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Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Calories 369 kcal

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.