PERFECT POT CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN

Crave a burst of fresh, zesty flavor that transforms your average chicken dinner into something extraordinary? Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with bright cilantro and tangy lime, ready to elevate your tacos, bowls, or salads. This Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe delivers exactly that – a vibrant, versatile dish you’ll want to make again and again, and I promise it’s easier than you think!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade equivalent)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Optional: 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (for extra heat)

For Serving (Optional):

• Tortillas (corn or flour)
• Rice
• Black beans
• Corn
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Shredded cheese

Equipment You’ll Need

• Instant Pot or Slow Cooker
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Citrus juicer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Prep the Chicken: If using chicken breasts, consider pounding them to an even thickness for more even cooking. This isn’t strictly necessary, but it helps. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring both sides are well coated.

Cooking in the Instant Pot:

1. Add Ingredients to the Pot: Place the seasoned chicken in the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth. If using, add the minced jalapeño.
2. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure. Cook for 8 minutes for chicken breasts (adjust to 10-12 minutes for thicker breasts) or 10 minutes for chicken thighs.
3. Release Pressure: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
4. Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken.
5. Add Lime and Cilantro: Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot. Stir in the lime juice and cilantro. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

Cooking in the Slow Cooker:

1. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth. If using, add the minced jalapeño.
2. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is easily shredded with a fork.
3. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken.
4. Add Lime and Cilantro: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in the lime juice and cilantro. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas:

• Tacos: Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
• Bowls: Create a delicious bowl with rice, black beans, corn, and your choice of toppings. Check out my Taco Rice Bowl recipe for inspiration!
• Salads: Add the chicken to a bed of lettuce with your favorite salad fixings.
• Nachos: Pile the chicken on top of tortilla chips with cheese and other nacho toppings.
• Burritos: Use the chicken as a filling for burritos. You might also love my Slow Cooker Burrito Bowl recipe for another great weeknight meal!

Pro Tips for Perfect Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Especially important for Instant Pot recipes!
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of taco seasoning, lime juice, and cilantro to your liking.
• Add a Touch of Sweetness: If you want a little sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey or agave nectar to the chicken before cooking.
• Spice it Up: For a spicier dish, add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Make it Ahead: This chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for meal prepping!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Chicken is Dry: Make sure you’re not overcooking the chicken. In the Instant Pot, too long can really dry out the meat. Also, ensure there’s enough liquid in the pot.
• Chicken is Bland: Don’t be afraid to add more seasoning! Taste the chicken after shredding and add more taco seasoning, lime juice, or cilantro as needed.
• Instant Pot Burn Notice: This can happen if there isn’t enough liquid or if something is stuck to the bottom of the pot. Make sure the chicken is submerged in the broth and that the pot is clean before cooking.

Variations to Try

• Mexican Chicken Version: For a slightly different flavor profile, try using a packet of fajita seasoning instead of taco seasoning. This makes a similar dish, but worth exploring. You can also check out my Mexican Chicken recipe for more inspiration!
• Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese after shredding the chicken for a creamier texture.
• Cilantro Lime Chicken with Corn and Black Beans: Add a can of drained and rinsed corn and black beans to the chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a heartier dish. Similar to my Slow Cooker Street Corn Chicken, but with a lime twist!
• Chicken Enchilada Bowls: Use this Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken as the protein in your Chicken Enchilada Bowls for a zesty upgrade!

Perfect Pairings

This Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken goes perfectly with:

• Spanish rice
• Refried beans
• A simple green salad
• Grilled corn on the cob

Enjoy Your Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken!

I hope you enjoy this easy and delicious recipe! It’s a family favorite in my house, and I’m sure it will be in yours too. The versatility of this dish is incredible – from quick weeknight tacos to a more elaborate burrito bowl, the possibilities are endless. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try making some Chicken Street Tacos with this incredible chicken? Happy cooking!

Perfect Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken

Alice Yowell

This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken infused with bright cilantro and tangy lime. Perfect for tacos, bowls, or salads, it’s a vibrant and versatile dish that’s incredibly easy to make. Enjoy a burst of fresh, zesty flavor in every bite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Instant Pot or Slow Cooker
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• citrus juicer
• Two forks
• Small bowl

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Juice of 2 limes
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced optional

Instructions

 

• Prep the Chicken: If using chicken breasts, consider pounding them to an even thickness. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
• Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring both sides are well coated.
• Add Ingredients to the Pot (Instant Pot): Place the seasoned chicken in the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth. If using, add the minced jalapeño.
• Pressure Cook (Instant Pot): Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure. Cook for 8 minutes for chicken breasts (adjust to 10-12 minutes for thicker breasts) or 10 minutes for chicken thighs.
• Release Pressure (Instant Pot): Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
• Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken.
• Add Lime and Cilantro: Return the shredded chicken to the Instant Pot. Stir in the lime juice and cilantro. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
• Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth. If using, add the minced jalapeño.
• Slow Cook (Slow Cooker): Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is easily shredded with a fork.
• Shred the Chicken (Slow Cooker): Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken.
• Add Lime and Cilantro (Slow Cooker): Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in the lime juice and cilantro. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors before serving.

Notes

Don’t overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Adjust seasoning to taste. For a spicier dish, add more jalapeño or cayenne pepper. For a touch of sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey or agave nectar before cooking. This chicken can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.