This shredded cilantro lime chicken is juicy, flavorful, and so easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, your slow cooker does all the work—leaving you with perfectly tender chicken that’s great for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, and more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep – only 10 minutes of hands-on time.
- Simple ingredients – less than 10 pantry staples, yet big on flavor.
- Versatile – perfect for tacos, burritos, rice bowls, salads, or meal prep.
- Freezer-friendly – make ahead and save for busy nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- Zest and juice of 2 limes (fresh is best!)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the liquid: In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, lime zest, and lime juice.
- Add to slow cooker: Place chicken breasts in the crock pot and pour the liquid mixture on top.
- Cook: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 5–6 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker juices.
- Finish: Stir in fresh cilantro and adjust lime juice to taste.
- Serve: Enjoy in tacos, burritos, bowls, or on top of rice with your favorite toppings.
Recipe Variations
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for even juicier meat.
- Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for spice.
- Double the recipe (including liquid) for meal prep.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor—avoid bottled.
- Zest before juicing your limes to maximize flavor.
- Don’t peek! Keep the slow cooker lid closed while cooking to maintain heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer Instructions
- Before cooking: Combine raw chicken and liquid in a freezer bag, press out the air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as directed.
- After cooking: Freeze cooled shredded chicken (with liquid) in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight, reheat on the stove or microwave, and stir in fresh cilantro before serving.
Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken
4
servings10
minutes4
hoursSlow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken
This easy slow cooker cilantro lime chicken is juicy, flavorful, and fall-apart tender. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s the perfect base for burrito bowls, tacos, salads, or wraps!
Ingredients
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
Juice of 4 limes + zest of 1 lime
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½–1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Directions
- In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, lime juice, and lime zest.
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the mixture over top.
- Cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 5–6 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Shred chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
- Stir in chopped cilantro and add extra lime juice to taste.



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