Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken
This juicy, flavorful cilantro lime chicken practically cooks itself—and turns out perfect every time. Toss everything in your slow cooker, and come back to tender, shred-it-with-a-fork chicken that’s ready to fill tacos, burritos, bowls, or whatever your weeknight dinner plans demand. No babysitting required!
Servings: 12
Calories: 141kcal
Cost: $9-$12
Equipment
- Slow cooker (5-quart or larger)
Ingredients
- 16 oz salsa
- 4 ½ teaspoons taco seasoning mix store-bought or homemade (see Notes)
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (1 medium lime)
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro stems removed, chopped
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts trimmed
Instructions
- Add the salsa, taco seasoning, lime juice, and chopped cilantro to your slow cooker. Give it a good stir to combine.
- Nestle the chicken breasts into the mixture and stir to coat them well.
- Cover and cook on High for 4 hours or on Low for 6–8 hours, until the chicken is fall-apart tender.
- Shred the chicken right in the pot using two forks. Stir everything together to soak up all the flavor.
- Serve warm in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, rice bowls—or freeze for later.
Notes
Taco Seasoning Mix: You can absolutely use a store-bought packet here, but if you're looking to save money (and skip the additives), try my homemade version. It costs pennies to make and lets you control the heat: Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Lime Tip: One lime usually gives you about 2 tablespoons of juice. If you’re using bottled lime juice, measure it out to keep the flavor balanced.
Salsa Note: Use your favorite brand and variety. Chunky salsa adds a little texture; smooth salsa gives a more saucy finish. Can’t handle the heat? Go mild. Want more zing? Add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeño.
Chicken Substitutions: Chicken thighs work beautifully too—just trim excess fat. If using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it fully for even cooking.
Nutrition
Calories: 141kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 383mg | Potassium: 521mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 227IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg
