Introducing a recipe that will change your meal plan forever – slow cooker cilantro lime chicken. Seasonings and juices create the perfect flavor that you may not have otherwise considered. Here’s to a fresh take on chicken breasts; just add fresh cilantro and limes!

Don’t you love versatile recipes? Whether you make cilantro chicken or Mexican Shredded Beef, these recipes can be made into just about any meal, even throughout the week!

Why this recipe works

This recipe works because the prep time is super short and simple for starters. This is it when you’re pressed for what to have prepared for the upcoming night or looking for something stress-free to take to your job’s potluck.

Also, the versatility of this dish is fantastic all on its own. Whether you want to put the mixture in tortillas, tacos, or on a bed of rice with blacks (more about that later), you’ve got options. And if you’ve been trying to eat healthier, this meal will help you do it. It’s packed with protein (thank you, chicken) and gluten-free.

Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken – Boneless skinless chicken breasts are the best cut of meat for this dish. They cook evenly and are the easiest to shred.
• Cilantro – Freshly chopped cilantro puts out the best flavors. If you only have dried cilantro, use a heaping tablespoon.
• Lime Juice – Grab a couple of limes to use, one for juicing and the other for adding additional wedges at the end of cooking.
• Butter – Butter makes everything better, right?
• Seasonings – The seasonings you’ll need to bring about the best flavors and tastes are salt, pepper, cumin, and a couple of minced garlic cloves.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step One – Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot or slow cooker.

Step Two – Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, cumin, cilantro, and garlic. Cut the lime in half and squeeze it over the chicken. Place the sliced butter over the chicken.

Step Three – Cook, the chicken for 3-4 hours on high or low for 6 hours. You’ll know your chicken is done when it easily shreds.

Step Four – Remove the chicken and shred it on a cutting board using a knife or two forks. Add the chicken back to the slow cooker with juices. Alternatively, you can shred with two forks right in your slow cooker. If you are making burritos or tacos, you’ll want to drain the excess juices from the meat before serving.

How to serve

• Make a Tex-Mex meal: Use the crockpot cilantro lime chicken to make quesadillas or enchiladas. Or make tacos or burritos and top your tortillas with black beans, salsa, sour cream, corn, and tomatoes.
• Burrito Bowl – skip the tortillas, use the chicken over rice and beans, and still use your favorite toppings.
• Salad: Start with a bed of shredded lettuce and additions of your choice (bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, etc.), and add a helping of cilantro lime chicken. Whip up a homemade dressing with olive oil and lime juice mixture and drizzle.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy – Add one diced and seeded jalapeno in with everything else. It’s sure to add a kick but not too much. Keep some jalapeno seeds and toss them in if you want it spicier. Or, you can opt-in for adding red pepper flakes.
• Whole 30 – Make the dish Whole30 approved by substituting the butter for ghee. It is a compliant and delicious alternative.
• Taco flavored – Give the entire dish a Mexican upscale by adding a pack of taco seasoning at the beginning of the cooking process.

Recipe FAQs

Want to make more magic in your crockpot? Stay up to date and subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

Sweet Chili Chicken and Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken are great for easy weeknight dinners, with flavorful sauces that pair perfectly with rice or noodles.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga adds smoky heat and shredded tenderness—ideal for tacos, burritos, or tostadas.

If you’re craving something cozy, Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken, Crockpot Chicken Stew, and Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas are hearty, satisfying options with minimal prep.