This Cilantro Lime Boneless Chicken Slow Cooker Fiesta is a zesty, flavorful dish packed with the freshness of lime, aromatic cilantro, and bold spices. The slow cooker ensures juicy, tender chicken that’s perfect for tacos, rice bowls, salads, or wraps. A delicious, easy, and meal-prep-friendly dinner for busy weeknights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Slow Cooker Meal – Simply toss the ingredients in, let the crock pot do the work, and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.
- Zesty & Refreshing Flavor – The bright lime, fresh cilantro, and bold spices create a perfectly balanced dish with a slight tang and warmth.
- Versatile & Customizable – Serve it shredded or whole in tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or over rice.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Make a batch and store for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Healthy & High-Protein – Made with lean boneless chicken, this dish is packed with protein and nutrients.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice provides the best bright, citrusy flavor. Avoid bottled juice if possible.
- Marinate for More Flavor – If time allows, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to an hour before slow cooking.
- Slow Cook on LOW for Maximum Tenderness – Cooking on LOW for 6–7 hours keeps the chicken juicy and easy to shred.
- Crispy Option – After slow cooking, broil shredded chicken for 3–5 minutes for crispy edges.
- Use Bone Broth Instead of Water – This enhances the flavor and adds extra nutrients.
Yield: Serves 6
Cilantro Lime Boneless Chicken Slow Cooker Fiesta
This Cilantro Lime Boneless Chicken is a slow cooker fiesta, full of zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and bold, aromatic spices.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
4 hours
Additional Time
5 minutes
Total Time
4 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ¼ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken – Place the boneless chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Mix the Seasonings – In a small bowl, combine cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle evenly over the chicken.
- Add Fresh Ingredients – Pour the fresh lime juice over the seasoned chicken and add the chopped cilantro and minced garlic.
- Pour in the Liquids – Add olive oil, chicken broth, and honey for added flavor and moisture.
- Slow Cook for Tender Perfection – Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours (or HIGH for 3–4 hours).
- Shred or Serve Whole – Use two forks to shred the chicken for tacos, burrito bowls, or salads, or serve it whole for a plated dish.
- Garnish and Enjoy – Sprinkle extra fresh cilantro and an additional squeeze of lime juice before serving.
Notes
- Great for Meal Prep! – Make extra and store for quick and easy meals.
- Pairs Well With – Serve over rice, in lettuce wraps, or as taco filling.
- Perfect for Tacos – Add toppings like avocado, diced tomatoes, or a drizzle of sour cream.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 337Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 157mgSodium 338mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 0gSugar 3gProtein 52g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredient Notes
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken (2 lbs) – Use breasts for a leaner option or thighs for a more tender, juicy texture.
- Lime Juice (¼ cup, fresh-squeezed) – Adds a refreshing tang and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Cilantro (½ cup, chopped) – Infuses the dish with fresh, herby flavor. Save some for garnish!
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Enhances the savory depth of the dish.
- Cumin (1 teaspoon) – Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
- Chili Powder (1 teaspoon) – Brings a mild heat and smoky kick.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon) – Provides a slightly sweet, smoky undertone.
- Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) – Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon) – Keeps the chicken moist and tender.
- Chicken Broth (½ cup, low sodium) – Prevents drying out and adds extra depth of flavor.
- Honey (1 tablespoon, optional) – Balances the acidity with a slight touch of sweetness.
Variations and Substitutions
- Spicy Version – Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño for extra heat.
- Dairy-Free Option – No dairy in this dish, but for a creamy twist, add coconut yogurt instead of sour cream as a topping.
- Smokier Flavor – Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper smoky taste.
- Low-Carb/Keto – Serve with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps instead of tortillas or regular rice.
- Extra Tangy – Add zest from one lime for a bolder citrus flavor.
Storage Options
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Once cooled, freeze in sealed bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating – Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.
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