Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe
This Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken is a flavorful, hands-off recipe perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a zesty tomato sauce infused with chili powder, cumin, fresh cilantro, and lime juice, creating a deliciously aromatic and juicy meal. Ideal for serving over rice or as a protein-packed filling in tacos or bowls.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Garnish
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker (crock pot), ensuring they lay flat for even cooking.
- Add Seasonings and Cilantro: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, ½ teaspoon garlic salt, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper evenly over the chicken. Add the chopped cilantro on top for fresh flavor.
- Pour Tomato Sauce: Pour the entire 15-ounce can of tomato sauce over the chicken and seasonings, covering the meat thoroughly.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken easily shreds with a fork and is fully cooked through.
- Shred and Mix: Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce to absorb all the flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Squeeze the juice of 1 lime over the shredded chicken and sauce, stir well, then serve as is or over cooked rice. Enjoy your flavorful cilantro lime chicken!
Notes
- Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker; check for doneness before shredding.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño.
- This chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, tortillas, or as a topping for salads and tacos.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.