Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken

There’s nothing quite like the magic of a slow cooker on a busy day. Toss in a few fresh ingredients, set it, and return hours later to a house filled with irresistible aromas. That’s exactly what makes Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken a weeknight hero. Juicy chicken breasts bathed in a tangy, herby tomato sauce create a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant.

This recipe, shared by Carrie Barnard, is perfect for busy families, meal-prep enthusiasts, or anyone craving a simple, wholesome dinner with bold flavors. The combination of fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and classic Mexican-inspired spices elevates this slow cooker chicken from ordinary to unforgettable.

Whether you serve it over rice, in tacos, or with roasted vegetables, this recipe delivers juicy, shreddable chicken every time, and it couldn’t be easier to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off cooking: Just layer ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Juicy, tender chicken: Slow cooking ensures perfectly cooked, shreddable chicken.
• Bold flavor profile: Fresh cilantro, lime juice, and chili powder create a bright, zesty taste.
• Family-friendly: Mild yet flavorful, appealing to both kids and adults.
• Versatile serving options: Serve over rice, in tacos, burritos, salads, or grain bowls.
• Meal-prep ready: Makes 6 servings and stores well in the fridge for the week.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe makes 6 servings. Ingredients are simple, fresh, and pantry-friendly.

Main Ingredients

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime

Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

These ingredients combine to create a savory, slightly tangy sauce with a refreshing herbal note from the cilantro and a subtle kick from chili powder and cumin.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker / Crock-Pot
• Knife and cutting board (for chopping cilantro)
• Measuring spoons
• Small bowl for lime juice
• Forks for shredding the chicken

Optional: Rice cooker or skillet if serving over rice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for perfectly tender, flavorful chicken every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

1. Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

1. Top chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, salt, and pepper.
2. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the chicken.
3. Pour the fresh lime juice evenly across the chicken.

Step 3: Add Tomato Sauce

1. Pour 15 ounces of tomato sauce over the chicken and seasonings, covering the meat evenly.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
2. Chicken is done when it shreds easily with a fork.

Step 5: Shred and Combine

1. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker briefly or shred directly in the pot using two forks.
2. Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce so it absorbs all the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve as-is over rice, in tacos, burritos, or as part of a salad. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian option: Use jackfruit or chickpeas as a chicken substitute.
• Spice adjustment: Add crushed red pepper or cayenne for extra heat.
• Cilantro-free version: Substitute with fresh parsley or omit entirely.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream before serving.
• Freezer-friendly: Freeze cooked shredded chicken in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Bright, tangy, lightly spicy, with fresh herbal notes.
• Texture: Moist, tender chicken in a smooth tomato sauce.
• Serving ideas:
  • Over white or brown rice
  • In soft tortillas or taco shells
  • With roasted vegetables or quinoa bowls
  • As a topping for enchiladas or burrito bowls

Nutritional Overview

Per serving (1/6 of recipe):

• Calories: 103 kcal
• Protein: 14 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fat: 2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1015 mg

This recipe is low-calorie, high-protein, and provides fiber and vitamin C from the tomato sauce and cilantro.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Layer ingredients in the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate.
• Shredded chicken stores in the fridge in an airtight container for 5–6 days.
• Freeze in portions for later meals; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work well and remain juicy with slow cooking.

Q2: Can I cook this on high if I’m short on time?
Yes, cook on high for 3–4 hours, checking for doneness.

Q3: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.

Q4: Can I serve this cold?
It’s best served warm, but cooled shredded chicken can be used in salads or wraps.

Q5: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomato sauce?
Yes, blend 3–4 medium tomatoes to create about 1 cup of sauce and adjust seasonings as needed.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep chicken and seasonings	10 min
Cook in slow cooker	3–8 hours
Shred and combine	5 min
Total	6 hrs 10 min (low)

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed rice for a classic meal.
• Use in soft tacos or burrito bowls for Mexican-inspired dinners.
• Add fresh avocado, diced tomatoes, or shredded cheese as toppings.
• Garnish with extra lime juice or chopped cilantro for a vibrant presentation.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Cilantro Lime Chicken: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne.
2. Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken: Stir in ¼ cup cream cheese or Greek yogurt after shredding.
3. Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos: Serve with tortillas, salsa, and shredded cheese.
4. Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese before serving.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cilantro

• Adds fresh, bright herbal flavor.
• Choose vibrant green leaves, avoid wilting.
• Wash thoroughly and chop just before use to retain flavor.

Lime

• Enhances flavors and adds acidity to balance the tomato sauce.
• Roll the lime on a counter before juicing to maximize juice output.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Even cooking: Make sure chicken breasts are similar in size.
• Flavor infusion: Layer seasonings under and over chicken to maximize flavor.
• Shredding: Shred chicken while warm to retain moisture.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Shredded chicken in sauce lasts 5–6 days.
• Freezing: Portion in airtight containers; thaw in fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Microwave or simmer gently on stovetop to avoid drying out.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	103 kcal
Protein	14 g
Carbohydrates	8 g
Fat	2 g
Saturated Fat	0.4 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	4 g

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, low-calorie, high-protein, suitable for meal-prep.

Expanded Conclusion

Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken is the ultimate effortless, flavorful meal. Juicy chicken, herby cilantro, tangy lime, and rich tomato sauce combine into a dish that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or casual dinner parties.

It’s versatile, simple, and healthy—proof that slow cooker meals can be both convenient and exciting. Try it over rice, in tacos, or in your favorite grain bowls, and savor the vibrant flavors with minimal effort.

This recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Don’t forget to share it with family and friends—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears!

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