Crock Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken

This Crock Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken is an incredibly easy, dump-and-go recipe perfect for busy weeknights. It delivers vibrant, tangy flavors that will be a hit with the whole family.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 2

Finishing Time 15

Total Time 2

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
0.5 cup chicken broth
0.25 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2-3 limes)
0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
cooking spray or oil for greasing the slow cooker
cooked rice optional for serving
avocado optional for serving
sour cream or Greek yogurt optional for serving
salsa optional for serving
cheese optional for serving
extra cilantro optional for serving

Equipment

Slow Cooker
Small Bowl
Cutting board
Two forks
Saucepan (for reheating alternative)
Microwave-safe dish (for reheating alternative)
Oven-safe dish (for reheating alternative)

Method

Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a little oil. This prevents the chicken from sticking and makes for easier cleanup.
cooking spray or oil
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Sprinkle the rinsed and drained black beans evenly over the chicken. Then, pour the entire can of undrained diced tomatoes with green chilies over the beans and chicken. The liquid from the canned tomatoes will contribute to the sauce.
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained, 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, fresh lime juice, chopped fresh cilantro, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Ensure all the spices are well combined with the liquids.
0.5 cup chicken broth, 0.25 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2-3 limes), 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder, 0.25 teaspoon salt, 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Evenly pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken, beans, and tomatoes in the slow cooker. Make sure to distribute it so the chicken is somewhat submerged.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The ideal cooking time will depend on your individual slow cooker and the thickness of your chicken. For chicken thighs, you might need a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are fork-tender.
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker with the beans and tomato mixture. Stir everything together to coat the chicken with the flavorful sauce. Let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes on warm setting, or until the chicken is heated through and well combined with the other ingredients. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Ladle the Crock Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken over cooked rice, or use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or salads. Garnish with your favorite toppings like sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, salsa, shredded cheese, and extra fresh cilantro.
cooked rice, avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, salsa, cheese, extra cilantro

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat on stovetop, microwave, or oven.