These Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos are so delicious and simple to make! A five ingredient dump-and-go meal that takes minutes to prepare and cooks all day in the slow cooker!
Since fall is in full swing, that means it’s also crockpot season!
My favorite kind of crockpot meals are the ones that require absolutely zero work aside from throwing everything into the crockpot (like Mississippi Pot Roast) and these Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos fit that bill, y’all!
Five ingredients, dump ’em in, and check back in a few hours. You cannot beat that.
I served up these Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos over some freshly made flour tortillas from H.E.B (the most amazing grocery store I’ve ever set foot in, by the way; God Bless Texas!) then topped them with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a drizzle of ranch, and even more cilantro!
Yes, hopefully if you’re reading this post you are a fellow cilantro lover, because there is plenty of it in this recipe!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos
- chicken breasts
- taco seasoning
- salsa
- cilantro
- limes
How to Make Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos – Step by Step
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the top, then cover with salsa, lime juice, and cilantro.
- Place lid on top and cook for four hours on high, or 6-7 hours on low. Remove chicken from crockpot to a separate bowl and shred with two forks. Moisten chicken with small amounts of juice left over from the crockpot until you get the amount of moisture that you like. I used about 1/2 – 3/4 cup juice.
- Serve with taco shells or tortillas, adding on your favorite toppings. I like to use shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, cheese, sour cream, and even a drizzle of ranch dressing. Enjoy!
Tips and Notes
How to make Cilantro Lime Chicken in the Instant Pot
On super busy nights, or when I forget to put everything in the crockpot in time, I like to make this in the Instant Pot. Add 1/2 a cup of chicken broth or water to the bottom of your Instant Pot, then add the rest of the ingredients on top. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. Release any remaining pressure, remove the lid, and shred chicken as directed.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Chicken thighs work great in place of chicken thighs. All instructions and cook times remain the same for thighs.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken in either the crockpot or Instant Pot version. You might need to increase the cook time by about 1-2 hours in the slow cooker. For the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 20 minutes with a 10 minute natural release before releasing any remaining pressure.
Is Cilantro Lime Chicken Gluten Free?
Yes, just make sure you choose a gluten-free taco seasoning. Many of the kinds that you can buy at the store are gluten-free, just double check the labels. You can also make a this homemade taco seasoning.
Can I freeze Cilantro Lime Chicken?
Yes! I like to make a big batch and freeze leftovers. Once your chicken is cooled, add small servings to individual ziplock bags and squeeze out the air. Lay flat and place in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight then reheat on the stove over low heat, or in the microwave.
How to serve Cilantro Lime Chicken
You can serve with hard or soft taco shells, and sprinkle on all of your favorite toppings! Pico, guacamole, cilantro, sour cream, and cheese are some of our favorites.
You can also serve over rice to make cilantro lime chicken burrito bowls, or over mixed salad greens for a cilantro lime chicken salad!
More Delicious Crockpot Recipes
Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, (fresh or frozen)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix, (I use low sodium)
- 1 16 oz jar salsa , (use your favorite; I used a local Texas brand)
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- juice from two limes
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the top, then cover with salsa, lime juice, and cilantro.
- Place lid on top and cook for four hours on high, or 6-7 hours on low. Remove chicken from crockpot to a separate bowl and shred with two forks. Moisten chicken with small amounts of juice left over from the crockpot until you get the amount of moisture that you like. I used about 1/2 - 3/4 cup juice.
- Serve with taco shells or tortillas, adding on your favorite toppings. I like to use shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, cheese, sour cream, and even a drizzle of ranch dressing. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- How to make Cilantro Lime Chicken in the Instant Pot: On super busy nights, or when I forget to put everything in the crockpot in time, I like to make this in the Instant Pot. Add 1/2 a cup of chicken broth or water to the bottom of your Instant Pot, then add the rest of the ingredients on top. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. Release any remaining pressure, remove the lid, and shred chicken as directed.
- Using chicken thighs: Chicken thighs work great in place of chicken thighs. All instructions and cook times remain the same for thighs.
- Using frozen chicken: You can use frozen chicken in either the crockpot or Instant Pot version. You might need to increase the cook time by about 1-2 hours in the slow cooker. For the Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 20 minutes with a 10 minute natural release before releasing any remaining pressure.
- Gluten Free: This recipe is gluten free, just make sure you choose a gluten-free taco seasoning. Many of the kinds that you can buy at the store are gluten-free, just double check the labels. You can also make a this homemade taco seasoning.
- Freezing leftovers: I like to make a big batch and freeze leftovers. Once your chicken is cooled, add small servings to individual ziplock bags and squeeze out the air. Lay flat and place in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight then reheat on the stove over low heat, or in the microwave.
- Serving Suggestions: You can serve with hard or soft taco shells, and sprinkle on all of your favorite toppings! Pico, guacamole, cilantro, sour cream, and cheese are some of our favorites. You can also serve over rice to make cilantro lime chicken burrito bowls, or over mixed salad greens for a cilantro lime chicken salad!
Nutrition
Adapted from Allrecipes
Christa r says
Has anyone tried or know if these could be made with beef? And if so, is it best with like sirloin or a roast then shredded or would ground beef be better?
KMC707 says
The BEST tacos ever!! So easy and such a crowd pleaser. This is one of my “go-to” recipes for entertaining large groups and even for a family dinner with left overs for the next day. I recommend it all the time!!
Dana says
Great recipe works in a pinch when you forgot to pull something out of the freezer for Dinner.
Kendra Grimes says
Yes you can. You use the same method only in a big pot on medium. Cook about 2 to 3 hours. Chicken should just fall apart when you pick it up. Be sure to check it every hour. Hope this helps.
Brooke K says
Hi! I would LOVE to try these; however, I don’t have a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. Does anyone know if the recipe can be altered for simmering on the stovetop or something similar? I live in an apartment where there isn’t much room to store small kitchen appliances but I may just have to invest in a slow cooker since all of the yummy recipes I seem to come across use one!
Thanks in advance!
Randa says
You totally can. I would just simmer on stove top, lid on until chicken is cooked through. If you cut chicken into pieces it will cook faster
Beth says
Yum! So flavorful and juicy (must add juice from slow cooker as suggested). This has become our new go-to taco meat choice.
Richard Tunner says
Looks yummy. I prefer to use chicken thighs with bones. How long do you recommend on low? I also like to sear the thighs before adding liquid. Thanks!
Ashlyn Edwards says
Hi Richard! I would keep the cooking time the same.
Julia says
These are just delicious–and so easy!
agreso says
OMG! I love tacos! This recipe sounds so delicious and looks so vibrant!
Barbara A Houston says
This recipe is absolutely delicious. I did not make tacos, just ate it by itself. I believe it is 0 weight watcher points.
Mae says
OMG! I love tacos! This recipe sounds so delicious and looks so vibrant!
Monica Simpson says
I love easy recipes like this! 5 ingredients is perfect!
Heather @ US Japan Fam says
YASS!!! This is my go-to item from our favorite take out spot, now I can finally try to make it on my own!!! Think I’m gonna throw some mango into the salsa too!
Mahnoor Khurram says
My mouth is watering looking at the picture!
Marta says
I love the look of these tacos, but what’s really inspiring me to make them is how easy the slow cooker makes them.