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Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe

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4.3 from 6 reviews

This Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish perfect for easy weeknight meals. The chicken is infused with a zesty blend of lime juice, garlic, jalapeno, and spices, slow-cooked to juicy perfection, then shredded and mixed with fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish. Serve it as a versatile protein for tacos, salads, or bowls.

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup lime juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: Place chicken broth, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, jalapeno, salt, cumin, paprika, and pepper into a food processor. Blend until the garlic and jalapeno are finely pulverized and the sauce is fully combined.
  2. Arrange chicken in slow cooker: Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot to ensure even cooking.
  3. Add the sauce: Pour the blended sauce evenly over the chicken breasts to keep them moist and flavorful during cooking.
  4. 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 very tender and easily shreddable with forks.
  5. Shred the chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker pot for a rustic, easy approach.
  6. Mix in cilantro: Add the chopped cilantro to the shredded chicken and toss until well combined, infusing fresh herbaceous notes.
  7. Serve: Serve the cilantro lime chicken warm immediately. It can be enjoyed on its own or used in tacos, burritos, salads, or bowls.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of jalapeno based on your spice tolerance; leave seeds in if you prefer it spicier.
  • Using kosher salt adds a clean saltiness that enhances flavors; if using regular table salt, reduce quantity slightly.
  • You can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for enhanced flavor melding.
  • Shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.