Name: Crockpot Chili Lime Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487029H16M58S
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless (skinless chicken breasts or thighs); 1/2 of a small sweet onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced or grated); 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey; 2 canned chipotle chiles in adobo, chopped; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt + more to taste; 1/3 cup salsa + more for serving; 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles; juice of 1-2 limes; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped); 8 Old El Paso Soft Tortilla Taco Boats (warmed); shredded cheese; guacamole; salsa

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s equal parts effortless, vibrant, and guaranteed to wake up your taste buds, this Crockpot Chili Lime Chicken is for you! This recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken, zesty lime, and a gentle heat from chipotle peppers, all marinated and slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a perfect way to pack your weeknight dinner with fresh flavor and just the right amount of spice, and once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving it over and over again. Whether tucked into taco boats, piled on top of rice, or enjoyed as leftovers, Crockpot Chili Lime Chicken might just become your new go-to meal.

Crockpot Chili Lime Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crockpot Chili Lime Chicken lies in its collection of simple, fresh ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating layers of flavor. Here’s why every element matters, and a pro tip for making them shine!

Chicken (2 pounds boneless, skinless breasts or thighs): Go for chicken thighs if you want extra tenderness and flavor, but breasts work beautifully too for a lighter bite.
Sweet onion (1/2 small, diced): Adds a mellow sweetness and depth to the sauce as it cooks down.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced or grated): Fresh garlic infuses the chicken with a deliciously savory aroma.
Brown sugar or honey (1 tablespoon): This touch of sweetness balances out the tangy and smoky flavors; use honey for a floral note.
Canned chipotle chiles in adobo (2, chopped): These smoky peppers bring the heat and a complex, rich flavor—no need to use the entire can, just two!
Smoked paprika (2 teaspoons): Enhances the chipotle’s smokiness and adds a lovely color.
Oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle herbaceous layer that ties everything together.
Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Adds earthy warmth, making each bite extra comforting.
Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Don’t skip it—it gives a sweet, unique whisper that surprises in the best way!
Salt (1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste): Essential for bringing out all the flavors—taste and adjust as needed at the end.
Salsa (1/3 cup, plus more for serving): Provides moisture and an extra punch of tomato-chili flavor.
Diced green chiles (1 4-ounce can): These mild peppers add tang and just a hint of heat.
Lime juice (from 1-2 limes): Squeezing fresh lime at the end brightens the whole dish.
Fresh cilantro (1/2 cup, chopped): Folded in right before serving for herby freshness.
Old El Paso Soft Tortilla Taco Boats (8, warmed): The most fun way to serve Crockpot Chili Lime Chicken—like edible boats for all your toppings!
Shredded cheese, guacamole, salsa (for serving): Don’t be shy—pile these on for color, creaminess, and extra pop!

How to Make Crockpot Chili Lime Chicken

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by chopping the onion, mincing (or grating) your garlic, and giving your chipotle peppers a quick chop. This little bit of upfront prep makes the whole Crockpot Chili Lime Chicken process speedy and effortless once you’re ready to assemble.

Step 2: Layer Everything in the Crockpot

Add your chicken (breasts or thighs) to the bottom of your slow cooker. Scatter the diced onion and garlic over the top, then sprinkle in brown sugar (or honey), chopped chipotle, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, and cinnamon. Pour in the salsa, diced green chiles, and about half a cup of water. These layers ensure each bite will be infused with tons of flavor as it cooks.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let it do its magic—set to LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 4–6 hours. As the Crockpot Chili Lime Chicken cooks, the meat turns supremely tender, the spices deepen, and the sauce thickens beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken easily shreds with two forks.

Step 4: Add a Zing of Lime and Cilantro

When the chicken is done, shred it right in the pot, letting those juices soak in. Then, squeeze in the juice of one or two limes (depending on how tart you love it), and fold in fresh chopped cilantro. This step is what takes the flavors to another level—so bright and fresh!

Step 5: Serve and Top to Your Heart’s Content

Spoon the Crockpot Chili Lime Chicken into warm taco boats, tortillas, or wraps. Top with cheese, guacamole, extra salsa, or whatever makes your heart happy. Every bite is loaded with flavor and just a hint of smokiness and heat!

How to Serve Crockpot Chili Lime Chicken

Garnishes

This crockpot masterpiece is all about the toppings! I love a handful of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even cotija), generous scoops of guacamole, and a sprinkling of chopped cilantro. A squeeze of extra lime just before serving makes everything sing. If you want some crunch, swap in thinly sliced radishes or a handful of shredded lettuce for color and zip.

Side Dishes

Crockpot Chili Lime Chicken pairs perfectly with southwest favorites. Serve alongside cilantro-lime rice, black beans, or a fresh corn salad to round out the meal. If you’re hosting a crowd, offer tortilla chips and extra salsa for scooping up every last bit.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t limit yourself to taco boats—this chicken shines in burrito bowls, as a filling for quesadillas, or spooned over nachos for a game-day snack. Try layering it on a bed of greens for a Mexican-inspired salad or stuffing it into roasted bell peppers for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Crockpot Chili Lime Chicken stores wonderfully, making it a meal-prep hero! Let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors only deepen over time.

Freezing

This chicken is super freezer-friendly. Place cooled portions in freezer bags (removing as much air as possible) or containers. Label with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and it’s almost as good as fresh out of the crockpot.

Reheating

Gently reheat Crockpot Chili Lime Chicken in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra salsa if it looks dry. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until hot, but stir halfway for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?

While it’s safest to use thawed chicken for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken in a pinch. Just note that you may need to add extra time and always make sure your chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before shredding.

How spicy is Crockpot Chili Lime Chicken?

The smokiness comes primarily from chipotle chiles, which pack a gentle heat. For a milder version, use only one chipotle or remove the seeds, and for extra kick, add another pepper or a dash of hot sauce at the end.

What’s the best salsa to use?

This recipe is flexible—use your favorite jarred salsa, whether chunky or smooth, mild or spicy. Homemade salsa works too! It’s a great way to control the heat and add your own spin.

Can I make this ahead and use it for meal prep?

Absolutely! Crockpot Chili Lime Chicken is a meal-prep superstar. Make a big batch, portion into containers with rice or veggies, and enjoy flavorful lunches or dinners all week long.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You can! Double all the ingredients and use a large crockpot. Cooking time may increase slightly; just check that all the chicken is cooked through and shred easily before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up your dinner routine with a dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, you have to give Crockpot Chili Lime Chicken a try. Invite your friends, pile on the toppings, and savor every juicy, zesty bite—you might just start craving it every week!

Crockpot Chili Lime Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 30 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (approx.)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A flavorful and easy recipe for Crockpot Chili Lime Chicken that is perfect for tacos, wraps, or on its own. The combination of smoky chipotle chiles, zesty lime, and aromatic spices creates a delicious dish that the whole family will love.

Instructions

In the Crockpot: Combine chicken, onion, garlic, brown sugar (or honey), chipotle chiles, paprika, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, salt, salsa, diced green chiles, and water in the crockpot. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 4-6 hours.
Shred and Flavor: Once chicken is cooked, shred it with forks. Stir in lime juice and cilantro.
Serve: Fill taco boats or tortillas with chicken. Top with cheese, guacamole, and salsa.

Notes

This dish can be customized with additional toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños.
Adjust the level of heat by adding more or fewer chipotle chiles.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 4 hours on high
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Mexican