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Home > Dinner > Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos

Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos

By Ashlyn Edwards October 29, 2020 288 Comments

ChickenCrockpotDinnerMain DishMexican

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shredded chicken topped with cilantro
chicken tacos on a platter topped with pico and cilantro

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!

chicken tacos on a platter topped with pico and cilantro

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.

shredded chicken topped with cilantro

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

chicken tacos on a platter topped with pico and cilantro

 

How to Make Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos – Step by Step

  1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.a crockpot bowl filled with raw chicken
  2. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the top, then cover with salsa, lime juice, and cilantro.a crockpot bowl with chicken, salsa, lime, and cilantro
  3. 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.shredded chicken in a bowl with salsa poured in
  4. 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!chicken tacos on a platter topped with pico and cilantro

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.

up close of chicken tacos on a platter topped with pico and cilantro

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.

shredded chicken topped with cilantro

 

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! 

chicken tacos on a platter topped with pico and cilantro

More Delicious Crockpot Recipes

  • Crockpot Chicken and Noodles
  • Slow Cooker Taco Soup
  • French Dip Sandwiches
chicken tacos on a platter topped with pico and cilantro

Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos

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!
4.96 from 74 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 154kcal
Author: Ashlyn Edwards | Belle of the Kitchen

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

Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 817mg | Potassium: 589mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 685IU | Vitamin C: 6.4mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 0.9mg
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!Mention @TheBelleoftheKitchen or tag #BelleoftheKitchen

Adapted from Allrecipes

 

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Comments

  1. Tia says

    October 12, 2020 at 3:14 pm

    5 stars
    LOVE this recipe! Has anyone converted it to the Instant Pot for an even faster dinner? If so, how long did you need to cook it?

    Reply
  2. Jennifer Reeves says

    September 27, 2020 at 12:21 pm

    5 stars
    Family favorite! Quick, easy O points if your on blue program of weight watchers and affordable. Love love this recipe!!

    Reply
  3. Lincoln says

    September 21, 2020 at 8:08 am

    This is a great recipe! I’ve made it numerous times now, and I use a cilantro lime salsa and packed 1/4 cup cilantro. I return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker with all the juices and cook it for just another five minutes to let the flavor really soak in. This is my go-to for taco night! Thanks for sharing, so easy and hardly any cleanup!

    Reply
  4. Jeanne Southern says

    September 11, 2020 at 8:45 am

    5 stars
    This is amazing and super easy!
    I have very picky eaters who LOVE this.

    Reply
  5. Crystal Richardson says

    September 6, 2020 at 6:39 pm

    5 stars
    This is delicious! I made a mango salsa to go with it on the tacos, muy bien 😋

    Reply
  6. Megan | Bookstacks & Golden Moms says

    August 29, 2020 at 8:38 pm

    Yum! Taco night is a regular occurrence at our house. I’ll have to give these a try 🙂

    Reply
  7. Ali says

    August 29, 2020 at 3:26 pm

    5 stars
    Can I make these ahead a day or two do you think?

    Reply
  8. Nicole says

    August 28, 2020 at 6:15 am

    5 stars
    This loooks amazing! I can’t wait to try it. This is for sure going on my meal plan for next week.

    Reply
  9. Sharon says

    August 27, 2020 at 7:55 pm

    5 stars
    These chicken tacos are so good! I love that I can put the chicken in the slow cooker and it’s ready when I get home.

    Reply
  10. Jdalton says

    July 30, 2020 at 10:25 am

    I like to review comments of recipes I’m considering to find others tweaks and modifications. Sometimes the recipe poster has made an error or missed an essential step or ingredient. NOT ONE PERSON HAD ANY CRITICISM OF THIS RECIPE!! I’m getting ready to make this GRAND-SLAM of a recipe now and can’t wait!!!
    Thank you for such a winning recipe!!!

    Reply
  11. Chris says

    July 22, 2020 at 2:21 pm

    Anybody try adding canned black beans to this? Or corn? Full burrito style😉

    Reply
    • Barb says

      October 27, 2020 at 1:05 pm

      I always serve with black beans.

      Reply
  12. Melinda McLaney says

    July 10, 2020 at 10:40 am

    5 stars
    Excellent recipe.

    Reply
  13. Abby says

    May 16, 2020 at 2:32 pm

    5 stars
    Love these! I’ve made them many times. They are stupid easy!

    Reply
  14. Heather says

    May 7, 2020 at 6:24 pm

    5 stars
    How long should you set for instapot?

    Reply
  15. Jeff McWhorter says

    April 19, 2020 at 10:48 am

    First of all, welcome to Texas!
    I haven’t tried this recipe yet, but it sounds delicious! Everyone in my family loves all the ingredients, so it should be a huge hit.

    Reply
  16. Megan Clouse says

    March 23, 2020 at 9:22 am

    5 stars
    This recipe has become a staple in our home and I’m so grateful every time I make it! We do chicken burritos or pile a heap onto lettuce or sauteed kale. Thank you for this great recipe! I share it with everyone I know.

    Reply
  17. Alexandra says

    January 23, 2020 at 8:29 pm

    5 stars
    These pack a great flavour punch – they were definitely a hit with the whole family, and will be made on regular repeat. SO tasty!

    Reply
  18. Caroline says

    January 23, 2020 at 7:40 pm

    5 stars
    I love how incredibly easy this dish is. And as someone in the process of moving right now, I know exactly what you mean on the stress and hassle! But sounds like you had a great trip on the way.

    Reply
  19. Cyndy says

    January 23, 2020 at 7:29 pm

    5 stars
    You had me at cilantro! Yum this is a new fave!

    Reply
  20. Alison says

    January 23, 2020 at 6:52 pm

    5 stars
    Everyone in my family loves these tacos. Easy to prepare too!

    Reply
  21. Anjali says

    January 23, 2020 at 5:44 pm

    5 stars
    This was so easy to make but turned out to be so flavorful! Love the shortcut of using a slow cooker + taco seasoning to get deep flavor without a ton of work!

    Reply
  22. Karen says

    January 20, 2020 at 7:11 am

    I am cooking for just 2 people and don’t mind left overs but 8 servings seems a lot. May I cook half the recipe in a 6qt size crock pot?

    Reply
    • Ashlyn Edwards says

      January 20, 2020 at 10:01 am

      Yes!

      Reply
  23. LUCY says

    January 13, 2020 at 1:04 pm

    I have been using HEBs fresh medium salsa (in the produce department) for a lot of my Mexican recipes and it has been the perfect combination of tomato, onion, cilantro and spice! Ground meat and diced potatoes in broth with that salsa is the perfect picadillo soup. Much easier than dicing all the ingredients separately for a quick dinner.
    I will definitely try the cilantro lime chicken recipe soon. Thanks and I hope you are loving Texas!

    Reply
  24. Shelby says

    December 26, 2019 at 4:50 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe has turned into one of my all time favorites to make because not only is it delicious, it’s SUPER easy to make! 10/10 recommend

    Reply
  25. Jackie Hallead says

    December 26, 2019 at 4:32 pm

    Can you use fresh salsa?

    Reply
    • Ashlyn Edwards says

      December 30, 2019 at 9:53 am

      Sure!

      Reply
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Welcome!

Ashlyn from Belle of the Kitchen smiling for the cameraWell hello! I'm Ashlyn, and I'm so glad you're here! I hope you're hungry, cause I've got lots of family-friendly eats and treats just waiting for you! I'm a wife, mama, taco lover, and am blessed to be living in the great state of Texas. I love the south, cold brew coffee, Georgia football, cooking, and EATING!

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