Fresh Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos
A flavorful and easy slow cooker recipe for tender cilantro lime chicken tacos, perfect for quick weeknight dinners with fresh ingredients and minimal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 8-10 tacos (about 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
- Juice of 2 medium limes (about 4 tablespoons)
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (about 15 grams)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth (120 ml)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8–10 small corn or flour tortillas
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry 1.5 pounds of chicken breasts or thighs. Place them in the slow cooker base.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of 2 limes, ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ cup chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Gently turn the pieces with tongs to help the flavors penetrate.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easy to shred.
- Remove the chicken to a plate and shred using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and stir to soak up any remaining juices.
- About 10 minutes before serving, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or wrapped in foil in the oven at 350°F (175°C).
- Spoon the shredded cilantro lime chicken onto warm tortillas and add your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced avocado, salsa, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Notes
If the sauce is too thin, cook uncovered on high for the last 15-20 minutes to thicken. Add extra fresh lime juice just before serving for brightness. Use two forks to shred chicken gently for better texture. Do not overcrowd the slow cooker. Prep toppings ahead to save time. For dairy-free, omit cheese and sour cream. Frozen chicken can be used but increase cooking time by 1 hour on low.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 tacos per se
- Calories: 300350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
Keywords: cilantro lime chicken, slow cooker chicken tacos, easy chicken tacos, weeknight dinner, Mexican tacos, healthy tacos, slow cooker recipes