Cilantro Lime Chicken Crockpot Recipe (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Cilantro Lime Chicken Crockpot recipe is so simple and easy. The slow cooker does all the work. Crockpot cilantro lime chicken is an amazing dish that is packed with flavor.

Cooking crock pot recipes saves me time, money and gets a delicious dinner on the table on a busy weeknight. This restaurant quality cilantro chicken is full of flavor and juicy.

You can serve this over rice for an easy meal. We also love this Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe. If you’re looking for a simple and delicious meal, this is it! You may even like this Pollo Asado.

Why We Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick to prep and made with simple ingredients. We love to make this cilantro chicken ahead of time and meal prep for the week. We have used this chicken in many ways and is always a crowd favorite.

This chicken is perfect to serve for any occasion or a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
• Tomato Sauce
• Bunch of Fresh Cilantro (torn apart) – If you don’t like cilantro check out our The Best Cilantro Substitutes
• Fresh Lime, juiced (Best Substitute for Lime Juice)
• Chili Powder
• Cumin
• Garlic salt or powder
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Seasoning – Feel free to change the seasoning to what you prefer. However, if you do not have cumin or chili powder, you could use taco seasoning instead. You can even add red pepper flakes to add a kick to the taste.
• Chicken – We used chicken breast in this recipe but you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenders.
• Cilantro – Cilantro is one of the main ingredients in this recipe. But it can easily be taken out if you are not a fan.

Step by Step Instructions

• Step 1 – Add the chicken breasts to the crockpot (mine were frozen)

• Step 2 – Dump in the seasonings (including chopped cilantro – Check out How to Cut Cilantro) and squeeze the juice from the lime. (this is what I use to get all the lime juice out).

• Step 3 – Pour 1 can of tomato sauce on top.

• Step 4 – Cook the chicken on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. (If you have to cook it longer than 8 hours due to work, then add ½ can of water) Cooking times will vary depending on the size of your chicken.

• Step 5 – Shred chicken, stir and serve.

Recipe Tips

• One Pot Meal – There is no need to mix the seasoning separately. Everything gets dump easily in the slow cooker for an easy one pot meal.
• Freezer Prep – This is a perfect meal to freezer prep with. Place all the ingredients in the a freezer safe bag uncooked and place in the freezer.
• Shredding Chicken – You can easily shred the chicken with two forks. But learn how to shred chicken with a mixer.

How to Make in the Instant Pot

Yes, definitely! To create this recipe in the instant pot, throw all the ingredients in the instant pot and add 1 cup of chicken broth. Then place the lid on and make sure the nob is set to sealing.

Click the manual button and turn it to 15 minutes (20 minutes if you have 4 or more chicken breasts). Do the quick release to release the pressure. Remove the chicken and shred.

Return to the instant pot and stir. Then switch the instant pot to the sauté setting and cook off the additional liquid in the instant pot.

Favorite Toppings

We love to serve this chicken in many different recipes. But serving with your favorite toppings makes any recipe complete. These are some of our favorites.

• More Cilantro
• Sour Cream
• Salsa
• Lettuce
• Red Onion
• Diced Avocado
• Shredded Cheese

Serving Suggestions

This shredded chicken is so delicious served over white rice, brown rice or cauliflower rice. We even love to make burrito bowls layered with black beans and salsa. This chicken is even delicious topped a garden salad for a low carb option.

You can even use this chicken to roll up to make chicken enchiladas in about 30 minutes or make chicken nachos. The options are endless and always taste amazing.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Easy Cilantro Lime Recipes

• Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
• Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs Recipe
• Crockpot Black Bean Soup with Cilantro

We love to hear from you. If you make this slow cooker cilantro lime chicken recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.