Cilantro Lime Chicken Recipe: This Budget-Friendly Slow-Cooker Recipe Went Viral for a Reason (5 Ingredients) by Donna John

Don't you love recipes that have minimal prep, budget-friendly ingredients and can be eaten more than once during the week? This cilantro lime chicken recipe is one that has caused quite a stir on social media. The slow-cooker recipe showed up so many times in my news feed, that I had to make it to see what all the fuss was about. After my first bite, I knew what all the fuss was about. This cilantro lime chicken is moist, flavorful and can be eaten in so many different ways!

Photo credit: Donna John

You only need five budget ingredients from your fridge and pantry to make this high-protein slow-cooker chicken recipe. Here is your short shopping list for this Mexican chicken dinner: boneless/skinless chicken thighs (read about the health benefits of chicken), fresh cilantro (check out the health benefits of cilantro), a lime for juicing, a jar of your favorite salsa and a packet of taco seasoning.

Photo credit: Donna John

All the ingredients are put into the slow cooker, then after four to five hours, you simply shred the chicken and then it is ready to be used however you'd like for lunch or dinner. Use the tender chicken for tacos, burritos, chimichangas, tostadas, enchiladas, burrito bowls, taco salads or serve over rice.

Photo credit: under license from BigStock

The limey salsa pulled chicken is also wonderful for meal-prep. You can freeze portions of the shredded chicken and thaw for quick dinners during the week.

Photo credit: under license from BigStock

Tacos were on my mind (shocker, right?) when I made this slow-cooked cilantro salsa chicken. I piled the shredded chicken into taco shells and added all my favorite toppings then drizzled with jalapeno crema. With a side of pickled red onions and high-fiber black beans, the chicken was a budget-friendly, high-protein dinner that was filling and satisfying.

Photo credit: Donna John

Cuisine: Mexican / Tex-Mex
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
Total Time: 4 to 5 hours 
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 3 pounds boneless/skinless chicken thighs
• 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
• 16 ounces (1 jar) salsa
• 1 ounce (1 packet) taco seasoning
• 1 lime, juiced

Here's how to make it: 

1. Put the cilantro, lime juice, salsa and taco seasoning into a slow cooker.
   
2. Stir to combine.
   
3. Add the chicken thighs and stir to coat.
   
4. Cover and cook on low heat to 4 to 5 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and tender. Chicken is cooked through at 165 degrees F internal temperature on a food thermometer.
   
5. Using two forks, pull the chicken apart until all is shredded. (I like to stir in more fresh cilantro after shredding.)
   
6. Serve the chicken as desired. Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the microwave. You can also freeze the chicken for quick meals later.
   

Photo credit: Donna John

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. Any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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