Crockpot Cilantro Lime Chicken

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I have recently been experimenting with Crockpot/Slow Cooker recipes in an effort to streamline the busyness of our early evenings. I even created a CrockPot Inspiration board on Pinterest if you want to browse.

Last week I made a delicious Cilantro Lime Chicken which we ate all week. The first night we had it in flour tortillas with salsa. The next day, we had it on top of salad. Then I used it in a Chicken Noodle Soup. Love!Completely Addictive! Crockpot Cilantro Lime shredded chicken. And the tricks to keep chicken moist. Delicious! | the House of Hendrix

Crockpot Cilantro Lime Shredded Chicken

  • Chicken Breasts (or a whole chicken or thighs)
  • 5 Limes
  • Fresh Cilantro
  • Onion – cubed
  • Chicken Broth
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Garlic Powder

Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Shredded ChickenLay Chicken Breasts into bottom of crockpot. 4 breasts fit into my crockpot perfectly.

Squeeze several limes over chicken and cover with chicken broth. (I cover about half of the breast)

Sprinkle with Salt, Pepper, garlic powder, (optional dash of hot sauce or Lowrys seasoning for added flavor).

Cube an onion over chicken and lay several stalks of cilantro on top.

Cook on low for 4-6 hours. (try not to overcook)

Remove chicken and toss the wilted cilantro stalks.

Pour the liquid into a bowl for later.

Shred chicken with 2 forks.The best Slow Cook Shredded Chicken with Cilantro and Lime

Mix in some fresh cilantro.

Put the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and slowly add back in the broth-lime liquid. The chicken will quickly absorb the liquid bringing back moisture to the breast meat (other cuts will not be as dry). Continue adding the broth/lime liquid until it’s perfectly juicy. Use in soft tortillas with salsa. Add avocado and throw on a salad. We even used it in soup. Personal favorite, by itself.Crockpot Cilantro Lime shredded chicken.

Other optional tips to keep chicken moist:

  • Lay plastic wrap over crockpot before putting lid on.
  • Don’t lift lid during cooking. It releases moisture.
  • Use a whole chicken or thighs instead of breasts. The fat naturally keeps meat moist.
  • Add additional broth if needed over the next day or two.

Check out my Pinterest Crockpot recipes board here.

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76 thoughts on “Crockpot Cilantro Lime Chicken

  1. Very tasty! Happy with the recipe- thank you! We made it with chicken breasts, and it was very moist. We also prepared the entire recipe in the crockpot the night before, letting the chicken marinate in the lime juice overnight. Took it out of the fridge and plugged it in in the morning, cooking it for 5 hours. Chicken came out perfectly. Thanks 🙂

  2. I had something similar to this the other night at a friends and they added Thai chilles to this and it was awesome! Also wrapped it in cabbage:)

  3. This looks amazing! Tip for shredding the chicken breast: use your kitchen aide with paddle attachment when the chicken is still hot. Works like magic on the chicken breast and no work at all!

  4. Is there measurements for anything?? Like how many chicken breasts or how much garlic powder, salt and pepper? I’m just going to guess for now but the only amount given in your recipe is limes. Thanks. It sounds very tasty!

    • I usually put 4 or 5 breasts which fit my crockpot without overlap and then cover them halfway with broth. I make sure they are all sprinkled with spices evenly, but don’t measure. This is a very forgiving recipe as far as flavor goes. You can’t go wrong with cilantro, lime and onion all in one recipe? So it’s easy to adapt if you aren’t fond of cilantro or need a low sodium option.

  5. Is there a way to adjust this without using a crockpot? I would love to make it with shredded chicken I already have without it getting too dried out. I’m new to this. Thanks!

  6. Tip for not drying out meat in the crackpot…put it on top of a thickly sliced onion. Prevents the juices from being sucked out.

  7. Can’t wait to make this tomorrow! I’m doing a double batch using chicken thighs. Having it with oven roasted potatoes tomorrow, then using some of it with some quinoa for stuffed peppers another night. I can’t wait!

  8. I added a small can of diced green chili’s and some cumin too. I can not tell you how incredible the house smelled! This was a great filling for chimichangas too. Thanks for the recipe- you’re a crock star!

    • My favorite is in soft tacos! I serve soft tortillas and then let people choose their toppings like shredded cheddar, salsa, lettuce, sour cream. I prefer mine with a little greek Yogurt and salsa in the tortilla and that’s it. The next day I use the chicken in a salad.

  9. If you haven’t tried “bbq chicken tacos” yet… You’re missing out! Use this chicken mixed with your favorite bbq sauce… Soft tortillas, cilantro, tomatoes, avocado, little bit of sour cream, spicy jack cheese and frenches fried onions for a crispy surprise. Enjoy!

  10. Has anyone tried to cook this in a shorter amount of time, such as on a high setting instead of low? My gf requested I make this tonight and now its 2 and the cooking just started.. I hate to have dinner at 8 :/

  11. My chicken was dry, but I did use the chicken breasts. I shredded the chicken and add the broth back in. I will see if it absorbs the juices. Fingers crossed.

    • Yes chicken breasts have the least fat of chicken parts which is the biggest struggle using them in a crock pot which is why I add the juices back in. The juices reabsorb and moisten the chicken. I have added chicken broth to it a few days later when I wanted juicer meat for a salad or something. There are a few tricks to help not dry out your chicken which I listed at the bottom of the post.

  12. Made this for dinner last night- everyone loved it! Even the picky eaters loved it! Will definitely be making again. Thanks for sharing!

  13. Making it as I type and the house smells divine… quick question: how did you turn this into a soup? Thanks for sharing this recipe 🙂

  14. Love this recipe!! I use the leftover broth to cook some rice in. Then I add some black beans and guacamole, all wrapped up in a tortilla shell!

  15. How would you prepare this for a gallon freezer bag? Would you add the chicken broth to the bag or add then when actually making the meal.

  16. Wow. YUMMMM. So good. I decided to make this last minute, so made it on the stove instead and my house instantly smelled heavenly. Even my kids gobbled this up in tortillas! Next week I’m going for the crock pot 🙂

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