Okay, let’s be real – weeknights are CRAZY, right? I’m always scrambling for something easy but still, like, actually good. That’s where these Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos come in! Seriously, dump everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and BAM! Dinner’s basically done. The garlic lime flavor is just *chef’s kiss*. Tacos are my love language, and these are a total win for those nights when you just can’t even.
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos
Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal
Seriously, you just toss everything in the slow cooker. Prep is, like, five minutes tops? Then you can just forget about it until dinnertime! Easy peasy.
Bursting with Flavor
The garlic, the lime, the fajita seasoning? It’s a party in your mouth, I’m telling you! So much flavor with so little effort. You’ll be obsessed!
Perfect for Meal Prepping
Make a big batch on Sunday, and you’ve got lunch for days! Plus, the leftovers are just as good (if not better!) the next day. Meal prep WIN!
Customizable Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos
Want it spicier? Add some jalapenos! Not a fan of cilantro? Leave it out! The best part about these Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos is you can make them *exactly* how you like ’em.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing too fancy here, promise. You’ll need about 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts – and trust me, that’s the easiest way to go. Grab 3 Tablespoons of your favorite fajita seasoning (or one of those little packets, whatever’s handy!). Then, ½ cup of lime juice (fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch), ½ cup of honey for a little sweetness, and ¼ cup of chicken stock. Don’t forget 3 cloves of minced garlic (because garlic makes everything better, right?) and ½ teaspoon of paprika. Oh, and some lime wedges and parsley to garnish if you’re feeling fancy!
How to Make Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos
Preparing the Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken
Okay, first things first: grab your 6-quart slow cooker. Plop those chicken breasts right in the bottom. Then, in a small bowl, whisk together the fajita seasoning, lime juice, honey, chicken stock, garlic, and paprika. Give it a good stir! Now, just pour that amazing sauce right over the chicken. Easy peasy, right?
Cooking the Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken
Now comes the hard part – waiting! Cover that slow cooker and let it do its thing. If you’re cooking on LOW, plan for about 4-6 hours. In a rush? You can cook it on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Just keep an eye on it, okay? We don’t want dry chicken!
Shredding and Serving the Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken
Once the chicken’s cooked through (it should shred easily with a fork), take two forks and shred it right there in the slow cooker. Let it soak up all those yummy juices! Now, grab your tortillas, pile on the chicken, and add your favorite toppings. Taco time!
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos
Don’t overcook the chicken! Seriously, dry chicken is sad chicken. If you’re using HIGH, check it early. And, trust me on this one, let the shredded chicken sit in the sauce for a bit – it gets even more flavorful. Oh! And warm your tortillas. Game changer.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos
Okay, let’s get into some ingredient deets! This recipe’s super flexible, so don’t stress if you need to make a swap or two. It’s all about making it work for you, ya know? So, here are some of my go-to swaps and tips!
Chicken Options for Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos
Chicken breasts are my usual choice ’cause they’re lean. But, honestly, chicken thighs? SO good! They’re juicier and more flavorful. Just trim off any extra fat first, okay?
Spice Level Adjustments for Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos
Want some heat? I feel ya! Throw in a diced jalapeno (or two!) when you add the sauce. Or, a pinch of red pepper flakes does the trick, too. Start small, you can always add more!
Fajita Seasoning Alternatives for Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos
Store-bought fajita seasoning is totally fine! But if you’re feeling fancy, you can totally make your own. There are tons of recipes online! Just make sure it has chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, ya know?
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos
Okay, you’ve got your amazing Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos ready…now what? What *doesn’t* go with tacos, am I right? But here are a few of my absolute FAVES to make it a full-on fiesta!
Topping Ideas for Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos
Oh, the toppings! Shredded pepper jack cheese is a must for me. Then some fresh cilantro, chopped tomatoes (or pico de gallo if I’m feeling fancy), and a squeeze of lime. YUM!
Side Dish Recommendations for Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos
Rice and beans are classic for a reason! Or, if you’re trying to be healthy (like I sometimes pretend to be!), a simple side salad works great too. Maybe with a lime vinaigrette? *chef’s kiss*
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos
So, you’ve made a batch of these amazing tacos, and you’ve got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s the lowdown on how to keep ’em fresh and delicious.
Storing Leftover Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken
Let the chicken cool down a bit, then pop it in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3 days, easy!
Reheating Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken
Microwave it for a minute or two, or heat it up on the stovetop in a pan. You can even bake it in the oven if you’re feeling fancy! Just make sure it’s heated through.
Freezing Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken
Want to prep ahead? Just let the chicken cool, then toss it in a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, okay?
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos
Can I use frozen chicken in this Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos recipe?
Okay, so, technically, yeah, you *can*. But! It’ll release a lot of water, so your tacos might be a little watery. I really recommend thawing it first for the best Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos result.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos on high?
If you’re short on time, cook these babies on high for about 3-4 hours. But, seriously, low and slow (4-6 hours) gives you the most tender, flavorful Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken!
What are the best toppings for Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos?
Ooh, this is the fun part! I love shredded cheese, pico de gallo, a dollop of sour cream, maybe some avocado… honestly, whatever your heart desires! Get creative with those taco toppings!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos
Okay, so here’s the deal: the nutritional info is just an estimate, okay? But, roughly, you’re looking at around 272 calories, 4g of fat, 33g of protein, and 27g of carbs per serving. Not too shabby!
Enjoy Your Delicious Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos
Alright, amigos! Time to dig in! And hey, if you try these Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos, don’t forget to leave a comment and rate the recipe! Share it with your friends, too – taco nights are better with company!
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Devastating Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos in 4 Hours
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow Cooker Garlic Lime Chicken Tacos are easy to make and full of flavor. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 Tablespoons fajita seasoning or one ounce packet
- ½ cup lime juice
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup chicken stock
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- lime and parsley to garnish optional
Instructions
- Add the chicken breasts to the basin of a 6 quart slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, stir together the fajita seasoning, lime juice, honey, chicken stock, garlic and paprika.
- Pour the sauce mix over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Once done, shred the chicken and return to the juice in the slow cooker.
- Serve on tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can also be used.
- To add heat, you can add jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Optional toppings: shredded pepper jack cheese, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro or parsley, sliced grape tomatoes or pico de gallo, lime slices, etc.
- Freezer directions: Prepare as directed and pour into a gallon freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then cook as directed. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then cook as directed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 272 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 292 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.02 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 97 mg