish.

My kids love it when I serve it with rice or over roasted vegetables, and my husband requests it whenever we have family gatherings. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare – simply throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its magic while you’re busy with other tasks.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it’s also a great way to get in some extra veggies if you serve it with steamed broccoli or carrots. Plus, it’s healthy and makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.

Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken

4.9 from 1900 votes

Tender, flavorful chicken cooked slowly with cilantro and lime. Perfect for tacos, salads, or rice bowls.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time4 hrs
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and sliced
1 can diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1 lime, juiced
zest of 1 lime
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

For Garnish

2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
1 lime, sliced

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2Add sliced onion, minced garlic, and sliced jalapeño around the chicken.
3Pour diced tomatoes and chicken broth over the top.
4Sprinkle cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the chicken and vegetables.
5Add lime juice and lime zest.
6Stir gently to combine, ensuring the chicken is well coated with the seasonings and liquids.
7Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
8The chicken is done when it is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
9If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
10Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
11Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the cooking liquid.
12Stir in chopped cilantro.
13Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 45g

📝Notes

Tips: Serve with warm tortillas, rice, or in a salad. Add additional jalapeño for more heat. For a creamier sauce, stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Works

This slow cooker cilantro lime chicken recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a quick and easy meal for weeknights. It’s also healthy and packed with flavor from the lime juice and cilantro.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it reheats – even after being stored in the fridge for days, it still tastes fresh and delicious. For serving ideas, try pairing it with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables for a healthy meal that’s both filling and flavorful.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken

Q: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – either will work well. If you prefer a leaner protein, breasts are a good choice. If you want more flavor and moisture, thighs are your best bet.

Q: Can I make this recipe without cilantro?

A: While cilantro is a key ingredient in this recipe, you can substitute it with parsley or basil if you don’t like the flavor of cilantro. However, keep in mind that the taste will be slightly different.

Q: How long does this recipe take to prepare?

A: This recipe is quick to prepare – simply place all the ingredients in the slow cooker and turn it on. You can even prep the ingredients ahead of time if you want to get a head start on dinner.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe in a pressure cooker – just adjust the cooking time according to your pressure cooker’s instructions.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

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