Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken
Description:
Transform ordinary, often dry, boneless, skinless chicken breasts into a culinary masterpiece with this Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe. Let your crockpot work its magic, infusing the chicken with a vibrant blend of spices and citrus for a healthy, incredibly flavorful, and effortlessly tender dinner. The slow and low cooking process ensures that every strand of chicken is saturated with deliciousness. From tacos and bowls to burritos and salads, the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken is a game-changer for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it do the work for you. No complicated techniques or constant monitoring required. Secondly, the flavor is outstanding. The combination of lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and spices creates a bright, zesty, and aromatic profile that will tantalize your taste buds. The chicken emerges from the slow cooker unbelievably tender and juicy, a far cry from the dry, bland chicken breasts we often encounter. Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. Use it in countless dishes, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Plus, it is relatively healthy.
Introduction:
In today’s fast-paced world, finding the time to prepare healthy and delicious meals can be a challenge. That’s where the slow cooker comes to the rescue. It’s a kitchen appliance that allows you to create flavorful, satisfying meals with minimal effort. This Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe perfectly embodies the beauty of slow cooking. It’s a dump-and-go recipe that yields incredible results. The chicken slow-cooks in a tangy, herbaceous sauce, becoming incredibly tender and infused with flavor. The aroma that fills your home while it cooks is simply irresistible. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week ahead. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress. Get ready to experience the magic of slow cooking and enjoy a truly exceptional chicken dish.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lime juice, freshly squeezed for the best flavor
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped (see Note 1 for heat adjustment)
- 2 teaspoons cumin, ground
- 1 teaspoon paprika, smoked paprika adds a deeper flavor
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste (see Notes)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Cilantro Lime Sauce. In a food processor, combine the chicken broth, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, jalapeno (seeded and chopped), cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Blend until smooth. Pulse the food processor until the garlic and jalapeno are finely pulverized and the sauce is well incorporated. This ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the chicken during the slow cooking process.
Step 3: Arrange the Chicken. Lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer in the bottom of your slow cooker. It’s important to avoid overcrowding the slow cooker, as this can affect the cooking time and prevent the chicken from cooking evenly. If necessary, cut the chicken breasts into smaller pieces to fit comfortably in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce. Pour the blended cilantro lime sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring that each piece is well coated. This will help to infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Chicken. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours, or until the chicken is very tender and easily pulls apart with the tines of a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts, as well as the specific settings of your slow cooker.
Step 6: Shred and Serve. Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it right in the slow cooker. Add the chopped fresh cilantro and toss until well combined. The cilantro will add a burst of freshness and aroma to the chicken. Serve immediately while it’s warm and juicy.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Tacos: The classic choice! Serve the shredded chicken in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, and salsa.
- Burrito Bowls: Create a flavorful and healthy burrito bowl by serving the chicken over rice or quinoa, along with black beans, corn, salsa, guacamole, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Salads: Add the shredded chicken to your favorite salad for a protein-packed and flavorful meal. Try it on a bed of mixed greens with black beans, corn, avocado, tomatoes, and a lime vinaigrette.
- Burritos: Wrap the shredded chicken in a large tortilla with rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a satisfying and portable meal.
- Nachos: Pile the shredded chicken onto tortilla chips with melted cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for a delicious appetizer or snack.
- Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with shredded cheese and the chicken, and cook in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown.
- Sandwiches: Serve the shredded chicken on toasted buns or rolls with your favorite toppings for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
- Pizza Topping: Add the shredded chicken to your homemade or store-bought pizza for a flavorful and protein-rich topping.
Tips:
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer spicier chicken, keep the jalapeno seeds and/or double the jalapenos. You may also want to add up to 1 teaspoon of chili powder to the sauce.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lime juice and cilantro for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can become dry. Check for doneness after 3 hours on high or 5 hours on low.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by removing the chicken and simmering the sauce on high for a few minutes, or by adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).
- Salt to Taste: Adjust the amount of salt to your liking. Keep in mind that the chicken broth may already contain salt.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This will save you time on the day you plan to cook the chicken.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 269 kcal
- Protein: 33 g
- Sodium: 418 mg
Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe is a versatile and delicious way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s perfect for tacos, bowls, salads, or any other creative culinary creation. Let your slow cooker do the work, and enjoy the incredible flavors of cilantro, lime, and spices. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: While fresh chicken breasts are preferred for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen chicken breasts in a pinch. However, it’s important to note that the cooking time will need to be extended, typically by 1-2 hours, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Also, frozen chicken releases more liquid during cooking, which may result in a slightly thinner sauce. Be sure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q2: Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the oven or stovetop. To bake the chicken, place it in a baking dish, pour the sauce over it, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. For the stovetop, simmer the chicken in the sauce over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q3: Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker with the chicken?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables to the slow cooker can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish. Some good options include sliced bell peppers, onions, corn kernels, and black beans. Add them to the slow cooker along with the chicken and sauce. They will cook alongside the chicken, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
Q4: How long can I store the leftovers?
A: Leftovers of this Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q5: Can I make this recipe spicier?
A: Yes, if you enjoy spicy food, there are several ways to increase the heat level of this recipe. You can leave the seeds in the jalapeno, double the amount of jalapeno, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce, or use a spicier variety of chili powder. Experiment with different amounts and combinations to find the perfect level of spiciness for your taste.
Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken
Ingredients
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lime juice freshly squeezed for the best flavor
- 4 cloves garlic peeled and smashed
- 1 jalapeno seeded and chopped (see Note 1 for heat adjustment)
- 2 teaspoons cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika adds a deeper flavor
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste (see Notes)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper freshly ground
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Cilantro Lime Sauce. In a food processor, combine the chicken broth, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, jalapeno (seeded and chopped), cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Blend until smooth. Pulse the food processor until the garlic and jalapeno are finely pulverized and the sauce is well incorporated. This ensures that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the chicken during the slow cooking process.
- Step 3: Arrange the Chicken. Lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer in the bottom of your slow cooker. It’s important to avoid overcrowding the slow cooker, as this can affect the cooking time and prevent the chicken from cooking evenly. If necessary, cut the chicken breasts into smaller pieces to fit comfortably in the slow cooker.
- Step 4: Pour the Sauce. Pour the blended cilantro lime sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring that each piece is well coated. This will help to infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
- Step 5: Slow Cook the Chicken. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours, or until the chicken is very tender and easily pulls apart with the tines of a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts, as well as the specific settings of your slow cooker.
- Step 6: Shred and Serve. Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it right in the slow cooker. Add the chopped fresh cilantro and toss until well combined. The cilantro will add a burst of freshness and aroma to the chicken. Serve immediately while it’s warm and juicy.
