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
Yes, and it’s seriously one of the easiest. Add all the ingredients into a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to cook, allow it to defrost (overnight in the fridge) and cook according to the instructions.
Chicken thighs are always an easy swap for breasts and turn out fantastic in the slow cooker.
Store in the fridge for 3-4 days or place in the freezer for up to three months in freezer ziplock bags. Thaw in the refrigerator the day before needing. Reheat in the microwave in a bowl, for 1-2 minutes or until hot, do not overcook.
Make a low-carb bowl by cooking up a nice helping of cauliflower rice and add the chicken on top with a few slices of avocado as well.
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Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken
Equipment Needed:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast (can use chicken thighs)
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/2 tsp. cumin
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro (or one tablespoon dried cilantro)
- 1 lime
- 4 Tbsp. butter sliced
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts into your slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the chicken with the salt, pepper, cumin, cilantro, and garlic. Cut the lime in half and squeeze over the chicken. Place the sliced butter over the chicken.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6 hours. You'll know your chicken is done when it shreds very easily.
- After the cooking time is done, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place on a cutting board to shred.
- Using a fork and knife (or two forks), shred all of the chicken thinly. Alternatively, you can shred with two forks right in your slow cooker.
- Place all shredded chicken back inside the slow cooker for additional cooking. Add in additional lime wedges if you desire for extra flavoring.
- When the cooking time is done you can serve as is. If you are making tacos or burritos, it's best to drain off the excess juices before using for it can make tortillas soggy.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime if desired.
Recipe Notes:
- Spicy – Add one diced and seeded jalapeno in with everything else. It’s sure to add a kick but not too much. If you want it spicier, keep some jalapeno seeds and toss them in. 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.
Nutrition Information:
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
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