I love whipping up a vibrant Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken with a burst of flavors. Tender chicken melds with zesty lime juice, garlic, cumin and chili powder, infusing a punch of goodness. Fresh cilantro finishes this dish perfectly. I can’t wait for you to try this innovative recipe.

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I recently discovered this slow cooker cilantro lime chicken recipe and it’s quickly become one of my favorites. I started with 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a half cup of chicken broth, and the juice of 3 limes (about ½ cup) to make a tangy base.

I also added the zest of 1 lime for an extra punch of citrus flavor along with ½ cup of fresh cilantro and 4 cloves of minced garlic. A dash of salt and pepper, plus 2 teaspoons of cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder, turned it into a perfectly seasoned taco chicken that’s both healthy and full of flavor.

What I love about this dish is that its so simple and fits my healthy clean eating goals closely; it’s great for low carb and keto diets. Plus, its a fantastic freezer stash win if you ever need a quick high protein dinner.

Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because the combination of lime and cilantro gives it such a fresh punch of flavor that really lifts the whole dish up.
I really dig how easy it is to prep – all you do is toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its thing which makes my life way less stressful on busy days.
I also enjoy that its healthy and fits into my eating plan while still tasting amazing, even the kids love it which is a huge win for me.
Lastly, the way the chicken becomes super tender and juicy really makes every bite satisfying and perfect for tacos or any other way you wanna serve it.

Ingredients

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Chicken breasts supply lean protein for muscle repair and lasting satiety.
Chicken broth adds moisture and savory taste that tenderizes the meat.
Lime juice and zest bring a tangy burst and vibrant citrus flavor.
Fresh cilantro gives a bright herbal kick and essential nutrients.
Garlic intensifies flavors and supports heart health with antioxidants.
Cumin and chili powder offer warm, earthy spice that elevates every bite.
Salt and pepper help balance all the vibrant flavors in the dish.
Each ingredient contributes its own benefits to create a healthy, hearty meal.

Ingredient Quantities

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/2 cup chicken broth

Juice of 3 limes (about 1/2 cup)

Zest of 1 lime

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make this

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1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker evenly.

2. In a bowl, mix together the chicken broth, lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Pour the mixture over the chicken so that every piece gets a bit of that yummy marinade.

4. Make sure the chicken is well-coated by gently moving it around in the slow cooker a little bit.

5. Put the lid on the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re in a rush, high for 3 to 4 hours.

6. Once the time is up, check to see if the chicken is cooked through and tender enough to easily pull apart with a fork.

7. If you want it taco style, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.

8. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it so it absorbs all the extra juices.

9. Give it a taste and add a little more salt and pepper if necessary.

10. Serve warm with your favorite taco fixins and enjoy this delicious and juicy cilantro lime chicken!

Equipment Needed

1. Slow cooker
2. Mixing bowl
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Citrus zester or grater
7. Two forks
8. Spoon or spatula

FAQ

How long should I cook the chicken in my slow cooker?

Most of the time you'll get it nice and tender by cooking it on low for about 4-6 hours or on high for around 3 hours. Just keep in mind that every slow cooker can be a little different.

Can i substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?

Yup you can swap them out, but just note that bone-in thighs might need a bit longer cook time if you decide to go that route.

What if i dont have chicken broth, can i use water instead?

Sure, you can use water, but the broth really lifts the flavor a bit so water might end up tasting a little plain, you might want to add extra spices.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely, this dish reheats well in the fridge and makes a great option for lunches or quick dinners during the week.

Can i add extra heat to the dish?

For sure, if you like things spicy you can toss in some red pepper flakes or extra chili powder to suit your taste.

Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or even add a bouillon cube into water.
If you’re short on lime juice or zest, try using lemon juice and zest instead. It gives a slightly different flavor but works just fine.
If fresh cilantro isn’t available, chopped parsley is a good substitute for that fresh, herby flavor.
No minced garlic? You can substitute 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder per clove, but be sure to adjust to your taste.
For the spices, if you’re out of chili powder, mixing a bit of paprika with a dash of cayenne can give you that mild heat.

Pro Tips

1. Pro tip: If you can, let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes (or even a couple of hours in the fridge) before tossing it in the slow cooker. This really helps the flavors soak in deep and makes the chicken extra tasty.

2. Pro tip: When the chicken is done cooking, take it out for a minute and let it rest, then shred it. This way its juices redistribute a bit and the meat stays super moist, instead of getting all dry and stringy.

3. Pro tip: Keep an eye on the seasoning after the slow cookin is done. Slow cookers can sometimes mellow things out so taste it and add a pinch more salt, pepper or even a splash more lime juice if you feel it needs a little extra zing.

4. Pro tip: If you like your sauce on the thicker side, once you pull the chicken out, you can let the liquid simmer on high (with the lid off) for a few extra minutes to reduce. This makes a great, concentrated sauce for your tacos.