Cilantro lime shredded chicken tacos are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The chicken is cooked in a slow cooker with lime juice, cilantro, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper until it is tender and easily shredded. The chicken is then served in lettuce leaves or tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Cilantro lime shredded chicken tacos are a popular dish in Mexican cuisine. The dish is thought to have originated in the state of Puebla, Mexico, in the early 1900s. The dish is made with chicken that is marinated in a mixture of lime juice, cilantro, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. The chicken is then cooked in a slow cooker until it is tender and easily shredded. The shredded chicken is then served in lettuce leaves or tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 4 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Lettuce leaves or Paleo-friendly tortillas, for serving
Optional toppings: avocado, salsa, diced tomatoes
Instructions
In a slow cooker, combine chicken breasts, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Shred the chicken using two forks and mix well with the cooking juices.
Serve the Cilantro Lime Shredded Chicken in lettuce leaves or Paleo-friendly tortillas.
Top with avocado, salsa, and diced tomatoes, if desired.
Why It Works
The lime juice helps to tenderize the chicken and gives it a bright, citrusy flavor.
The cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the chicken.
The garlic adds a savory flavor to the chicken.
The cumin, paprika, and chili powder add a warm, smoky flavor to the chicken.