There’s nothing like coming home to the soothing aroma of succulent chicken simmering in bright, tangy flavors. These Zesty Lime Chicken Slow Cooker Tacos make taco night both effortless and irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual get-together, this recipe fits the bill for simple prep and big taste—no sweat required!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas
- Your favorite taco toppings (shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, sliced avocado, etc.)
Instructions
Begin by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, minced garlic, lime juice, honey, salt, and a few cracks of black pepper. Pour this flavorful mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
Set the slow cooker on low and let the chicken cook for about 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours, until the meat is fork-tender. Once done, use two forks to gently shred the chicken in the pot, mixing it into the sauce to soak up every last drop of flavor.
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or in the microwave for a few seconds. Pile the juicy chicken onto the tortillas, and top them however you like—shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or a drizzle of crema all work beautifully.
These Zesty Lime Chicken Slow Cooker Tacos bring bright tang, subtle spice, and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness to any meal. They’re great for anyone seeking an easy dinner with healthy protein and as much (or as little) spice as you want. Feel free to swap the chicken for turkey or lean pork, or experiment with extra vegetables like bell peppers for a different spin. Either way, you’ll be treating yourself (and anyone lucky enough to share) to a light, zesty feast that brings a touch of fiesta to your table—all with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
