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Crock Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken

A super easy, set-it-and-forget-it slow cooker meal featuring tender shredded chicken breast infused with zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and warm Mexican-inspired spices.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Liquids
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth low sodium
  • 0.25 cup lime juice freshly squeezed
Aromatics & Spices
  • 0.5 medium red onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
Finishing Touches
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 lime cut into wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker / Crock Pot
  • Two forks or hand mixer for shredding
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Place chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle evenly over the chicken.
  3. Scatter the diced red onion and minced garlic over the top of the seasoned chicken.
  4. Pour the chicken broth around the edges of the chicken. Squeeze the fresh lime juice evenly over everything.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  6. Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat completely.
  7. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and toss it thoroughly in the warm cooking liquids and onions.
  8. Stir in the fresh chopped cilantro. Let sit on the warm setting for 5 minutes before serving.
  9. Serve over rice, in tortillas, or on salads, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges.

Notes

Do not overcook the chicken breasts, or they will become dry even while sitting in the broth. Check them at the earliest suggested time.