Slow Cooker Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty meal, and that’s exactly what you’ll find with Slow Cooker Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken. I remember those busy weeknights when I had little time to spare but craved something delicious for dinner. This dish became a staple in my kitchen because it’s not only easy to prepare but also delivers an explosion of flavor that leaves everyone asking for seconds. The freshness of cilantro combined with the zesty lime creates a delightful contrast, while the creamy sauce brings everything together in such a satisfying way.

On days filled with chaos, I often turn to my slow cooker for a helping hand. Just imagine waking up to the aroma of seasoned chicken wafting through your home, ready to be enjoyed after a long day. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; you set everything up in the morning and let the slow cooker do all the work! Plus, it’s the perfect dish for family gatherings or cozy dinners with friends.

What makes Slow Cooker Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken even more special is how versatile it is. You can serve it over rice, quinoa, or even tacos, making it a fabulous choice for any occasion. I love to garnish it with extra cilantro, adding a fresh touch that really elevates the meal. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a go-to for those busy nights when you still want to serve something extraordinary.

Slow Cooker Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken Ingredients

When it comes to the ingredient list for Slow Cooker Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken, each component plays a crucial role in creating a flavorful dish. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients works together beautifully, ensuring that every bite is anything but ordinary.

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: The star of the dish, these thighs stay juicy and tender throughout the cooking process.
• 1 tablespoon chili powder: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon cumin: Offers a slightly nutty and earthy taste that enhances the dish.
• ½ teaspoon paprika: Delivers a mild sweetness and beautiful color.
• ¼ teaspoon pepper: Just a pinch to add some heat.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for browning the chicken, giving it a beautiful crust.
• 2 cups chicken broth: The base of the sauce that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
• ¼ cup lime juice: Brightens the dish with its zesty flavor.
• ½ cup heavy cream: Creates that luscious, creamy texture that pulls everything together.
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro: A fresh garnish that adds a burst of color and flavor.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce, making it richer.
• 1 tablespoon cold water: Used to activate the cornstarch for thickening.

Making Slow Cooker Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making Slow Cooker Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken. This process is as easy as it gets, and I promise, the results will have you coming back for more.

1. Start by preparing your seasoning mix. In a shallow bowl, combine 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon paprika, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. This blend is going to add a fantastic depth of flavor to our chicken thighs. Mix it well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
2. Next, take your 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs and rub the seasoning mixture on each side. Make sure each piece is generously coated; this is where all the flavor comes from!
3. Now, it’s time to heat things up. In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken thighs. Brown them on each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until they develop a lovely golden color.
4. Once browned, carefully transfer the chicken to your slow cooker. We want to keep all those delicious juices, so don’t worry if some seasoning falls off during the transfer.
5. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring it’s well submerged. Then, add ¼ cup lime juice. This combination is going to infuse the chicken with a wonderful flavor as it cooks.
6. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The low and slow method is the best way to ensure the chicken turns out tender and juicy.
7. When the chicken is almost done, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. This might be a bit tricky, so I usually use tongs. Set it aside for a moment.
8. In the slow cooker, stir in ½ cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro. Mixing these in right before serving adds richness and brightness to the sauce.
9. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water. Mix until smooth, then stir this slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker. This will help thicken the sauce, making it luxurious and creamy.
10. Return the chicken to the slow cooker, cover, and continue cooking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens up beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
11. Serve your Slow Cooker Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken over rice or quinoa, and don’t forget to garnish with additional fresh cilantro!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

Whether you’re looking to customize flavors or make it more suitable for your preferences, here are some adaptations for Slow Cooker Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.
• Freezing: This dish freezes wonderfully. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and you can enjoy it later! Just thaw and reheat.
• Pairing: Serve with tortillas or over a fresh salad for a lighter option.
• Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Make it a meal: Consider adding black beans or corn to the slow cooker for a heartier dish.

What to Serve Alongside Slow Cooker Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

When it comes to serving Slow Cooker Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken, there are several delicious options to consider. Here are some ideas:

• Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice is a fantastic base that soaks up the creamy sauce.
• Quinoa: For a protein-packed alternative, serve it over quinoa.
• Tortillas: Flour or corn tortillas make excellent wraps for the chicken, turning it into tasty tacos.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with avocado and lime dressing complements the flavors beautifully.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pairing it with roasted vegetables adds a nutritious touch and balances the meal.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prep for the week!

FAQ

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken is truly a delicious dish that brings comfort and flavor to any table. The creamy sauce paired with the zest of lime creates a fantastic combination that everyone will love. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed. It’s an easy way to impress your family or guests with minimal effort, making weeknight dinners a breeze!

Slow Cooker Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Slow Cooker Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken is a rich and creamy dish that bursts with zesty flavors! Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe combines tender chicken with a luscious sauce that's sure to satisfy cravings. Serve it over rice or in tacos for a delightful meal tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ¼ cup lime juice
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon
• Slow Cooker
• Mixing Bowl
• Skillet

Method

 

1. Start by preparing your seasoning mix. In a shallow bowl, combine 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon paprika, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Mix it well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
2. Next, take your 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs and rub the seasoning mixture on each side. Make sure each piece is generously coated; this is where all the flavor comes from!
3. Now, it’s time to heat things up. In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken thighs. Brown them on each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until they develop a lovely golden color.
4. Once browned, carefully transfer the chicken to your slow cooker. We want to keep all those delicious juices, so don’t worry if some seasoning falls off during the transfer.
5. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring it’s well submerged. Then, add ¼ cup lime juice. This combination is going to infuse the chicken with a wonderful flavor as it cooks.
6. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The low and slow method is the best way to ensure the chicken turns out tender and juicy.
7. When the chicken is almost done, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. This might be a bit tricky, so I usually use tongs. Set it aside for a moment.
8. In the slow cooker, stir in ½ cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro. Mixing these in right before serving adds richness and brightness to the sauce.
9. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water. Mix until smooth, then stir this slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker. This will help thicken the sauce, making it luxurious and creamy.
10. Return the chicken to the slow cooker, cover, and continue cooking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens up beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
11. Serve your Slow Cooker Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken over rice or quinoa, and don’t forget to garnish with additional fresh cilantro!

Notes

• Tip 1: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.
• Tip 2: This dish freezes wonderfully. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and you can enjoy it later! Just thaw and reheat.
• Tip 3: Serve with tortillas or over a fresh salad for a lighter option.
• Tip 4: Add diced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Tip 5: Consider adding black beans or corn to the slow cooker for a heartier dish.

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Meet Jade Summer

Reliability is just as important as flavor. I am the one double checking measurements and testing temperatures. I cooked this recipe repeatedly, troubleshooting any tricky parts, so you can trust that it will turn out perfectly the very first time you try it.