Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
This Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a zesty blend of lime juice, garlic, and onion powder, then shredded and mixed with fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh finish. Ideal for tacos, salads, or rice bowls, this recipe is both easy to prepare and versatile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 6 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid and Seasonings
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Juice of 4 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
Main Ingredient
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Herbs
- ½ to 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Cooking Liquid: In a medium bowl, mix together the chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, lime juice, and lime zest until well combined. This mixture will impart a tangy and savory flavor to the chicken.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour the prepared liquid mixture over the chicken, ensuring the meat is evenly coated and partially submerged.
- Cook the Chicken: Set the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 3 to 4 hours, or LOW for 5 to 6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
- Shred and Add Cilantro: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the flavorful cooking liquid. Stir in the chopped cilantro and adjust seasoning by adding more lime juice if desired for extra zest.
Notes
- For more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño during cooking.
- Serve with rice, tacos, or as a topping for salads and bowls.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, place cooked shredded chicken in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 4 ounces cooked chicken)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, cilantro lime chicken, shredded chicken recipe, easy chicken recipes, Mexican chicken
