Crockpot Cilantro Lime Chicken
This Crockpot Cilantro Lime Chicken is a set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker dinner bursting with bright citrus flavor and fresh herbs. Tender shredded chicken is slow-cooked in a zesty lime and garlic sauce, then finished with fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish. Serve it in tacos, burrito bowls, over rice, or on nachos for an endlessly versatile weeknight meal.
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Small mixing bowl
- Two forks for shredding
- Citrus juicer
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts about 3 to 4 breasts
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice from about 3 limes
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped, divided
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker in a single layer. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, lime zest, chicken broth, minced garlic, olive oil, and honey until well combined. Pour the sauce evenly over the seasoned chicken.
- Scatter half of the fresh cilantro over the top of the chicken. Reserve the remaining cilantro to stir in at the end for a fresh, bright finish.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the cooking juices to coat it well. Add the reserved fresh cilantro and stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and a fresh squeeze of lime juice if desired. Serve immediately in tacos, burrito bowls, over rice, or as desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet for 2 minutes per side before adding to the slow cooker. Always use freshly squeezed lime juice rather than bottled for the best flavor. Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth to keep the chicken moist.