Description
This Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe offers a flavorful, easy-to-make meal using tender chicken breasts simmered in a tangy mix of lime juice, zest, garlic, onion powder, and fresh cilantro. Perfect for busy days, the slow cooker method infuses the chicken with zesty and savory flavors while keeping it moist and shreddable, ideal for tacos, salads, or bowls.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 limes, juiced
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ to 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the low sodium chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, lime juice from 4 limes, and zest of 1 lime. Mix well to blend all the flavors together.
- Place chicken in slow cooker: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the slow cooker. Pour the prepared lime and broth mixture over the chicken to fully coat it.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or on LOW for 5 to 6 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Shred the chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, making sure it is mixed with the cooking liquid to stay moist and flavorful.
- Add cilantro and finish: Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro to the shredded chicken. Taste and add additional lime juice as desired for extra tang. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to better control salt content.
- Adjust lime juice quantity to your preferred level of tartness.
- Shredded chicken can be used in tacos, burritos, salads, or as a protein-rich addition to bowls.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days.
- For meal prep, double the recipe to have ready-to-use shredded chicken for the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
