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!
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
Recipe: 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!
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!
Adapted from Allrecipes
If I want to double this recipe, would that change the amount of time it needs in the slow cooker? Thanks!
Hi Megan, the time shouldn’t really change.
Can I cook this in the instant pot if so for how long and on what setting?
Hi! Has anyone tried this in an Instant Pot? Curious of the cooking times used. Sounds like a quick, easy crockpot dinner. Thanks!
Iโve tried this in an instant pot and did not like it as much that way. It was kinda dry that way. Itโs much better in the slow cooker!
Could you make this recipe with cooked pre-shredded chicken (thinking Costco)? I am catering for 50 people so any ways to quick/easy hacks I will be using ????
Hi Renee, I wouldn’t recommend this particular recipe using already cooked chicken. I’m sorry!!
Hi Rene, if you were thinking of warming the premade chicken in the crockpot and adding the ingredients you wouldn’t get the flavor that you would from starting with raw chicken…that being said making a chicken taco bar, or. Chicken spaghetti, one of my friends did a different take on Sheppard pie, she took baked potatoes like you would for twice baked but instead of the normal potato filling she did chicken taco seasoning wiith mixed vegetables and cheese mixed with the potato filling garnish with more cheese and added sour cream on top it wasn’t bad. She makes them at most church potlucks.
My mouth is literally watering. I wish this were in front of me.
What size crock pot did you use? I find the size makes a big difference in cook times…. I have the larger one – I think 6 quart and find most slow cooker recipesi make with chicken need to be adjusted for time BIG TIME. From your photo, it looks like we *might* have the same size crockpot.
Hi Maria! Mine is a 6 quart and this recipe is made using the 6 quart as well!
Hi Ashlyn, how do you prepare your flour tortillas so they’re as soft as they serve at restaurants?
Hi Lori! I wrap my tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave for 30-45 seconds and that helps soften them up a bit!
Thank You Maria. That is good to know. What would the cooking times bee for smaller crockpots. Any Idea.
Usually, I try to avoid slow cooker recipes, but when my husband wished to eat a slow cooker dish, and then I tried this one.
It was super amazing and delicious to cook these chicken Tacos.
Slow cooker dishes are the best (IN MY OPINION NOT TRYING TO FORCE ANYTHING ON. YOU) everyone has their own way. But in the middle of winter and you are frozen, the last thing you want to do is figure out what to cook, well with the crockpot dinner is ready. I bought those ridiculous over sized coffee cups (they make great soup or chili bowls, and the kids get a kick out of them too, i also use them for dessert and popcorn bowls. But I am getting off track.. There are so many great dishes from 2 people to a. House full. I have 4 crockpot and 2 are the same size. Sometimes My mother in law uses hers and my to big ones for the family gathering. I wish you all the best in your kitchen adventures.
I am making it for my office Halloween potluck for around 30 ppl. Should I make it in batch or all together? How much time it will need if I am making 3 batch in one slow cooker?
Hi! Could you possibly borrow another crockpot from someone? Id recommend using more than one crockpot if you’d like to triple the recipe.
Does this recipe have a strong lime flavor? Iโm just wondering if the taco seasoning will overpower to lime juice?
Hi Cathy! I wouldn’t say the lime flavor is super strong; it’s pretty balanced with the seasoning and the cilantro.
I have made this multiple times and it’s always a hit!! Even my picky 5 and 2 yr olds eat it, and that’s saying something ๐ I’ve served this in tacos and also over rice somewhat Chipotle style with corn and black beans. Soo good! Thank you for this easy and amazing recipe!
Yay! Glad it’s a hit with the kiddos, too!!
I saw this recipe as I was getting set to post a comment on Mississippi roast and just had to check it out afterwards, I’m glad that I did too! I read through the whole post and I’d just like to say 2 things…1) As an owner operator truck driver, I know EXACTLY how you felt crossing the Georgia line. I feel the same way when I cross into Ohio! 2) I’m glad to know that someone else has a “Crockpot Season”! Hear in Ohio, it starts in late September and runs thru late April when the winter finally breaks and we can pull out the grills and smokers. I’d also like to say that I’ll be starting the Mississippi roast early tomorrow morning so it’ll be done in time for the NASCAR race for me, my bud and our long time girlfriends and that since it’s HIS turn to cook for next wknds race, I’m going to suggest this recipe to him. We all love tacos so I’m gonna go ahead and rate it 5 stars before even trying it.
That is awesome, Mike, and glad to know crockpot season is a thing where you are, too! I think it is so great that you and your buddy cook for your girlfriends as well! I bet they LOVE it! Hope you enjoyed the roast and the race today!
love the mississippi pot roast. have the cilantro chicken in the crock pot now
Hi! I am making this for a crowd of 9 people. I want there to be plenty of meat for everyone to go around and have at least 2 tacos. Iโm afraid doubling it may not be enough. So Iโm thinking tripling the recipe should be more than plenty. Iโm just wondering if you think thatโs a good idea? Or should I prepare less at a time? If I do triple it do you suggest changing the amount of time that the meat is in the crockpot or leaving it the same? Iโve made this recipe a couple times for my husband and I and itโs ALWAYS delicious!! Excited for everyone else to try it!
Hi Miranda! Do one of your guests or friends/family have another crockpot you could borrow? I’d recommend using two crockpots if you want to make a larger amount! Glad you’re enjoying the recipe!
Hi…curious to know if it is possible to use a cooked chicken from a rotisserie chicken. Is so, any ideas on time or should the chicken be added later? Have an extra bird to use and this recipe sounds yummy.
Hi Jennifer! I wouldn’t recommend using rotisserie chicken for this one. I make enchiladas a lot with rotisserie chicken though and have a couple of recipes here on my site if you search for enchiladas! Also chicken salad would be good with it!
I made these last week for football Sunday and my husband and I LOVED them! It’s Sunday again, and guess what’s in the crock pot right now? They are amazing with sliced avocado…yum! Thank you for helping me be as lazy as I can every Sunday…as it should be! ๐
So glad to hear that, Brittany! Yay!
Curious if the chicken breasts dry out in the slow cooker? That has been my experience with boneless chicken breasts in the past.
Hi Katie! As long as you don’t cook them too long, they will be fine!
I made this last night and it turned out amazing! I used frozen chicken and it still cooked thoroughly, pulled apart easily and tasted amazing again tonight. Thank you so much for sharing!
So glad to hear that, Elizabeth!