This shredded slow cooker cilantro lime chicken is effortlessly delicious, made with just a handful of simple ingredients. The result? Tender, juicy chicken infused with zesty lime and fresh cilantro flavor. Perfect for burrito bowls, tacos, salads, wraps, and so much more!
Whether you’re prepping for Taco Tuesday or planning meals for the week, this easy crockpot chicken recipe will become your go-to. It’s low-fuss, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy to Prep: Just 10 minutes of prep—then let your slow cooker do the rest!
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Less than 10 ingredients, but the flavor is fresh and bold.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and use it all week in different dishes.
- Versatile: Use it for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, quesadillas, wraps, and more.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make it ahead and freeze for future busy days.
🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Zest of 1 lime + juice from 4 limes
- ½ to 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Tip: Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor. Bottled juice tends to be less vibrant and may taste bitter.
👩🍳 How to Make Shredded Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Mix the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, combine chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, lime juice, and lime zest. - Add to the Slow Cooker:
Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the seasoned broth over top. - Cook:
- Cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours
- Or on LOW for 5–6 hours
(Chicken should be fully cooked and easy to shred.)
- Shred the Chicken:
Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot with the liquid. - Add Cilantro:
Stir in chopped cilantro and a little extra lime juice, if desired. Serve warm!
🔄 Recipe Variations
- Use Chicken Thighs: Swap breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
- Double the Batch: Just double the chicken and broth—no need to adjust the cook time!
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer:
- Before cooking: Add all ingredients (except cilantro) to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking as directed.
- After cooking: Let shredded chicken cool, then freeze with liquid (without cilantro). Reheat and stir in fresh cilantro when serving.
💡 Tips for Success
- Zest before Juicing: Always zest your limes before cutting them for juicing.
- Don’t Peek: Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid while cooking—trapped steam is key to juicy chicken!
- Fresh Lime Juice is Best: Roll limes on the counter to get the most juice.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This shredded cilantro lime chicken is super versatile! Try it with:
- Burrito bowls (rice, beans, salsa, guacamole)
- Soft or crunchy tacos
- Quesadillas
- Salads or lettuce wraps
- Nachos or loaded fries
Pair with a side of Mexican street corn, cilantro lime rice, or a crisp slaw for a complete meal.
📝 Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Shredded Cilantro Lime Chicken
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- Juice of 4 limes + zest of 1 lime
- ½ to 1 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together broth, lime juice, zest, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Add chicken and broth mixture to the slow cooker.
- Cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 5–6 hours.
- Shred chicken in the slow cooker using two forks.
- Stir in cilantro and more lime juice, if desired.
- Serve hot over rice, in tacos, or however you like!