Easy Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
This easy slow cooker cilantro lime chicken recipe is packed with vibrant flavors from fresh cilantro, tangy lime, and aromatic spices. Perfectly cooked in a crock pot, the chicken turns tender and juicy, making it an ideal main course for family dinners or meal prep. Serve it over rice or enjoy as is for a delicious, hassle-free meal that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American, Mexican
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
Spices
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly into the crock pot, laying them flat to ensure even cooking.
- Add Seasonings and Cilantro: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken breasts. Add the chopped cilantro on top for fresh herb flavor.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Pour the entire can of tomato sauce over the seasoned chicken and cilantro, covering the ingredients well to create a flavorful sauce base.
- Cook the Chicken: Set the crock pot to low heat and cook the chicken for 6 to 8 hours, or alternatively on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Shred and Stir: Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the crock pot and stir it thoroughly into the sauce to absorb all the flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cilantro lime chicken as is or over a bed of rice. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro or lime wedges if desired, and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5-6 days.
- For added zest, squeeze additional fresh lime juice over the chicken before serving.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a larger crowd or to have extra servings for meal prep.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts for a juicier result; adjust cooking time accordingly.