Description
Succulent cilantro lime chicken emerges as a zingy Mexican-inspired dinner that brings bold flavors straight to your table. Slow-cooked tender meat mingles with zesty herbs, inviting spice lovers to savor each mouthwatering bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 lbs (0.9 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Aromatics:
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional: 1 jalapeno, finely diced
- Extra chopped cilantro and lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Nestle whole chicken pieces into the crockpot base, ensuring they form a single layer without overcrowding.
- Create a vibrant marinade by blending tangy lime juice, aromatic zest, savory chicken broth, fragrant olive oil, minced garlic, warm cumin, spicy chili powder, and seasoning.
- Gently fold fresh chopped cilantro into the liquid mixture, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Carefully drizzle the seasoned marinade over the chicken, ensuring even distribution.
- Optional: Sprinkle sliced jalapeno peppers across the top for an extra kick of heat.
- Secure the crockpot lid and set to low temperature, allowing the chicken to slowly tenderize for 5-6 hours.
- Alternatively, use high temperature setting for a quicker 2.5-3.5 hour cooking time.
- Confirm chicken’s doneness by checking that meat easily pulls apart and reaches safe internal temperature.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken directly within the crockpot, allowing it to absorb surrounding aromatic juices.
- Serve the succulent, flavor-infused chicken in versatile presentations like tacos, burrito bowls, lettuce wraps, or atop fluffy rice.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is fresh and at room temperature before placing in the slow cooker for even cooking.
- Use fresh lime juice and zest for brighter, more vibrant flavors that enhance the overall dish.
- Adjust spice levels by removing jalapeno seeds or using milder peppers for sensitive palates.
- For a low-carb version, serve in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg