Zesty Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken
Slow cooker Mexican chicken bursting with bold spices and tender texture. An easy, flavorful recipe perfect for tacos, bowls, or wraps.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 1/2 cups your favorite jarred salsa (medium heat recommended)
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional for richer flavor)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (plus more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth or water (only if your salsa is very thick)
- For serving: warm tortillas, cooked rice or cauliflower rice, chopped cilantro, diced red onion, avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Prep the slow cooker: Lightly spray the insert with cooking spray for easier cleanup. Place the chicken in a single layer at the bottom.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, stir together salsa, green chiles, tomato paste, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and honey (if using). If the salsa is very thick, add the broth or water.
- Combine: Pour the sauce over the chicken, turning the pieces once so they’re well coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2 1/2–3 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and easily shreds.
- Shred: Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks. Return it to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce.
- Adjust: Taste and add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt if needed. If the sauce is thin, leave the lid off and cook on High for 10–15 minutes to thicken.
- Serve: Spoon into tortillas, over rice, or on top of a salad. Add your favorite toppings like cilantro, onion, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.
