Description
Zesty cilantro lime chicken emerges as a vibrant Mexican-inspired dish with tender, flavorful meat that practically falls apart. Minimal ingredients and easy slow cooker preparation make this meal a weeknight winner for families craving bold, fresh southwestern flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Other Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
- Nestle whole chicken breasts into the slow cooker basin, creating an even layer at the bottom of the pot.
- Generously dust the chicken with a blend of aromatic spices: chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, ground pepper, and a pinch of salt, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Scatter freshly chopped cilantro leaves across the seasoned chicken, creating a vibrant green layer.
- Drizzle tangy lime juice evenly over the herbs and spices, allowing the citrus to penetrate the meat.
- Carefully pour tomato sauce over the chicken, making sure the sauce covers the entire surface of the meat completely.
- Set the slow cooker to low temperature and allow the chicken to simmer and tenderize for 6 to 8 hours, or alternatively use high temperature for 3 to 4 hours until the meat becomes effortlessly shreddable.
- Using two forks, gently pull the chicken apart directly in the cooking liquid, creating succulent shredded meat that absorbs the rich, spicy sauce.
- Serve the zesty cilantro lime chicken piping hot, either as a standalone dish or nestled over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Meal prepping becomes a breeze with this hands-off chicken recipe that transforms ordinary breasts into a zesty, tender delight.
- Versatile dish works perfectly for busy weeknights, packed lunches, or quick family dinners with minimal cleanup required.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days, maintaining maximum flavor and juiciness when refrigerated promptly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg